20 BWX Technologies Interview Questions and Answers

BWX Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of nuclear components and fuel to the U.S. government. BWXT’s products and services support the operation of the U.S. Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers, as well as the nation’s land-based nuclear reactors.

If you’re applying for a job at BWXT, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of BWXT interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

BWX Technologies Interview Process

The interview process at BWX Technologies can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most interviews will involve a phone screening with HR followed by one or more in-person interviews. For some positions, you may also be required to take an online aptitude test. The entire process can take anywhere from 5-6 months.

1. What is your experience with nuclear engineering?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience with nuclear engineering and how you apply it in your work. If you have any experience working with nuclear energy, describe what you did and why it was important to the project.

Example: “I worked on a team that designed a new type of nuclear reactor that could be used as an alternative source of power. My role was to create a design that would allow the reactor to produce enough heat to generate electricity without overheating or causing damage to the surrounding area. I also had to ensure that the reactor was safe from outside interference.”

2. Why do you want to work at BWX Technologies?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about the company that interests you or how your skills could benefit them.

Example: “I want to work at BWX Technologies because I am passionate about technology and innovation. Your company is known for creating new products that solve real-world problems, which excites me. I have experience working with complex systems and would love to apply my knowledge here.”

3. Describe a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when they didn’t speak the same language as you.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you adapt to different situations and challenges. Use examples from your experience that show you’re able to communicate effectively with others, even if they don’t speak the same language as you.

Example: “In my last role, I worked on a project team where we had members who spoke Spanish, Portuguese, French and English. We communicated through Google Translate for most of our meetings, but there were times when we needed to discuss more complex ideas or concepts. In these cases, I would use simple phrases in each language to explain what I was saying so everyone could understand.”

4. How would you manage projects that are behind schedule and over budget?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle challenges in your work. Use examples from past experience to explain how you would manage a project that’s behind schedule and over budget, and how you would use your skills to get the project back on track.

Example: “In my last role as an IT manager, I had a project where we were tasked with creating a new software program for our company. We started the project without enough time to complete it before the deadline. However, I used my communication skills to collaborate with other departments to find more resources to hire additional developers. This allowed us to meet the deadline while still providing a quality product.”

5. Tell me about a time when you had to be very strategic in order to meet all of your top priorities.

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you prioritize your work and manage competing priorities. Use examples from previous roles to highlight your ability to multitask, plan ahead and meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last role as an IT manager for a small business, I had to be very strategic in order to meet all of my top priorities while also ensuring that our employees were able to access their computers and other devices when they needed them. One way I did this was by creating a weekly schedule for myself and my team members so we could stay on track with our projects and ensure that everyone had what they needed to do their jobs.”

6. Do you have any experience working with machines or mechanical components?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working with machines or mechanical components. If you do, share a story about how you used your knowledge to solve a problem or complete a task. If you don’t have any experience working with machines or mechanical components, you can talk about other types of equipment and how you worked with them in previous roles.

Example: “I’ve never worked with machines or mechanical components, but I am familiar with some basic mechanics. In my last role as an accountant, we had a machine that would count money for us. One day, it broke down and we couldn’t use it until someone came to fix it. I volunteered to learn how to count money by hand so we could continue our work while the machine was being fixed.”

7. How would you handle being given an assignment that was outside your area of expertise?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to collaborate with others and willingness to learn new things.

Example: “When I was working as a project manager for an IT company, my team had to complete a project that required us to use our marketing knowledge. Although we were all skilled in technology, none of us had experience in marketing. However, we decided to do some research on the topic and create a plan for implementing the campaign. We presented our ideas to the client, who approved them. The campaign was successful, and the client even asked us to handle their social media accounts.”

8. Have you ever worked on a project where there were multiple deadlines due simultaneously, how did you prioritize them?

This question is a great way to assess your time management skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering, it can be helpful to mention the specific project or deadline that was most challenging for you and how you overcame it.

Example: “In my current role as an IT specialist at Acme Corporation, I have worked on multiple projects with multiple deadlines simultaneously. One of the most difficult situations I’ve encountered was when there were three major software updates due within one week of each other. In order to prioritize these tasks effectively, I first made sure all employees had access to the new software versions so they could become familiar with them before their rollout date. Then, I scheduled staff members to perform different aspects of the rollout process in advance so we could ensure everything went smoothly.”

9. Give us an example of a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are willing to do more than what’s required of you. It also shows them that you’re motivated by challenges and want to succeed in the workplace. When answering this question, make sure to highlight how your actions benefited your previous employer or organization.

Example: “When I was working as an IT specialist for a small business, my manager asked me to help with their marketing department. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could handle both jobs, but I decided to give it a try. After a few weeks, I realized that I enjoyed helping out with the marketing team. I started creating social media posts and website content for the company while still doing my job as an IT specialist.”

10. What kind of manufacturing processes are you familiar with?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the manufacturing industry. You can answer this question by listing a few processes you have experience with and briefly describing what they are.

