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Design Engineer Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Design Engineer interview questions and answers.

  1. What are the day-to-day duties of a design engineer? See answer
  2. Why do you think the role of a design engineer is important? See answer
  3. What kinds of fields have you worked in previously, and why would you like to work for our company? See answer
  4. What is your experience with designing mechanical systems? See answer
  5. Tell me about your experience with assembly techniques. See answer
  6. How do you discuss a design engineering project with a client? See answer
  7. Have you ever proposed a product design to a group? If so, tell me about it. See answer
  8. Which design software do you prefer using and why? See answer
  9. In your opinion, what are the three most important skills to have as a design engineer? See answer
  10. How would you handle a conflict with a coworker? See answer
  11. Do you have any design engineer certifications? If so, tell me about them. See answer
  12. How do you stay up to date with new engineering software and trends? See answer
  13. What is the best way to start a design project?
  14. Tell me about your favourite engineering project you’ve completed for a previous employer.
  15. What has been the most challenging project you’ve completed?
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Design Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

What are the day-to-day duties of a design engineer?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's understanding of a design engineer's daily responsibilities and the details of the job description. Depending on the specifics of the role, they may be testing devices, troubleshooting problems, and completing repairs on a daily basis. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of the job requirements
  • Knowledge of the design engineering field
  • Enthusiasm about the role's duties

Example:

"While they can vary based on industry, the day-to-day duties of a design engineer are typically to develop product designs, oversee assembly, and optimise products. If I earned this role, I'd love to work for your company in drafting useful designs of industrial and factory equipment."

Why do you think the role of a design engineer is important?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's understanding of why design engineers are important to society. An ideal candidate is both passionate and serious about their work and has the determination to contribute their efforts to your company's goals. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the importance of design engineers
  • Knowledge of practical applications of engineering work
  • Seriousness and professionalism

Example:

"The role of a design engineer is important because these professionals design and develop products people use every day, like computers, appliances, machines, medical equipment, and even buildings and roads. As a design engineer, my primary goal is to create ways to make people's lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable. That's why I love your company's mission of designing better medical aids like wheelchairs and crutches."

What kinds of fields have you worked in previously, and why would you like to work for our company?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's experience in your industry. As design engineers work for various types of companies, from aerospace firms to shipbuilding manufacturers, it's important you assess whether the candidate can apply their skills to your specific area. You can also take this opportunity to learn their reason for applying for a role in your business. What to look for in an answer:

  • Summary of their industry experience
  • Adaptability to new areas
  • Interest in working for your company

Example:

"In my previous role, I worked for a computer hardware company where I designed computer parts. Before that, I worked in the automotive industry, assembling various vehicle components. Due to my skills in electronics and mechanics, I believe I'm an excellent candidate for this role. I'd love to contribute to your company's efforts of developing useful and modern electronic devices."

What is your experience with designing mechanical systems?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's knowledge of mechanical design engineering. Specifically, an excellent candidate understands how mechanical products and machines work and can succeed in all stages of the production process, from research and development to final installation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of mechanical processes
  • Practical experience with mechanical engineering
  • Mechanical design skills

Example:

"I worked as a mechanical design engineer with a previous employer and was in charge of designing a power generation system. I supervised the process from initial concepts and designs to perfecting the physical product."

Tell me about your experience with assembly techniques.

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's familiarity with production, in addition to design. While design engineers focus on drafting ideas, they're also typically responsible for supervising the assembly of the product. It's important the candidate knows how to create and revise a prototype and guide others through manufacturing. What to look for in an answer:

  • Practical experience with assembly
  • Understanding of technical processes
  • Ability to lead others

Example:

"In a previous role at an automobile manufacturing firm, I directly took part in the assembly process. I have extensive experience with factory design systems and practical tasks like welding and quality assurance. As a production team lead, it was my responsibility to make sure my team members had all the resources they needed to fulfil their specific responsibilities."

How do you discuss a design engineering project with a client?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's skills in working with customers. Design engineers are often in charge of discussing a project with a client and meeting client specifications. A good candidate knows how to explain complex processes clearly and simply. What to look for in an answer:

  • Customer service skills
  • Experience working with clients
  • Interpersonal skills

Example

Example:

"My method for discussing a project with a client is first asking what their vision for the product is. After learning their requirements and goals, I explain to them my plan of action and timeline for delivering the product. I also make sure I'm available if they have questions throughout the process."

