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Aerospace Engineer Resume: Keywords & Tips to Get More Interviews

Aerospace engineering resumes need to specify the engineering discipline (structures, propulsion, aero, avionics, systems) and the application domain (commercial aviation, defense, space launch, satellites). Security clearance level is a primary filter for defense aerospace roles. Software tools (MATLAB, NASTRAN, ANSYS, CFD tools) and certifications (AS9100, DO-178C) are secondary screeners.

Top ATS Keywords for Aerospace Engineer Resumes

These are the keywords ATS systems and recruiters scan for in aerospace engineer resumes. Include every one that accurately reflects your experience.

MATLABNASTRANANSYS MechanicalCFDFluentAerodynamicsPropulsionStructuresSystems EngineeringMBSESysMLAS9100DO-178CFAR/JARFMEAFTAComposite MaterialsFinite Element AnalysisTrade StudiesSecurity Clearance

Aerospace Engineer Resume Tips That Actually Work

State your engineering discipline and security clearance status

"Aerospace Systems Engineer | Active TS/SCI Clearance | Space Launch Vehicles" at the top of your resume is critical for defense and government aerospace roles. Clearance is often a hard filter that's checked before anything else.

Show mission or program experience with context

"Lead structures engineer for payload fairing redesign on [program type] — reduced structural mass by 8% while maintaining safety margins, saving $1.4M per launch in payload capacity" is the kind of aerospace program bullet that matters.

Include AS9100 and aviation regulatory experience

AS9100 quality management, DO-178C software development, DO-254 hardware, FAA/EASA certification experience — these regulatory frameworks are hard-to-find expertise. If you've worked within them, make that explicit and central.

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The Resume Keywords Guide: How to Find and Use the Right Words

Keywords are what get your resume past ATS filters and in front of recruiters. Here's a complete guide to finding the right keywords for your industry and using them effectively.