Question Overview: This question is designed to see how candidates handle problems. They should be able to describe how they identified the problem and how they came up with a solution. They should also be able to explain how they communicated the solution to others.
Sample Answer: At National Auto Parts, we had a problem with our assembly line when the bolts were stripped out. I worked with my team to come up with a solution that prevented this from happening again.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for keeping customers happy and maintaining a positive work environment. They'll have to deal with customers who are unhappy about a product or workers who are upset about a quality issue. Candidates should demonstrate how they handle these situations professionally and with empathy.
Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset that his car's engine was damaged by our product. I apologized and offered to pay for the repairs. I also made sure we investigated the problem to prevent it from happening again.
Question Overview: This is a common question that's asked in almost every interview. Candidates should be prepared to answer it, and they should be honest. A manufacturing engineer should be able to explain how they've improved on their weakness in the past.
Sample Answer: I'm not the best at delegating tasks to others. I've learned to trust my team and let them do their jobs.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers must be well-rounded in technical skills and have a broad understanding of the industry. This question will help you determine how well the applicant's education and experience matches the job.
Sample Answer: I'm better at both mechanical and electrical engineering.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for managing the production process and the people who work on it. They're often in charge of training new workers and overseeing their performance. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to work with others and a desire to improve processes.
Sample Answer: I like to be managed by someone who gives me clear goals and then lets me do my job. I don't like micromanagement.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that gives you insight into the applicant's self-awareness. They should be able to describe their strengths and weaknesses in a way that demonstrates they're aware of their own skills and areas for improvement. You'll also get an idea of how they view themselves and how they want to be viewed by others.
Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to work with people and my attention to detail. I'm always looking for ways to improve my communication skills.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers must understand the difference between precision and accuracy. Precision refers to how close a measurement is to another measurement, while accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the actual value. Candidates should be able to explain the difference and give an example of each.
Sample Answer: Precision is how close a measurement is to another measurement. Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the actual value. For example, if I measure the length of a table at 10 feet, then measure it again and get 10 feet, I have high precision but low accuracy. If I measure the length of a table at 10 feet and get 10 feet, I have high accuracy but low precision.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers come from a wide range of backgrounds, from education to previous work experience. This question will give you an idea of their technical skills, as well as their ability to communicate with others.
Sample Answer: I have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and I've worked in the automotive industry for the past three years.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the manufacturing of products. They should be able to explain the difference between two valves that are commonly used in industrial settings. This question will help you gauge their knowledge of industrial components and how well they communicate technical details.
Sample Answer: A ball valve is a type of gate valve that uses a ball to control the flow of liquid or gas. Butterfly valves are also gate valves but use a disc instead of a ball.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers work in teams with other engineers, technicians and production workers. They should be able to communicate with all of these people effectively. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to help others and a desire to see the project succeed.
Sample Answer: I would first make sure my coworker understood the importance of their role in the project. If they still weren't able to meet their deadlines, I would ask them to explain why and find ways to help them improve.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers work in teams with other engineers, technicians and production workers. They should be able to describe how they've worked with others to overcome challenges. They should also be able to give examples of how they've helped other team members.
Sample Answer: At National Auto Parts, we had a difficult time with workers stripping out bolts on the assembly line. After a careful analysis, I recommended switching to a different power tool that allowed us to increase the speed of the line and decrease defects.
Question Overview: This question is a simple way to get to know the applicant better. You'll learn about their interests, hobbies and personality. The applicant should be able to describe their personal and professional goals. They should also be able to describe how they've achieved their goals in the past.
Sample Answer: I'm a big fan of football. I've been playing since high school and I'm a season ticket holder for the Bears. I've also been working towards my MBA at night school.
Question Overview: This question is a great opportunity for candidates to sell themselves. They should demonstrate how their skills and experience match the position they're applying for. They should also explain how they can contribute to the company's goals.
Sample Answer: I want to be a manufacturing engineer at SS/L because I've worked with your products for years. I've always been impressed with your commitment to quality and customer service. I'm excited to work with you on new products and processes.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are often part of a team that includes production workers, technicians and supervisors. They must be able to communicate with all of these people effectively. Candidates should describe how they'd contribute to the team's goals and how they'd work with others to achieve them.
Sample Answer: I'd like to help improve the quality of the products we make. I've worked with a lot of different people in my career, so I know how to communicate with them and get them to work together.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for making sure the company is profitable and that quality is high. They must be able to make decisions that are in the best interest of the company. Candidates should be able to describe a time when they had to convince a supervisor or manager that their decision was the right one. They should also be able to explain how they made their case and what the outcome was.
Sample Answer: I had to convince my supervisor that we needed to replace a piece of equipment that was causing quality issues. The equipment was old and had been repaired several times, but it was still causing problems. I made a case for replacing it with a newer model, and my supervisor agreed.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers work with a variety of people, including other engineers, technicians and production workers. They must be able to communicate with all of them effectively. Candidates should demonstrate they can resolve conflicts professionally and diplomatically. They should also be able to describe how they'd prevent future conflicts from occurring.
Sample Answer: I had a conflict with a supervisor once when I was working on an assembly line. He was trying to rush the line and I was concerned about worker safety. We were able to work out a compromise that satisfied both of us.
Question Overview: This is a common question that's asked at the end of the interview. It's a good idea to have a few candidates in mind before you start interviewing. You'll also want to make sure you have a job opening available.
Sample Answer: I'm available to start immediately.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are in high demand, and many candidates will apply for the position. The answer to this question will help you identify candidates who are truly interested in the role and have researched the industry. You can also get a sense of their personality and whether they'd be a good fit for your company.
Sample Answer: I've always been interested in how products are made and how they're designed. I've also had a lot of experience working with machines and I'm interested in improving them.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining mechanical processes. They should be able to describe a mechanical process in detail, including the steps involved and the equipment used. They should also be able to explain how the process works and why it's important.
Sample Answer: The process I know best is the assembly of our company's line of compact sedans. The first step is to take the chassis and attach the engine and transmission. Next, we install the seats, steering wheel and other interior components. Finally, we install the exterior body panels and test drive the vehicle.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are often tasked with troubleshooting a problem that's occurring on a production line. They must be able to identify the problem and find a solution quickly. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to research the issue and use their knowledge of manufacturing processes to find a solution.
Sample Answer: I've had to troubleshoot a process that was new to me before. I would first research the process and identify what I didn't know. Then, I would talk with the workers and supervisors on the line to get their perspective.