What is the best way to start a design engineering project?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's methods for beginning and guiding a project, and overall project management skills. Skilled design engineers understand how to develop a product idea, supervise cost-effective, efficient production, and manufacture a functional, safe product. What to look for in an answer: 

  • Practical project management skills
  • Creativity
  • Knowledge of the design process

Example:

"I think the best way to start a design engineering project is to make sure I have all the information I need. This may involve interviewing the client and conducting extensive research into similar products on the market. I believe proper preparation is key to a successful design process."

Have you ever proposed a product design to a group? If so, tell me about it.

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's presentation skills. A good candidate can explain products and engineering projects to clients who aren't familiar with the jargon of the field. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication skills
  • Public-speaking skills
  • Experience explaining a complex design to others

Example:

"As part of my final project for a course I took my senior year of college, I was responsible for presenting my product design to a class of over 70 people. I had designed a telecommunication device you could wear on your glasses, and I made sure to emphasise the value of the product and the process I used to design it."

Tell me about your favourite design engineering project you've completed for a previous employer.

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's experience taking part in actual projects in the field. By asking this question, you can also learn about their previous work experiences. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience working on a project
  • Explanation of a previous role
  • Enthusiasm about engineering projects

Example:

"My favourite design engineering project was one I completed in my last role for an aerospace firm. My team and I worked on designing a navigation system that would enhance the safety of aircraft flight."

What has been the most challenging project you've completed?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's experience with overcoming challenges. An ideal candidate has the ability to use their critical thinking skills to solve problems. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience with difficult projects
  • Confidence in approaching challenges
  • Critical thinking skills

Example:

"In a previous job, my team and I had to repair an MRI machine. The most difficult part was ensuring the safety of everyone involved. However, with the proper research and planning, we were able to identify the issue and solve it in an efficient manner."

Which design software do you prefer using and why?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's familiarity with design software, a key area for those in this role. It's important to measure their experience with the applications you use in your company and adaptability to learning new ones. What to look for in an answer:

  • Expertise in various design engineering programmes
  • Ability to learn new software
  • Reason for preferring a certain programme

Example:

"I prefer to work with AutoCAD because it gives me more freedom in programmeming. However, I also have experience in SolidWorks, Creo Parametric, and Inventor, and I've been told I am a quick learner."

In your opinion, what are the three most important skills to have as a design engineer?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's knowledge and possession of design engineer skills. These may be creativity, communication, leadership, technical knowledge, time management, or other abilities. What to look for in an answer:

  • Versatile skill set
  • Honesty about their own abilities
  • Critical and creative reasoning

Example:

"Design engineers are professionals who have to maintain close relationships with people from different departments within a company. I consider the three most important skills of a design engineer to be great communication, teamwork abilities, and creative thinking. These skills have served me well in completing various projects, and I actually had a strong reputation for friendliness at my previous company."

How would you handle a conflict with a coworker?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's ability to manage disagreements, find solutions to problems, and work well in a team. It's critical that design engineers can practise teamwork and leadership to complete a project efficiently. What to look for in an answer:

  • Teamwork skills
  • Experience leading others
  • Ability to stay calm in conflict

Example:

 "If I had a disagreement with a coworker, I'd be sure to stay calm and patient. I'd listen to their perspective and reflect on my own to see what I can learn from them. If necessary, I'd bring the issue to my supervisor to gain their perspective on it."

Do you have any design engineer certifications? If so, tell me about them.

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's professional certifications and credentials. This can show their commitment to continued learning in the field. What to look for in an answer:

  • Possession of engineering or related certifications
  • Passion for learning
  • Understanding of the importance of specialised skills

Example:

"I have a certification in AutoCAD, which has served me well throughout my professional career. I'm also currently seeking certification in Design of Experiments, as I feel it can help me perform my duties even better."

How do you stay up to date with new engineering software and trends?

The goal of this question is to assess the candidate's dedication to learning about the latest engineering software programmes, technology, and tools. This can show their willingness to put their best efforts into their job duties. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to learn
  • Willingness to stay up-to-date with the industry
  • Understanding the importance of knowing new software programmes

Example:

"In order to stay up to date with new engineering software, I'm a member of a professional engineering society. I look forward to reading their newsletter every week, where they describe exciting, new industry advancements. I think it's important to learn as much as I can so I can apply advanced technologies to my daily work."

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