This article provides questions and suggests answers for the job interview of mechanical engineering positions.
General job description for mechanical engineer:
Based on engineering methods, mechanical engineers provide efficient solutions to processes and products, in a variety of fields and industries.
They supervise installation, testing, operation and maintenance to ensure that products, usually mechanical equipment, function according to engineering specs.
The required skills for these engineers are: team player, creativity, highly innovative, naturally science/math oriented, and excellent communication skills.
The education/qualifications requirements are: Bsc. /Msc. in mechanical engineering. MBA is an advantage, as are other advanced degrees in specialized engineering fields and documented engineering experience.
Mechanical Engineer
Job Interview Questions and Answers
► Question: Tell me about yourself. As a mechanical engineer, are you experienced in design work, research and development, manufacturing, installation and final commissioning?
Answer: If you worked across a variety of projects stages as listed above, describe your involvement in these projects.
► Question: Have you been involved in managing or leading a team or projects?
Answer: If you did, relate some of your managerial experience; highlight how your background as a project/team manager can benefit the prospective employer.
► Question: What type of mechanical engineering projects have you supervised or engineered?
Answer: Mechanical engineers can work in many industries and each may bring useful related experience to the table. As a candidate, indicate your significant involvement in any related field, such as research and development in any sector. For example, discuss your experience in power, mechanical devices, construction, maintenance and any other industry.
► Question: When designing/planning projects and products, have you considered issues such as cost effectiveness, time on market, safety, reliability and QA?
Answer: As an experienced mechanical engineer, you must have worked on these aspects and surely can provide details of your experience, in:
- Solving complex mechanical issues.
- Developing production processes.
- Ensuring product reliably and performance under specific operating environments.
- Managing projects under standardized engineering principles/techniques.
► Question: Describe an innovative project you developed or key product element that you designed.
Answer: Speak enthusiastically about any unique approach you took to develop a mechanism or new system. Explain the steps/methods you utilized to enhance production, or freshen perspectives, enabling superior development of specific elements. Relate any creative ideas you initiated for providing practical solutions or any innovative solutions to complex issues.
► Question: What type of mechanical tools do you utilize in your day to day work?
Answer: Mechanical engineer incorporate computer-aided engineering (CAE) programs into their design/analysis processes, including 2D/3D solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Explain your knowledge and experience with these tools and any others.