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 are responsible for the assembly of products. This question will give you an idea of how well they understand the process and how well they communicate technical details.
Sample Answer: I would first make sure the tire was properly inflated and the wheel was clean. I'd then use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
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.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers work with a variety of people, including workers, supervisors and other engineers. They must be able to communicate effectively with all of them. This question will help you gauge how well the applicant works with others.
Sample Answer: I had a difficult time working with my supervisor at National Auto Parts. He was very hands-off and didn't provide much guidance when I needed it.
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 have a wide range of responsibilities, so it's important to know what they're most interested in. Candidates should demonstrate a passion for the industry and a desire to learn more about it.
Sample Answer: I've always been interested in how things are made. I've worked in several manufacturing companies and have learned a lot about the industry.
Question Overview: This is a simple question that will give you a sense of the candidate's work history. It's important to know how long they've been in the industry and what their career path has been like.
Sample Answer: I've been in the manufacturing industry for five years. I started as an entry-level technician and worked my way up to a manufacturing engineer position.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant feels about their work. You can learn a lot about a person's attitude and work ethic by how they answer this question.
Sample Answer: I don't like working with people who aren't as dedicated to their jobs as I am.
Question Overview: Manufacturing companies are spread across the country, and some of them have locations in other countries. Candidates who are willing to relocate will be more attractive to employers.
Sample Answer: Yes, I'm willing to relocate if it means I can advance my career.
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.
Question Overview: Manufacturing engineers are responsible for making decisions that affect the production line. They must be able to make decisions quickly and effectively, especially when a problem occurs. Candidates should be able to describe how they make decisions and what factors they consider.
Sample Answer: I was working on a line that had a problem with one of the machines. I had to decide whether to shut down the line or let it continue running. I decided to shut it down so we could fix the machine.