17 Aircraft Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Aircraft engineers are responsible for the design, development, testing, and maintenance of aircrafts and their components. They work with a team of engineers and technicians to ensure that aircrafts meet all safety and regulatory standards.

If you’re interested in becoming an aircraft engineer, you will need to have a strong understanding of physics and mathematics. You will also need to be able to work well in a team and have excellent problem-solving skills.

Before you can start your new job, you will need to pass an interview. In this guide, we will go over some of the most common aircraft engineer interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with aircraft parts and tools?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your comfort level with the tools and equipment you’ll use on a daily basis. Use your answer to highlight any experience you have working with aircraft parts or tools, as well as how comfortable you are using them.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with aircraft parts and tools because I’ve been doing it for several years now. In my last role, I was responsible for maintaining all of the tools in our toolbox, which included measuring tools, wrenches and other items. I also had to calibrate some of the equipment we used regularly, so I’m familiar with that process too.”

What are some of the most important skills an aircraft engineer should have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to aircraft engineering.

Example: “The most important skill an aircraft engineer should have is problem-solving ability. Aircraft engineers are constantly solving problems that arise during the design process or when conducting maintenance on planes. Another important skill is communication. Engineers must communicate with other team members and clients to ensure everyone understands what’s going on. Finally, I think creativity is another important skill because engineers need to come up with new ideas for designs and solutions.”

How would you respond if you discovered a problem with an aircraft that you hadn’t noticed before?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you respond to challenges and whether or not you are proactive in your approach. Your answer should show that you have a problem-solving mindset, but it should also demonstrate that you take pride in your work and want to ensure that any issues are resolved before they become more serious.

Example: “If I discovered a problem with an aircraft after its initial inspection, I would first determine if there were any other aircraft experiencing similar problems. If so, I would immediately report the issue to my supervisor so that we could address the problem as soon as possible. If the issue was isolated to one aircraft, I would perform additional testing on the aircraft to determine what caused the problem and then develop a plan for repairing the issue.”

What is your process for inspecting an aircraft before and after a flight?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to understand how you apply your engineering skills in the workplace. Use your answer to highlight your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as well as your attention to detail.

Example: “I always start by reading through all of the maintenance logs for the aircraft I’m inspecting. This helps me get an idea of what work has been done on the plane recently and if there are any issues that need my immediate attention. Next, I’ll inspect the exterior of the aircraft, looking for dents or other damage. Then, I’ll check the interior of the plane, making sure everything is in working order. Finally, I’ll run a test flight with the pilot to make sure everything is running smoothly.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified and resolved an issue with an aircraft.

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your problem-solving skills and ability to identify issues with aircraft. Use examples from your previous experience that highlight your technical knowledge, communication skills and attention to detail.

Example: “In my last role as an aircraft engineer, I noticed a small leak in one of the fuel tanks on a private jet. The client was concerned about the safety of the aircraft because they were planning a long flight. I inspected the tank thoroughly and found that it was just a minor issue. I repaired the leak by tightening some loose screws and replaced the seal around the fuel cap. After completing the repairs, I conducted another inspection to ensure everything was working properly.”

If you had to design an aircraft from scratch, what features would you include?

This question is a great way to test your creativity and problem-solving skills. It also allows the interviewer to see how you would apply your knowledge of aircraft engineering to create something new. In your answer, try to include as many features as possible that are important for an aircraft.

Example: “If I had to design an aircraft from scratch, I would definitely want it to be lightweight but sturdy enough to withstand high winds. I would make sure it was fuel efficient so pilots could fly longer distances without refueling. I would also add in some safety features like backup systems and extra seats in case of emergencies.”

What would you do if you were working on an aircraft and a storm was approaching?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you would react to a potentially dangerous situation. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Example: “If I was working on an aircraft and a storm was approaching, I would first check the weather conditions for the area where we were flying. If there was any chance of lightning or other severe weather, I would immediately inform my team members so they could take appropriate safety measures. Then, I would try to complete as much work as possible before the storm hit. This way, if we had to land due to inclement weather, we would be able to do so quickly and safely.”

How well do you understand the physics involved in aircraft design and operation?

This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of aircraft design and operation. Use examples from your experience to show that you have a strong understanding of how aircraft operate, including their weight distribution, fuel consumption rates and flight patterns.

Example: “I understand the physics involved in aircraft design and operation because I’ve had to apply it to my work as an engineer. In my last position, I was tasked with designing a new wing for a commercial plane. The company wanted to make the wings lighter so they could save on fuel costs. I used basic physics equations to calculate the amount of lift needed to keep the plane airborne at different altitudes. Then, I designed the new wing using lightweight materials.”

Do you have experience working with a team of other engineers to complete an aircraft project?

