Top Manufacturing Engineer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Manufacturing Engineer interview by going through these most asked Manufacturing Engineer interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: Tell me about a problem you faced and how did you solve it?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Communication skills
    • - Ability to work with others

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had to deal with an upset customer or coworker.
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Professional communication skills
    • - Empathy
    • - Ability to handle conflict

  • Question: What is your biggest weakness?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A weakness that's been improved upon
    • - A weakness that doesn't affect their job performance

  • Question: Which subject are you better at, (list two subjects)?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical knowledge
    • - Industry knowledge
    • - Communication skills

  • Question: How do you prefer to be managed?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Desire to learn new things
    • - Willingness to take on new responsibilities

  • Question: Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Honesty

  • Question: What is the difference between precision and accuracy?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of precision and accuracy
    • - Ability to communicate technical details

  • Question: What is your background?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical skills
    • - Communication skills
    • - Experience with manufacturing processes

  • Question: What is the difference between a ball valve and butterfly valve?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of industrial components
    • - Technical communication skills

  • Question: What would you do if your coworker is lacking behind on a project?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate with coworkers
    • - Willingness to help others
    • - Desire to see projects succeed

  • Question: What is your highest qualification?
  • Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are often required to have a bachelor's degree in engineering. However, some companies will hire candidates with a bachelor's degree in another field and then train them in manufacturing engineering. This question will help you determine if the applicant has the appropriate education and training for the job.

    Sample Answer: I have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from State University.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Highest qualification
    • - Education and training

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you did not receive the information you needed and how you resolved it.
  • Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for communicating with workers on the production line and other engineers in the company. They should be able to describe how they'd gather information from different sources and use it to solve a problem. Candidates should also be able to explain how they'd communicate with others to ensure everyone is on the same page.

    Sample Answer: At National Auto Parts, we had a problem with a machine that was supposed to be producing a certain part. I was unable to find any information about the machine's history, so I asked the technician who worked on it. He told me it was installed two years ago and had worked fine until a few months ago.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Problem solving abilities
    • - Knowledge of industry best practices

  • Question: Why did you choose to study engineering?
  • Question Overview: Most manufacturing engineers have a background in engineering. They may have studied mechanical, electrical or industrial engineering. This question will help you gauge how well the applicant's education and experience match the position you're hiring for. You can also get a sense of what their career path has taught them.

    Sample Answer: I've always been interested in how things work. I've been building things since I was a kid and I've always enjoyed working with my hands.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical knowledge
    • - Ability to communicate technical details
    • - Interest in manufacturing

  • Question: How do you handle stressful situations?
  • Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for maintaining a calm and professional attitude when dealing with stressful situations. They must be able to communicate clearly with workers and supervisors while keeping safety, quality and customer deadlines in mind. Candidates should demonstrate how they've handled stressful situations in the past and how they've learned from them.

    Sample Answer: I've had to handle stressful situations when a machine broke down or a test failed. I make sure to keep my cool and focus on the problem at hand. I also make sure to communicate clearly with my team members so we can work together to solve the issue.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Stress management skills
    • - Ability to communicate clearly under pressure
    • - Professional communication skills

  • Question: How would your previous classes in plastics and composites relate to this position?
  • Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers work with a wide range of materials, including plastics, composites and metals. Candidates should be able to explain how their previous education and experience would help them in this position.

    Sample Answer: I took a class on plastics and composites at the University of Michigan. I learned how to analyze the properties of different materials and how they affect manufacturing processes.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of material properties
    • - Experience with manufacturing processes
    • - Technical communication skills

  • Question: How do you manage your time between projects?
  • Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are often responsible for multiple projects at once. They must be able to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively to ensure deadlines are met. Candidates should be able to describe how they balance multiple projects and how they prioritize tasks.

    Sample Answer: I typically work on one project at a time, but I'll have a few others in the background that I'm monitoring. I make sure to keep up with the progress of each project and check in with my coworkers regularly.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Time management skills
    • - Ability to prioritize tasks
    • - Communication skills with coworkers

  • Question: What brought you here?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn about the applicant's career path. They should be able to describe how their previous experience and education led them to this position. If they're applying for a job that's different from their past positions, they should explain why they're interested in the new role.

    Sample Answer: I've been working in manufacturing for five years now and I'm ready to move into a more management-oriented role. I've been following your company for some time and I'm impressed with your commitment to quality.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career path
    • - Reasons for applying for the job

  • Question: What was the most challenging thing in your previous positions?
  • Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for a wide range of tasks. They must be able to handle a variety of challenges and adapt to new situations. This question will give you an idea of how well the applicant has handled difficult situations in the past and how they've adapted to them.

    Sample Answer: The most challenging thing I've had to deal with is a lack of communication between departments. I had to work with my supervisor to make sure everyone was on the same page.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Ability to adapt to new situations
    • - Ability to communicate with others

  • Question: What is the condition for a number to be an integer?
  • Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers must have a strong understanding of mathematics and physics. They must also be able to apply this knowledge to the manufacturing process. This question will give you an idea of how well the applicant understands basic math and physics.

    Sample Answer: An integer is a whole number that cannot be divided by another number. For example, 5 is an integer because it cannot be divided by 2 or 3.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of basic math and physics
    • - Ability to apply knowledge to manufacturing process

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's career goals. They may have a specific position in mind or they may be open to new opportunities. Either way, you'll get a sense of how they plan to grow professionally.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to be a plant manager at a manufacturing company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - Openness to new opportunities