Materials Engineers Interview Questions & Answers

Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products.

Interviewers look for candidates who demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Problem-solving skills
• Maths skills
• Analytical skills
• Writing skills
• Speaking skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for materials engineers positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills that you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your analytical skills:

Materials engineers often work on projects related to other fields of engineering. They must determine how materials will be used and how they must be structured to withstand different conditions.

Math skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your math skills:

Materials engineers use the principles of calculus and other advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your problem-solving skills:

Materials engineers must understand the relationship between materials’ structures, their properties, how they are made, and how these factors affect the products they are used to make. They must also figure out why a product might have failed, design a solution, and then conduct tests to ensure that the product does not fail again. These skills involve being able to identify root causes when many factors could be at fault.

Speaking skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your speaking skills:

While working with technicians, technologists, and other engineers, materials engineers must state concepts and directions clearly. When speaking with managers, these engineers must also communicate engineering concepts to people who may not have an engineering background.

Writing skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your writing skills:

Materials engineers must write plans and reports clearly so that people without a materials engineering background can understand the concepts.

(source: bls.gov)

Materials Engineers Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Tell me more about your experience developing, modifying, testing, and evaluating materials. What kind of projects have you worked on?
2. What’s your experience with fault diagnosis in materials?
3. What additional training would help you succeed in this position?
4. Tell me about some of the most recent projects you have worked on.
5. What’s your specialty as a materials engineer?
6. Tell me about your math skills. Where are your greatest strengths in math?
7. What is your biggest accomplishment?
8. As a materials engineer, what have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
9. What is your understanding of ‘X’?
10. What problems have you solved to improve the quality of your production in your current (or last) position?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.