20 Aker Solutions Interview Questions and Answers

Aker Solutions is a leading global oil services company that provides a range of services to the oil and gas industry. The company has a wide range of products and services that it offers to its clients, and as such, it is important for potential employees to be familiar with the company and its products and services.

When interviewing for a position at Aker Solutions, it is important to be prepared to answer questions about the company and its products and services. This article will provide some sample questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your interview.

Aker Solutions Interview Process

The interview process at Aker Solutions is generally quick and efficient. Most applicants will only have to go through two rounds of interviews, one being the initial application and the second being an interview. However, some positions may require additional steps such as a technical test or presentation. Overall, the interview process is relatively straightforward and should not take more than a few weeks to complete.

1. Talk about a time when you had to deal with conflict in the workplace.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you handled the conflict and what steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “In my previous role as a project manager, I had two team members who were constantly arguing with each other. The situation was getting in the way of their work and affecting the rest of the team. I called both employees into my office and asked them about the issue. They told me that they disagreed on how to complete a task. I explained to them that they needed to find a solution together or one would have to leave the company.”

“They agreed to try working together again. After that meeting, they started communicating more effectively and found a compromise. As a result, they were able to finish the project ahead of schedule.”

2. Tell me about your experience working on an offshore oil platform?

This question is a great way to gauge your experience working in the oil industry. It also allows you to share some of your past experiences and how they’ve helped you develop as an employee.

Example: “I worked on an offshore oil platform for three years, where I was responsible for maintaining all aspects of the drilling equipment. This included inspecting the equipment daily, making sure it was properly maintained and repaired when necessary. I also had to ensure that all safety protocols were followed at all times.”

3. Describe how you would design and implement an HVAC system for a new oil rig.

HVAC systems are a critical component of oil rigs. The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your technical skills and ability to work in a team environment. In your answer, try to show that you can use your problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions for complex problems.

Example: “I would first conduct an assessment of the rig’s current HVAC system. I would then determine if there were any issues with the existing system. If so, I would recommend changes or improvements to the system. After assessing the needs of the rig, I would design a new HVAC system that is energy efficient and cost effective.”

4. How do you ensure that safety is upheld during the engineering process?

Aker Solutions is a company that values safety, and it’s important to show you can uphold this value. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your commitment to the safety of yourself and others.

Example: “Safety is my top priority when working on engineering projects. I ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities in maintaining safe operations. For example, if an employee notices something unsafe, they should report it immediately so we can take action before anyone gets hurt. I also hold regular training sessions for new hires to teach them about our safety policies.”

5. What are some of the challenges of being a mechanical engineer?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you understand the challenges of being in this role. You can use examples from your own experience or talk about what you’ve heard other mechanical engineers say.

Example: “The biggest challenge I see for mechanical engineers is having to work with so many different people and personalities. It’s important to be able to communicate effectively, but it can also be challenging when there are language barriers or personality conflicts. Another challenge is working on projects where time constraints are tight. This means we have to prioritize our tasks and make sure we’re meeting deadlines.”

6. Why Aker Solutions over other employers?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have done your research on their company. They want to know that you are genuinely interested in working for them and not just looking for a job. When answering, try to highlight some of the unique aspects of Aker Solutions. You can also mention any personal reasons why you would like to work for this employer.

Example: “I am very excited about the opportunity to work at Aker Solutions because I think it is an innovative company with a lot of potential. I feel my skills as a project manager would be a great asset to this organization. I also really admire how much Aker Solutions values its employees. The culture here seems like a fun place to work.”

7. How would you go about designing a pipeline between two points across the ocean floor?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively. It also shows the interviewer how you would apply your knowledge of engineering principles to solve complex problems.

Example: “I would first determine the depth of the ocean floor at both points, then calculate the weight of the pipeline based on its length and diameter. I would then use these calculations to determine the appropriate material for the pipeline’s construction. For example, if it was going to be crossing an area with high pressure, I would need to make sure that the pipeline could withstand this pressure.”

8. Are you familiar with the Norwegian regulations regarding oil rigs?

The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience working in Norway. If you don’t, you can explain that you are willing to learn about the regulations and apply them once you start your new job.

Example: “I am not familiar with Norwegian oil rig regulations, but I would be happy to learn more about them. I understand that Aker Solutions is a global company, so I’m sure I will encounter different regulations as I work for the company.”

9. Do you have any experience managing a team of engineers?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with a team of professionals and how well you collaborate. Use examples from your previous job to highlight your leadership skills, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

Example: “In my last position as an engineer at Aker Solutions, I was responsible for managing a team of five engineers. We worked on projects together where we had to solve problems and find solutions quickly. I used my leadership skills to delegate tasks and encourage my team members to share their ideas and opinions about the project.”

