Top Electrical Engineer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

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  • Question: What are your career goals?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate will fit into the structure of your company.

    Sample Answer: My goal is to become a senior electrical engineer. I would like to be able to work on projects that will have a significant impact on the company and its clients.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate's goals are realistic
    • - Whether the candidate's goals are in line with your company's goals
    • - Whether the candidate's goals are in line with the position you're interviewing them for

  • Question: Why do you want to become a microwave engineer?
  • Question Overview: While this question may seem to be a simple one, it is important to determine if the candidate is interested in the field of electrical engineering or if they are simply interested in the microwave engineering aspect.

    Sample Answer: I am interested in both electrical engineering and microwave engineering. I am most interested in microwave engineering because of the potential for growth and advancement.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - If the candidate is interested in electrical engineering
    • - If the candidate is interested in microwave engineering
    • - If the candidate is interested in both

  • Question: What kind of projects have you worked on?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate will fit into the structure of your company.

    Sample Answer: My most recent project, one in which I worked as the lead, dealt with the acquisition of substation parameters. My team was responsible for calculating voltage and current requirements, temperature variable factors, power requisites and remote GSM communication needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Spectrum of responsibilities
    • - People tasked to oversee
    • - Project components given responsibility fo

  • Question: What is a practical application for the Fourier transform?
  • Question Overview: While this question is more of a theoretical question, it will help you determine how well a candidate can think on their feet and how well they can explain complex concepts.

    Sample Answer: The Fourier transform is used to analyze periodic functions. It is also used in digital signal processing. Answer: The Fourier transform is used to analyze periodic functions. It is also used in digital signal processing. Answer: The Fourier transform is used to analyze periodic functions. It is also used in digital signal processing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate explains the concept in layman's terms
    • - Whether the candidate provides a practical application for the Fourier transform
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain the concept in a way that is easy to understand

  • Question: Why should we hire you?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to determine whether the candidate is self-confident, and whether they can articulate their strengths.

    Sample Answer: I am a hard worker who has proven that I can handle multiple tasks at once. I am also a quick learner who is able to adapt to new situations. I have a great deal of experience in the field, and I have proven that I am able to work well with others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is self-confident
    • - Whether the candidate can articulate their strengths
    • - Whether the candidate can explain why they are a good fit for the position

  • Question: What is your biggest weakness?
  • Question Overview: While this question is a bit cliché, it is still a good way to determine how honest a candidate is.

    Sample Answer: My biggest weakness is that I am too hard on myself. I am always looking for ways to improve my work and myself, and sometimes I can be too hard on myself when I don't meet my own expectations.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is honest
    • - Whether the candidate's answer is a weakness that will affect their ability to perform the job

  • Question: What was the most difficult class you've taken so far?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate can handle the rigors of a university education.

    Sample Answer: The most difficult class I've taken so far was advanced linear algebra. I found it difficult to grasp the concepts behind the material and to apply them to problems. However, I was able to learn the material through practice and repetition.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Difficulty of class
    • - Difficulty of professor
    • - Whether the candidate was able to learn the material
    • - How well the candidate performed on exams

  • Question: Are you willing to travel and relocate, domestically or internationally, for an indeterminate amount of time?
  • Question Overview: While this question is not specifically about electrical engineering, it is a good indicator of how well a candidate will fit into the structure of your company.

    Sample Answer: While I am not opposed to travel and relocation, I would prefer to remain in one location for an extended period of time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate seems engaged in the idea of answering the question
    • - If the candidate gives thought to a purposeful answer
    • - Whether the candidate takes their time to give the question consideratio

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to determine whether a candidate is interested in the position or simply interested in the position.

    Sample Answer: I am very interested in your company because of its reputation for excellence in the field of electrical engineering. I am also very interested in your company because of its reputation for excellence in the field of electrical engineering.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - The candidate's enthusiasm
    • - The candidate's knowledge of the company
    • - The candidate's knowledge of the position
    • - The candidate's knowledge of the company's products and services

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate is looking for a long-term position.

    Sample Answer: I see myself as an electrical engineer with your company. I am confident that I will be able to contribute to your company's success and continue to grow in my career.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate has a clear vision of their future
    • - Whether the candidate has a clear vision of their future
    • - Whether the candidate has a clear vision of their future
    • - Whether the candidate has a clear vision of their future

  • Question: What do you know about substation design?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how much a candidate knows about the field of electrical engineering.