Example: “I’ve worked in both mass production and custom production environments, so I’m familiar with many different types of manufacturing processes. Some of the most common ones I’ve seen include batch production, job shop production and flow production. In my last role as a lead engineer, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, including quality control and scheduling.”

11. Do you have experience using CAD software?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with computer-aided design software. If you have previous experience using CAD, describe the type of software and how it helped you complete projects or tasks. If you don’t have any experience with CAD, you can talk about other types of software that are similar in function.

Example: “I’ve used AutoCAD for several years now. I started out as a draftsman at my last job, where I was responsible for creating blueprints and technical drawings. I also worked on 3D modeling projects, which required me to use both 2D and 3D tools within the program. In my current role, I’m not working with CAD software anymore, but I am familiar with its functions.”

12. If hired, what would you bring to this position?

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are qualified for the position and have what it takes to succeed. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Example: “I would bring my extensive knowledge of programming languages and my ability to work well in a team environment. I am also highly motivated and always willing to learn new things. These qualities will help me excel at this job and contribute to the success of BWX Technologies.”

13. Are you comfortable working with radioactive materials?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you have the necessary experience and training to work in a nuclear environment. If you do not, explain what kind of experience you have working with hazardous materials or chemicals.

Example: “I am comfortable working with radioactive materials because I worked at a chemical plant for three years where we handled many different types of hazardous materials. One of my main responsibilities was monitoring the radiation levels of our waste products. We also had to dispose of these materials safely, so I became familiar with how to handle them. However, I would like to take additional training courses on handling radioactive materials.”

14. What is your background knowledge of nuclear power plants?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of nuclear power plants and how you would apply that knowledge in your role at BWX Technologies. Use this opportunity to highlight any previous experience working with nuclear power plants, or if you have no prior experience, explain what you know about them.

Example: “I’ve never worked directly with a nuclear power plant, but I am familiar with their operations. Nuclear power plants are responsible for producing 20% of America’s energy, so it’s important to understand how they work. In my last position as an engineer, I was tasked with designing a new cooling system for a nuclear power plant in California. The client wanted to increase the efficiency of the current cooling system by 10%, which required me to research the different types of cooling systems available.”

15. What is your management style?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your management style is compatible with their expectations. Your answer should reflect a willingness to take on responsibility and provide guidance when necessary.

Example: “I believe in being approachable, but also firm. I like to give my team members plenty of autonomy so they feel comfortable taking risks and making decisions without me. However, I am always available for questions or concerns. I find that this balance helps my employees feel confident while still maintaining accountability. In my last role, I had two direct reports who both appreciated this management style.”

16. Describe a situation where you had to use your presentation skills in order to influence someone’s opinion.

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and how you can use them in a professional setting. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you had to convince someone of something or change their mind about something.

Example: “In my last role as a marketing manager, I was tasked with creating a new campaign for our company’s product. After presenting the idea to my team, one of my coworkers disagreed with some of the ideas that I presented. Rather than getting defensive, I listened to her concerns and addressed each one individually. In the end, she agreed with most of the campaign and helped me make improvements.”

17. How well do you work under pressure?

Employers ask this question to see if you can handle a high-pressure work environment. They want to know that you are able to complete tasks on time and meet deadlines. In your answer, explain how you manage stress and stay productive under pressure.

Example: “I thrive in fast-paced environments. I am used to working with tight deadlines and have developed my organization skills over the years. At my last job, I was often tasked with completing large projects within short periods of time. I learned how to prioritize my work so I could get everything done by the deadline. I also learned how to delegate tasks to other team members when needed.”

18. Describe a time when you had to make a split second decision.

This question can help interviewers learn more about your decision-making skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you made the right choice and how that helped you succeed in your career.

Example: “When I was working as an IT specialist for a small business, my manager asked me to fix a problem with their website. The company’s marketing team needed to update some information on the site before they could launch a new product. I had just finished another project, so I didn’t have much time to work on the website. I decided to stay late at the office to get the job done. It took longer than expected, but I got the website updated in time for the marketing team to use.”

19. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with conflict on the job.

This question can help interviewers learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you react to challenging situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation and the steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a coworker who was always late for work. This made it difficult for everyone else on our team because we were all expected to arrive at the same time. After talking with him several times, he still didn’t change his behavior. So, I decided to switch his schedule so that he worked later in the day when I wasn’t there. He appreciated the opportunity to work alone and never arrived late again.”

20. What is your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would fit into their organization. Your leadership style is a personal preference, but it’s important to consider what your potential employer values in their leaders before answering this question.

Example: “I believe that effective leaders are those who empower their team members and encourage them to share their ideas. I am always looking for ways to improve processes or implement new technology to make our work more efficient. I also value transparency in my relationships with coworkers and strive to be honest about challenges we’re facing so everyone on the team feels comfortable asking questions.”