Aircraft engineers often work in teams to complete projects. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with others and can collaborate well. Use your answer to explain that you enjoy teamwork and are willing to contribute to a team of other aircraft engineers. Explain how you would use your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and leadership skills to help the team succeed.

Example: “I’ve worked on several large engineering projects at my current job. I always look forward to collaborating with my fellow engineers because it allows us all to learn from each other’s ideas and opinions. In fact, I find that having multiple perspectives is one of the best ways to solve complex problems. I also think that teamwork makes our projects more successful. When we work together as a team, we can share responsibilities and ensure that everything gets done by the deadline.”

When inspecting an aircraft, what is the first thing you should check?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of aircraft inspection. It also allows the interviewer to see how you prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list several steps in an inspection process so that the interviewer can get a better idea of what your daily responsibilities are as an aircraft engineer.

Example: “When inspecting an aircraft, I would first check for any loose screws or bolts on the exterior of the plane. Loose parts could lead to other problems later on, so it’s important to address them right away. Next, I’d inspect the landing gear and make sure everything looks secure. After that, I’d move inside the plane and check all the gauges and dials to ensure they’re working properly.”

We want to ensure our aircraft is as fuel-efficient as possible. How would you improve its performance?

This question allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of aircraft engineering and how it relates to fuel efficiency. You can answer this question by describing the steps you would take to improve a plane’s fuel efficiency, such as reducing drag or increasing its lift-to-drag ratio.

Example: “I would first analyze the current fuel consumption rate and compare it to similar planes in the same class. Then I would make adjustments to the design of the plane based on my findings. For example, if the plane has a low lift-to-drag ratio, I would add more wing area to increase lift. If the plane is too heavy, I would reduce the weight by removing unnecessary components.”

Describe your process for conducting a thorough inspection.

The interviewer may ask you this question to gain insight into your process for conducting inspections and how you use your skills as an aircraft engineer. Use examples from past projects or experiences to describe the steps you take when inspecting a plane’s design, materials or other factors that affect its functionality.

Example: “I begin every inspection by reviewing all of the documentation I have on hand about the project at hand. This includes any notes I’ve taken during previous meetings with clients, blueprints or diagrams of the aircraft and any specifications my team and I set in place before construction began. After reviewing these documents, I inspect the aircraft itself to ensure it meets our client’s needs and standards.”

What makes you the best candidate for this aircraft engineer position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant experience and soft skills.

Example: “I am passionate about aircraft engineering because I love solving problems. When I was in school, my professor told me that engineers are problem solvers, and it’s something that stuck with me ever since. In my previous position, I would often find myself working late into the night trying to solve complex issues. I enjoy being able to use my creativity to come up with solutions to challenging problems.”

Which aircraft models have you worked with in the past?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how much you know about aircraft engineering. You can answer this question by naming several models of aircraft that you have worked with in the past, such as commercial or military planes.

Example: “I’ve worked on both commercial and military aircrafts in my career so far. I started out working for a small company where we mainly focused on designing smaller private jets. Then, I moved to a larger company where I was able to work on bigger commercial planes like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. Finally, I joined my current company where I am currently working on military aircrafts.”

What do you think the future of aircraft engineering will look like?

This question can help interviewers get a sense of your vision for the future of this industry. They may want to know how you plan to contribute to that vision and what skills you have that will allow you to do so. In your answer, try to highlight some specific skills or knowledge you have that would be useful in an evolving field like aircraft engineering.

Example: “I think the future of aircraft engineering is going to look very different than it does now. I believe we are on the verge of developing self-flying aircraft that don’t require any human input at all. This could change the way people travel and open up new possibilities for businesses. For example, autonomous planes could deliver packages more efficiently than trucks. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology like this.”

How often should an aircraft be inspected?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of aircraft maintenance. Your answer should include the frequency of inspections and how often they are required by law.

Example: “Aircrafts should be inspected every 100 hours of flight time, or once a year if it’s used less frequently. This is because an inspection can reveal any issues that need to be fixed before they become more serious. If an issue isn’t addressed in a timely manner, it could lead to further damage to the aircraft. Inspections also allow engineers to identify areas where improvements can be made to extend the life of the aircraft.”

There is a crack in the frame of the aircraft. What would you do?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also allows the interviewer to see how you would react in an emergency situation. In your answer, try to show that you are calm and confident when faced with challenges.

Example: “If there was a crack in the frame of the aircraft, I would first assess the extent of the damage. If it’s minor, then I would repair it on site. However, if it’s major, then I would have to replace the entire frame. This is because repairing it could compromise the safety of the passengers. To do this, I would need to remove all the parts from the damaged area. Then, I would order new parts and install them.”