Process engineers work in fast-paced environments and manage several pieces of equipment during their shifts. As such, they must know how to solve issues when equipment fails. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of the equipment for the job
• Ability to solve problems by proposing solutions
• Ability to diagnose problems as they arise

Example: 

Process engineers need to identify and solve safety concerns. Candidates who have obtained safety certifications demonstrate a higher interest in the safety of their coworkers. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Willingness to pursue certifications
• Critical-thinking skills
• Previous success in safety issues

Example:

Candidates who demonstrate knowledge of Sigma Six can also improve your company's overall efficiency. Process engineers who have completed Six Sigma projects and will be more desirable. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Certification in Six Sigma
• Willingness to achieve higher-level certifications in Six Sigma
• Knowledge in Six Sigma application

Example: 

A P&ID is a blueprint for a particular piece of equipment. Candidates should know what this is because they need to refer to P&IDs to complete their work. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Familiarity with P&ID
• Insight into P&ID from previous experience
• Knowledge of diagrams

Process engineers use change management systems to document updates and changes in a system. A good candidate needs to know how to describe several types of systems. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of ISO documentation 
• Knowledge of how to document log changes
• Knowledge of working with change management databases

Process engineers need to keep detailed notes of their work and create technical documents that describe operation and repair procedures. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Ability to write technical documents
• Ability to understand technical documents
• Experience keeping records of operating and reparation procedures

Process engineers will frequently need to test several cases at once. The candidate's answer will tell you whether they have experience doing so and whether they have a system in place to prioritise tasks. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Ability to categorise tasks
• Ability to delegate tasks with the same priority level
• Solution oriented

This question provides you with some insight into whether the candidate has experience with multiple software. It also tells you whether they know how to choose the right software for particular tasks. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of processing systems
• Ability to narrow down project requirements
• Ability to make quick decisions about processing systems

This question helps you to identify what drives the candidate. A promising candidate will fit into your company because they share similar characteristics with your existing employees. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Passion for the field
• General knowledge of the processing engineer role
• Ability to communicate goals and passions to others

This question gives you insight into what the candidate's education level. It also tells you how they view the differences between process engineering in post-secondary school and in the workplace. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Theoretical knowledge
• Ability to compare theoretical and practical skills
• Experience in the process engineering field

This question will tell you what the candidate perceives success to be. It will also provide you with information on whether their goals and successes match those of your other employees. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Accomplishments as a process engineer
• Knowledge of procedures and regulations within companies
• Passion for process engineering

This question tells you what the candidate considers to be a failure. You'll also know how they navigate situations involving failure. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Ability to accept failure
• Communication skills
• Ability to propose solutions

Example:

Promising candidates will show initiative by implementing new tools and finding ways to increase efficiency. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Ability to find solutions
• Problem-solving skills
• Willingness to take on additional responsibility

Example:

There will be days when process engineers have less motivation. However, they'll still need to work efficiently. This question tells you whether the candidate has a system in place for when they feel less motivated. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Strategy to self motivate
• Efficiency when unmotivated
• Interpersonal skills

Example:

This question will tell you where the candidate believes your company needs to be improved. It also tells you whether potential candidates have done research on your company. Here's what to look for in an answer:

• Problem-solving skills
• Research ability
• Creativity and clear communication