Civil Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide

View a professional civil engineer resume example with proven bullet points, key skills, and expert tips. Copy what works and customize with your own experience.

Engineering
7% Growth
Avg. Salary: $90,000

Professional Summary Examples

Start your resume with a compelling summary. Here are proven examples you can adapt:

Licensed professional engineer with 8+ years of experience in civil engineering design and project management for infrastructure projects valued at $50M+. Led structural design for 20+ commercial and transportation projects. Proficient in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and SAP2000 with a strong track record of delivering projects on time and under budget.

Civil engineer specializing in transportation and highway design with expertise in managing DOT-funded projects. Delivered 15+ road and bridge projects totaling $80M+ with zero safety incidents during construction. Skilled at stakeholder coordination, environmental permitting, and compliance with AASHTO and DOT standards.

Results-oriented civil engineer with deep expertise in water resources and stormwater management. Designed drainage systems for 25+ residential and commercial developments, reducing flood risk for 10,000+ residents. PE licensed in 3 states with experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams of 12+ professionals.

Work Experience Bullet Points

Use these achievement-focused bullet points as inspiration. Replace the numbers with your own metrics.

  • Led structural design for 20+ commercial and transportation infrastructure projects valued at $50M+ with 100% code compliance
  • Managed a $25M highway widening project from concept to completion, delivering 2 months ahead of schedule and $1.5M under budget
  • Designed stormwater management systems for 25+ developments, reducing flood risk for communities of 10,000+ residents across 3 counties
  • Supervised a multidisciplinary team of 12 engineers and designers, coordinating civil, structural, and environmental design deliverables
  • Conducted geotechnical analyses for 30+ sites, providing foundation recommendations that reduced construction costs by an average of 12%
  • Prepared 50+ construction cost estimates totaling $200M+ with an average variance of only 3% from actual construction costs
  • Reviewed and approved 100+ engineering plans for compliance with local building codes, ADA requirements, and AASHTO standards
  • Obtained environmental permits for 15+ projects by coordinating with EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and state regulatory agencies
  • Reduced project change orders by 35% through comprehensive design reviews, constructability analysis, and proactive stakeholder communication
  • Implemented BIM workflows using Civil 3D and Revit, improving design coordination efficiency by 25% and reducing RFIs by 40%

Key Skills for Civil Engineer Resume

Include these skills on your resume to pass ATS screening and impress recruiters:

Structural Analysis & DesignAutoCAD & Civil 3DProject ManagementGeotechnical EngineeringTransportation EngineeringHydraulic & Hydrology ModelingBuilding Codes & StandardsConstruction ManagementEnvironmental Impact AssessmentCost Estimation & Budgeting

Recommended Certifications

These certifications can strengthen your civil engineer resume:

Professional Engineer (PE) License
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE/EIT)
LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)

Tips for Your Civil Engineer Resume

  • Quantify your achievements: Use specific numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to demonstrate impact.
  • Use industry keywords: Include terms from the job description to pass ATS screening.
  • Lead with action verbs: Start bullet points with strong verbs like developed, implemented, increased, reduced.
  • Keep it concise: Aim for one page unless you have 10+ years of relevant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a civil engineer include on their resume?

Include your PE license status, technical software proficiency (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, SAP2000, STAAD), project types and values managed, team sizes led, and specific engineering specialties. Quantify with project budgets, schedule performance, cost savings, and safety records. List states where you are licensed and any specialty certifications like LEED AP or CFM.

How important is the PE license on a civil engineer resume?

The PE license is extremely important and often required for career advancement in civil engineering. It allows you to seal drawings, approve designs, and serve as the engineer of record. If you have your PE, list it prominently next to your name. If you have passed the FE exam, note that as well. Many employers require or strongly prefer PE-licensed candidates for mid-level and senior roles.

Should I list specific projects on my civil engineer resume?

Yes, but frame them as achievements rather than project descriptions. Focus on your role, the project value, your specific contributions, and the outcomes. For example, instead of worked on bridge design, say led structural design of a $12M bridge replacement project delivering 15% under budget. You can include a notable projects section if you have worked on landmark infrastructure.

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