Top Engineer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how applicants view their own skills. You can use this information to determine whether they're realistic about their abilities and whether they're likely to be satisfied in the position.

Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist, so I tend to spend too much time on my work. I've learned to set a deadline for myself and stick to it.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Candidates' self-awareness of their shortcomings
• - Applicants' plans for addressing their shortcomings
• - Applicants' willingness to accept constructive criticism

Question Overview: Applicants who exercise regularly are more likely to be healthy, which is a key component of being a successful engineer.

Sample Answer: I try to go to the gym at least three times a week. I like to run on the treadmill and lift weights.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Exercise habits
• - Exercise frequency
• - Exercise intensity

Question Overview: This is a general question that gives you a chance to see how applicants present themselves. You can use this question to see whether applicants are confident, enthusiastic and willing to share their personal information.

Sample Answer: I'm a structural engineer who loves to travel. I've been to over 30 countries and I'm always looking for new places to visit. I love to learn about the history of the places I visit and I love to try new foods.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Confidence in sharing personal information
• - Enthusiasm for sharing personal information
• - Insight into the applicant's personality

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's interest in your company and the position. You can use this information to determine whether the applicant is a good fit for your company culture.

Sample Answer: I'm interested in working for your company because I've heard a lot of great things about it from my friends who work here. I'm also really interested in working on a project that will help people with disabilities.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The applicant's interest in your company
• - The applicant's interest in the position
• - The applicant's interest in the engineering field

Question Overview: This question shows you whether applicants are proactive about identifying and solving problems. You can use this information to place successful applicants into the teams that best match their problem-solving skills.

Sample Answer: I was working on a project to build a new bridge, and I noticed that the concrete was cracking. I went to my supervisor and explained that we needed to change the mix ratio for the concrete. He agreed with my assessment, and we were able to get the project back on schedule.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - How the applicant identified and resolved the problem
• - The applicant's reasoning behind their solution
• - The practicality of the solution

Question Overview: This question shows you how applicants see themselves in the company. It also gives you an idea of how applicants view their role in the engineering team.

Sample Answer: I see myself as a valuable member of the engineering team. I'm excited to work with my colleagues to create a product that will make our customers happy.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Applicants' understanding of their role in the company
• - Applicants' understanding of their role in the engineering team
• - Applicants' understanding of their role in the engineering department

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how applicants think through problems and come up with solutions. You can use the information to place successful applicants into the teams that best match their engineering skills.

Sample Answer: I would make sure that the lift control system is designed to be fail-safe. I would also make sure that the system is designed to be easy to use and understand.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to design a lift control system
• - Ability to make the system foolproof
• - Ability to explain the design in detail

Question Overview: This question shows you how applicants react to unexpected problems and how they handle the stress of a difficult situation.

Sample Answer: I was working on a project to build a new bridge, and I noticed that the concrete wasn't curing properly. I had to figure out why the concrete wasn't curing and fix the problem before it got worse.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to solve problems
• - Ability to identify larger issues
• - Communication skills

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into why applicants are looking to leave their current job. You can use this information to determine whether they're likely to stay with your company for a long time.

Sample Answer: I'm looking for a job with more opportunities for advancement. I've been working in the same position for a few years, and I want to take on more responsibility and leadership roles.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Reasons for wanting to change jobs
• - Insight into the applicant's work environment
• - Insight into the applicant's career goals

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how applicants handle difficult situations and how they work through them.

Sample Answer: I was working on a project for a client who was very demanding. I had to work long hours to meet his deadlines, and he was constantly changing his mind about what he wanted. I had to learn how to manage my time and my client's expectations.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - How the applicant handled the situation
• - How the applicant overcame the situation
• - How the applicant used the situation to grow

Question Overview: This question is a simple way to find out whether the applicant is ready to start working for you as soon as possible.

Sample Answer: I'm ready to start as soon as possible.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The applicant's willingness to start working for your company immediately
• - The applicant's desire to start working for your company

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's academic background and their interests outside of engineering.

Sample Answer: I studied civil engineering at a local university. I was on the track team and played intramural sports.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The applicant's college major
• - The applicant's college GPA
• - The applicant's college extracurricular activities

Question Overview: This is a great question to ask at the end of the interview. It shows that you're confident in your engineering team and that you're not afraid to hire new talent.

Sample Answer: I know I can do the job. I've been working on this type of engineering project for years, and I'm ready to take on a leadership role.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Confidence in the applicant's ability to do the job
• - The applicant's willingness to learn and grow in the position
• - The applicant's enthusiasm for the position

Question Overview: This question helps you understand how applicants work in teams. It's important to know whether they can work well with others and take direction from a supervisor.

Sample Answer: I've been a leader on several engineering projects, and I've learned that it's important to delegate tasks to the right people. I also learned that it's important to give credit where credit is due.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• - Ability to take direction from a supervisor
• - Ability to work well with others

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's self-confidence and enthusiasm for the job. You can also use this question to see whether the applicant has done their research on your company.

Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always willing to take on extra tasks. I'm also a quick learner, so I can adapt to any engineering environment.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Confidence in their abilities
• - Enthusiasm for the engineering job
• - Insight into what the company is looking for in an employee

Question Overview: This question tests the applicant's knowledge of engineering concepts and their ability to apply that knowledge to a real-world problem.

Sample Answer: I would make sure that the two designs have the same number of ports and that each port is connected to the same number of other ports.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Knowledge of engineering concepts
• - Ability to apply engineering concepts to a real-world problem
• - Ability to explain the solution in layman's terms

Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's career aspirations and whether they're interested in growing with your company.

Sample Answer: I'd like to become a project manager in the next few years. I'd like to use my engineering skills to help my team complete projects on time and under budget.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Career goals for the next few years
• - Long-term career goals
• - How the applicant's career goals align with your organization's goals

Question Overview: This question gives you an idea of how applicants approach a problem and work through it to a solution.

Sample Answer: I had to figure out how to make a new type of concrete that was more environmentally friendly. I started by researching the properties of the new material and then testing it in the lab. I eventually figured out how to make it work in the field.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The problem the applicant chose to solve
• - The steps they took to solve the problem
• - The solution they came up with

Question Overview: This question tests your ability to state a sequence of numbers.

Sample Answer: I would state the sequence as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to state a sequence of numbers
• - Ability to state the sequence in a logical order
• - Ability to state the sequence in reverse order

Question Overview: This question tests the applicant's knowledge of basic electronics.

Sample Answer:

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Understanding of basic electronics
• - Ability to draw a PNP and NPN transistor
• - Ability to explain the difference between PNP and NPN transistors