Mechanical Engineers Interview Questions & Answers

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

Interviewers look for candidates who demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Listening skills
• Maths skills
• Creative-thinking skills
• Mechanical skills
• Problem-solving skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for mechanical engineering 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.

Creativity

Why the interviewer is interested in your creative-thinking:

Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery. A creative mind is essential for this kind of work.

Learn more about creative-thinking skills interview questions and how to answer them!

Listening skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your listening skills:

Mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists. They must listen to and analyze different approaches made by other experts to complete the task at hand.

Math skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your math skills:

Mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Related: 10 Mechanical Skills and How to Develop Them

Mechanical skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your mechanical skills:

Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems.

Related: What Does a CNC Technician Do?

Problem-solving skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your problem-solving:

Mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products.

Learn more about problem-solving interview questions and how to answer them!

(source: bls.gov)

Environmental 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 about the first thing you ever designed as a mechanical engineer.
2. Describe a time you had to solve a challenging problem while working on a project.
3. In your opinion, what are the most important skills for a mechanical engineer to be successful?
4. Tell me about a rewarding mechanical engineering teamwork experience.
5. As a mechanical engineer, what is your biggest accomplishment?
6. Tell me about a time you had to perform under pressure in your current position.
7. Describe a time you have used your mechanical engineering skills outside of your work.
8. How do you explain a technical issue to someone without a technical background?
9. What kind of software do you use in your work? Are there any tools or programs you would like to learn in the future?
10. Do you have experience working with ‘X’?

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