    Sample Answer: Substation design is an area of electrical engineering that I am very familiar with. I have worked on substation design projects for several years. I have also taken several courses on the subject matter.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate has a good grasp of the subject matter
    • - How much detail the candidate goes into
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain their understanding in a way that is easily understandable

  • Question: What is your major and what are you interested to work?
  • Question Overview: The answer to this question will help you determine whether the candidate has a realistic grasp of the field.

    Sample Answer: I am most interested in working as an electrical engineer for a company that specializes in residential electrical engineering. I am also interested in working for a company that specializes in industrial electrical engineering.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is interested in a specific field
    • - Whether the candidate has a realistic grasp of the field
    • - Whether the candidate is interested in a specific company
    • - Whether the candidate has a realistic grasp of the company

  • Question: How will you filter from an output 200Hz when all we need is to obtain the output at 100 Hz.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how well a candidate can think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would first filter the output at 200Hz using a low pass filter. I would then take the output of the low pass filter and use it as an input for a high pass filter. The output of the high pass filter would then be used to obtain the desired 100Hz output.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is able to think through the problem
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain how they would solve the problem
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain how they would solve the problem using a variety of methods

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation.
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to determine how a candidate will react to a difficult situation.

    Sample Answer: I was asked to work on a project that was not my specialty. I was given a deadline that was unrealistic, and I was not given any assistance. I had to work with several other engineers who were not familiar with the project, and I had to do all of the work myself. I did not meet my deadline, but I did complete the project.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate responds to the question
    • - How the candidate explains their response
    • - Whether the candidate takes responsibility for their actions

  • Question: Please describe the operation of this control panel, given this electrical schematic.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine whether the candidate can read and understand a schematic.

    Sample Answer: The control panel is a very simple circuit. The power source is connected to the top of the circuit, and it is connected to the bottom of the circuit through a switch. The switch is connected to a light bulb. The light bulb is connected to a battery. The battery is connected to a resistor. The resistor is connected to a wire. The wire is connected to a ground wire.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate can correctly identify the components
    • - Whether the candidate can correctly identify the function of each component
    • - Whether the candidate can correctly identify the purpose of each component

  • Question: How would you filter a noisy pressure sensor?
  • Question Overview: While the question is simple, the answer is not. A candidate who has a good understanding of electrical engineering concepts and theories will have a good understanding of how to filter a noisy pressure sensor.

    Sample Answer: While it is possible to filter a pressure sensor, it is not recommended. The best way to avoid noise in a pressure sensor is to use a better sensor.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate understands the question
    • - Whether the candidate understands the concept of filtering
    • - Whether the candidate understands the concept of a pressure sensor
    • - Whether the candidate understands the concept of noise

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with one of your co-workers or classmates and how did you resolve it?
  • Question Overview: While this question is not a measure of a candidate's ability to work with others, it is a good indication of how they will react in a conflict situation.

    Sample Answer: I was working on a project with a classmate who was not pulling his weight. I approached him and explained that he needed to do more work. He took my advice and we were able to finish the project on time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate responds to the question
    • - Whether the candidate takes their time to respond to the question
    • - Whether the candidate is honest in their response

  • Question: What motivates you to get up in the morning?
  • Question Overview: While this question may seem odd, it is important to understand what drives a candidate.

    Sample Answer: I am motivated by the idea of being able to make a difference in the lives of others. I am also motivated by the idea of being able to make a difference in my own life.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is honest
    • - Whether the candidate is passionate about their response
    • - Whether the candidate is able to articulate their response

  • Question: What do you know about our company?
  • Question Overview: This question is intended to determine how well a candidate can research a company before an interview.

    Sample Answer: I have read several of your company's annual reports, and I have also read several of your company's recent press releases. I am also aware of your company's mission statement, and I am aware of your company's goals. I have also done some research on your competitors.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate has done their homework
    • - Whether the candidate has taken the time to learn about your company's products and services
    • - Whether the candidate has taken the time to learn about your company's mission and goals
    • - Whether the candidate has taken the time to learn about your company's competitors

  • Question: What is a circuit breaker?
  • Question Overview: While this may seem like a simple question, it is important to determine whether the candidate has a good understanding of the concepts behind electrical engineering practices.

    Sample Answer: A circuit breaker is a device that interrupts an electrical circuit when it senses an overload or short. A circuit breaker can be manually reset or automatically reset.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate can explain the purpose of a circuit breaker
    • - Whether the candidate can explain how a circuit breaker works
    • - Whether the candidate can explain how to determine the appropriate circuit breaker for a given application