What CAD software should I list on a Mechanical Engineer resume?

Whichever you've actually used — SolidWorks (consumer products, mid-market), CATIA (aerospace, automotive OEMs), Creo / Pro/E (automotive suppliers, defense), Siemens NX (high-end automotive, aerospace). Match the JD's exact tool; cross-CAD candidates win at companies running multi-tool environments.

Is a PE license required for Mechanical Engineer roles in 2026?

Required for civil-adjacent and consulting roles (HVAC, building systems, public works). Optional but score-boosting for product-engineering roles (consumer, automotive, aerospace). Mid-career PE holders are screened higher in any role with safety or regulatory exposure.

How do I optimize a Mechanical Engineer resume for new-grad roles?

Lead with degree + GPA (if 3.5+), specific coursework matching the JD ("Thermodynamics", "Finite Element Analysis", "Manufacturing Processes"), capstone project quantified, and any internships in named industries. New-grad ME JDs screen heavily on coursework keywords because work-experience signal is weak.

Optimize your Mechanical Engineer resume. In 60 seconds. Free.