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Design Engineer Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Design Engineer interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you ensure that you are up to date with the latest engineering techniques and trends? See answer
  2. How do you go about explaining complex engineering designs to your clients? See answer
  3. As a design engineer, what design software do you prefer using? See answer
  4. Tell me about a time when you had to work on your most challenging design project. See answer
  5. In your opinion, what is the most important skill to have as a design engineer? See answer
  6. Have you ever presented a proposed product design before a group? Please share the experience. See answer
  7. How much knowledge do you have of structure mechanics?
  8. What do you know about the engineering in materials?
  9. What do you understand by stress concentration? Can you explain how we can prevent it from causing part failures?
  10. When planning a new product blueprint, which crucial details would you include in it and why?
  11. What do you know about the theory of maximum distortion energy?
  12. Can you give me brief definitions of projection view, section view, isometric view and detailed view?
  13. What is your experience with using tolerance stackup analysis?
  14. Explain the factor of safety. How would you calculate it?
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6 Design Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

How do you ensure that you are up to date with the latest engineering techniques and trends?

A:

The ideal candidate should have experience staying current with all the latest engineering techniques. In design engineering, there are many new processes and technology that emerge throughout the year. A good candidate will know how to sort through the latest trends and techniques to find ones that mesh well with the industry. Is there a source that the applicant uses to examine engineering trends? What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of many different engineering techniques and trends
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Understanding of the importance of staying up to date in the design engineering field

Example:

“As a design engineer, I sort through the latest engineering breakthroughs and processes over the weekend. I make sure to vet each process before implementing it at work.”

Q:

How do you go about explaining complex engineering designs to your clients?

A:

It’s no surprise that engineering terms can be confusing to someone outside of the field. Many clients don’t know much about more complex engineering designs, so it’s essential that you find someone who’s personable and can break down complex ideas for others. Notice if the applicant gives you an explanation of a time they explained an engineering design to a client. Was the story easy to follow? What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to learn and teach complex engineering designs to others
  • Experience explaining design ideas to clients
  • Excellent communication skills

Example:

“In my previous design engineering position, I was helping to create a blueprint. I was able to help the client understand a process of the design by relating it to a previous project that we worked on together.”

Q:

As a design engineer, what design software do you prefer using?

A:

The applicant’s answer may vary greatly depending on their previous job, industry experience and education. Focus on any software the candidate has used that’s similar to software your company uses. Identify if they prefer to go between multiple programs or stick to one software. Are they able to quickly adapt to different applications? What to look for in an answer:

  • Level of expertise in software mentioned
  • Opinion of computer-aided design software
  • Confidence in oneself

Example:

“I prefer to use AutoCAD and CATIA; however, I have eight years of experience using PTC Creo and Solid Edge. I enjoy learning new CAD software whenever I can.”

Q:

Tell me about a time when you had to work on your most challenging design project.

A:

The ideal candidate will begin and finish ambitious design projects. Design engineers must have the ability to problem solve. Focus on what the design was for and what they found most challenging. Was the applicant unable to get in touch with their client, which resulted in problems? Was there a design flaw? Identify the steps that the design engineer took to correct the problem and move forward. What to look for in an answer:

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ambitious personality
  • Critical thinking and logical reasoning

Example:

“I found my last design project difficult because the client was attending the meetings. To remain on track, I reached out to the client to determine a better time to loop him in.”

Q:

In your opinion, what is the most important skill to have as a design engineer?

A:

Design engineers must have many abilities, such as a working knowledge of CAD software, creativity and excellent communication skills. Focus on how the applicant defends the skill mentioned. Is that ability something that aligns with the position as well as your company’s values? The ideal candidate will explain why it is essential as a design engineer and their level of expertise with this specific skill set. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to think creatively
  • Honest awareness of one’s abilities
  • Knowledge of versatile skill sets

Example:

“The most important skill to have as a design engineer is the ability to adapt. There are new situations in the design world that one must be able to handle no matter the industry.”

Q:

Have you ever presented a proposed product design before a group? Please share the experience.

A:

During the different stages of designing, developing, and creating new products, design engineers have to work and collaborate with a range of internal and external stakeholders. This question allows interviewers to find out how comfortable candidates are with group interactions and if they have the necessary group presentation skills. A talented design engineer will be able to present their design and provide its technical details in a calm, relaxed manner to convince clients and their design and manufacturing teams about its practical and economical feasibility.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of product presentation
  • Preparation capability
  • Self-confidence

A sample response would be something like this:

Example:

"I prepared for the presentation by gathering the technical details of the design and creating a strong text outline. To keep the audience engaged, I kept the slide layout simple, used eye-catching visuals, and included one major takeaway in each slide. I also anticipated the questions that the team and the client might ask and prepared the answers in advance. Additionally, I rehearsed the presentation twice before the big day. So, I was reasonably well-prepared, and things went pretty much according to plan. There was a moment when I didn't have an answer for a point that one of the team members raised, but I told them I would look up the information after the meeting and get back to them as soon as possible later."

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