10. Have you ever been involved in an accident due to a failure in the engineering process?

This question is a way for interviewers to assess your ability to learn from mistakes and apply that knowledge to future projects. In your answer, you should explain what happened, how it impacted the project and what steps you took to ensure it didn’t happen again.

Example: “In my first year as an engineer, I was working on a drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico when there was a failure in one of the engines. The engine failed because I had overlooked a crucial part of the design process. As a result, we lost several days of production while we repaired the engine. After this incident, I learned to be more thorough during the engineering phase of any project.”

11. Do you have experience using SAP?

SAP is a software program that Aker Solutions uses to manage its operations. If you have experience using SAP, let the interviewer know what your previous job duties were and how they relate to the position you’re applying for.

Example: “I’ve used SAP in my current role as an accountant at Smith & Company Accounting Firm. I use SAP to enter financial data into the system, which I then compile into reports for clients. The company also uses SAP to track inventory levels and monitor sales performance.”

12. What is your favorite thing about being an engineer?

This question is a great way to show your passion for engineering and the impact you want to make in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to think about what inspired you to become an engineer in the first place.

Example: “My favorite thing about being an engineer is seeing my designs come to life. I love that I get to use my creativity to solve problems and create something new. It’s rewarding to see how my work impacts people’s lives.”

13. Can you tell us about a time where you failed at a project, what did you learn from it?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s ability to take responsibility for their actions and how they’ve grown from past experiences.

Example: “In my last position, I was tasked with leading a team of five engineers on an oil rig construction project. We were behind schedule due to some miscommunication between myself and the client. After meeting with the client, we determined that there was no miscommunication but rather a lack of communication within our own team. I learned that it’s important to ensure all members of the team are aware of any changes or updates to the project.”

14. Explain the difference between a wellhead and Christmas tree valve.

This question tests your knowledge of oil and gas terminology. It also shows the interviewer that you can apply industry-specific terms to your work. In your answer, define each term and explain how they differ from one another.

Example: “A wellhead is a structure at the top of an oil or gas well that connects it to surface equipment. A Christmas tree valve is a series of valves on the wellhead that control the flow of oil and gas into pipelines. The main difference between these two pieces of equipment is their location. Wellheads are located at the top of wells, while Christmas tree valves are located on the wellhead.”

15. Describe a time when there was an issue with one of your projects, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and leadership qualities.

Example: “In my previous role as an operations manager, I had a project that was behind schedule. The client was getting impatient with us because they were waiting for their equipment. I called a meeting with all of my team members to discuss what we could do to speed up the process. We decided to hire more employees to work on the project so we could meet our deadline. It took some extra money out of our budget, but it was worth it in the end.”

16. Does anyone in your family work in the oil industry?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and how you got into this industry. If someone in your family works in oil, explain what they do and why you chose to work in Aker Solutions. If no one in your family works in the oil industry, talk about what drew you to this career path.

Example: “My father worked as an engineer on offshore drilling rigs until he retired five years ago. He always told me that I should follow my dreams and find something I’m passionate about. When I was younger, I would go with him to his job sites and help out where I could. That’s when I knew I wanted to be an engineer.”

17. We want our employees to be innovative thinkers. Give us an example of a time where you were able to solve a problem by thinking outside of the box.

This question is an opportunity to show your potential employer that you are a creative problem solver. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the situation and how you solved the problem.

Example: “In my previous role as a project manager, I was working on a project where we were having issues with one of our drilling rigs. The issue was causing delays in production, which meant we weren’t meeting our deadlines. After talking with the crew members who worked on the rig, I learned they had been experiencing some challenges with their equipment. We decided to send two of our best mechanics out to help them fix the equipment so we could get back to work.”

18. If hired, what would be your approach to designing software for an assembly line?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your technical skills and how you would apply them in this role. Your answer should include an example of how you would approach this task, as well as any specific software or tools that you might use.

Example: “I would first conduct research on the company’s current assembly line processes and procedures. I would then create a design document with all relevant information about the project, including my proposed solutions. After presenting my plan to management, I would work with other team members to implement the new system.”

19. How well do you work under pressure?

Aker Solutions is a fast-paced environment, and employees are often under pressure to meet deadlines. This question helps the interviewer determine how well you can handle stress and perform in high-pressure situations. Use examples from your past experience to show that you can thrive in this type of work environment.

Example: “In my previous role as an engineer, I was responsible for designing oil rigs. My team and I were working on a tight deadline when we discovered some issues with our design. We had to make several changes to ensure the rig met all safety standards. The entire process took us longer than expected, but we managed to complete it successfully.”

20. What is your preferred method of communication while working on a project?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might interact with your team members and other stakeholders. It’s important to be honest about your preferred method of communication, but it can also be helpful to mention a few others that you’re comfortable using.

Example: “I prefer to communicate through email or messaging apps like Slack because they allow me to write out my thoughts clearly and organize them in a way that makes sense. I find phone calls are best for quick questions, while video conferencing is great for presentations and meetings.”