20 Curtiss-Wright Interview Questions and Answers

Curtiss-Wright is always looking for talented engineers to join their team. If you’re interested in applying for a job at Curtiss-Wright, you should be prepared to answer some company specific interview questions. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Curtiss-Wright interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Curtiss-Wright Interview Process

The interview process at Curtiss-Wright can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most interviews will involve a phone screen with a recruiter, followed by an in-person interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members. You may also be given a tour of the facility. For some positions, you may be interviewed by multiple managers.

Overall, reviewers found the interviewers to be friendly and the process to be fairly quick and easy. However, some reviewers noted that the questions asked were not always relevant to the position applied for.

1. What is your experience with designing and testing mechanical components?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with a specific skill that’s important to their company. Use examples from your past work history to explain how you used mechanical components and helped test them for quality assurance.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for designing and testing mechanical components of large-scale machinery. One project I worked on involved creating a new system for transporting oil across long distances. My team and I had to design a system that could withstand high temperatures while also being lightweight enough to transport easily. We tested our designs by running simulations and using other methods to ensure they were safe and effective.”

2. Describe your experience working on a project from start to finish.

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work as part of a team and complete projects on time. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the project you’re describing so that the interviewer can get a better idea of what you’ve accomplished in previous roles.

Example: “In my last role, I was tasked with creating a new software program for our company’s inventory management system. The first step was to meet with my supervisor to discuss the project and determine which employees would be most qualified to help me create the program. After selecting my team members, we met weekly to discuss the progress we were making on the project. We also had biweekly meetings with our supervisor to review our progress and make sure we were meeting all deadlines.”

3. Do you have any experience performing inspections of products?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with quality control and testing. Use examples from your previous job to explain how you performed inspections, what the results were and any improvements you made to products or processes.

Example: “In my last position as a quality assurance inspector, I inspected all incoming materials for defects before production began. If I found a defect in an item, I reported it to my supervisor so they could make sure the supplier replaced the defective parts. In one instance, I noticed that some of the screws we used during assembly had small scratches on them. My supervisor contacted the supplier who sent us new screws.”

4. Why do you want to work at Curtiss-Wright?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in the company and its values. When preparing for this interview, read through Curtiss-Wright’s website or other online sources to learn about the company’s mission statement, goals and recent news. You can also ask a recruiter if you have any questions about the company before your interview.

Example: “I want to work at Curtiss-Wright because I am passionate about engineering solutions that help people. Your company has such a long history of providing innovative products and services to customers around the world. I would love to be part of a team that continues to make positive changes in the world.”

5. What are some skills that you think will be important for this role?

This question is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research on the company and understand what skills are most important for this role. When answering, try to think of skills that align with the job description and highlight any relevant experience or training you have.

Example: “I believe communication skills will be especially important in this role because I would be working with many different departments and teams. In my previous roles, I’ve found that clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone has access to the information they need.”

6. How would you handle feedback if we told you that something was not done properly?

This question is a great way to determine how you respond to constructive criticism. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you are open to feedback and want to improve your work.

Example: “I would first thank the person for their feedback and ask them what they think I could do differently next time. Then, I would take notes on what they said so I remember when I am working on similar projects in the future. If there was something specific about the project that wasn’t done properly, I would make sure to fix it as soon as possible.”

7. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of how you approached the situation and what steps you took to solve it.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on a project that required me to create a new software program for one of our clients. The client had very specific requirements for the program, which made it difficult to develop. However, I knew that if I could meet all of their requirements, then the program would work as intended. So, I spent several days researching different ways to implement the specifications into the program. Eventually, I found a way to incorporate all of the specifications while also creating a functional program.”

8. Are you comfortable working in a team environment?

Teamwork is an important part of the work culture at Curtiss-Wright. The company values employees who are willing to collaborate and support one another in their efforts to achieve goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you have worked well with others on a project or task.

Example: “I enjoy working in a team environment because I find that it allows me to learn from my colleagues and apply different perspectives to projects. In my last role as a software engineer, I was tasked with creating a new feature for our product. My manager assigned two other engineers and myself to create the new functionality. We all had different skill sets, which allowed us to complete the project more efficiently than if we were working alone.”

9. When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “In my last role as an engineer, I had a customer who was unhappy with our product’s performance. They were expecting it to perform at a higher level than what we delivered. Instead of getting defensive or upset, I listened to their concerns and asked questions to understand exactly what they needed from us. We then worked together to find a solution that met both of our needs.”

10. Tell me about a time where you were successful at getting a large gift and what your strategy was.

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the name of the person who gave you the gift and how they benefited from giving you the gift.

Example: “When I was working at my previous job, I had a client that wanted to give me a large gift as a thank-you for all of our hard work. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do because I didn’t want to accept something so valuable without offering anything in return. However, after talking with my manager, we decided that instead of accepting the gift, we would offer them a discount on their next order if they donated the money to a charity of their choice.”

11. How often do you like to be in contact with your team when working on a project?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with your team and whether you prefer to work independently or in a group. Your answer should show that you value teamwork and collaboration, but also have the ability to complete projects on your own if necessary.

Example: “I like to be in contact with my team as often as possible when working on a project. I find it helpful to ask questions about specific tasks so I can better understand what is expected of me. However, I am also comfortable working independently on smaller projects where I don’t need much guidance from others.”

12. Can you give us an example of how you would prioritize multiple tasks?

This question is a great way to assess your time management skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you would prioritize tasks in the past.

Example: “In my last role as a project manager, I had multiple projects going on at once. One day, I received a call from one of my team members who was having trouble with their task list. They were unsure which project they should focus on first. I asked them what their deadline was for each project and then told them that they should start with the project with the earliest deadline. This helped them get back into productivity.”

13. Share an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is an opportunity to show your dedication and commitment to customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share a specific example of how you helped a customer solve a problem or achieve their goals.

Example: “In my previous role as a sales representative for a software company, I had a client who was having trouble with the security features on our product. They were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to protect their data from hackers. I spent several hours researching different ways we could improve the security features in our software. After implementing some of these changes, I spoke with the client again. They were very happy with the new security features.”

14. In what ways do you make sure that you stay up to date on industry trends?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you stay motivated and interested in your career. It also helps them see if you have a plan for continuing to learn about new developments in your industry.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge of engineering, so I subscribe to several online newsletters that provide me with updates on current projects and research. I also attend conferences and seminars hosted by Curtiss-Wright and other companies in the field. These events allow me to meet other professionals who are working on similar projects.”

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

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to apply them in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe how you would approach the task of designing software for an assembly line and what steps you would take to ensure that the software was effective and efficient.

Example: “I would first conduct research on the company’s current assembly line processes and procedures. I would then create a plan for implementing the new software by determining which aspects of the assembly line process could benefit from automation or digitalization. After creating a detailed plan, I would work with my team to develop the software.”

16. We are looking for someone who likes working in a fast paced environment. Would you say you prefer a fast paced work environment?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. If you have previous experience working in a fast-paced work environment, it can be helpful to share your thoughts on how this helped you succeed.

Example: “I am used to working in a fast-paced environment and I enjoy it. In my last role, we were under tight deadlines for many projects. This meant that everyone had to work quickly but also carefully to ensure quality. I think I thrive in these types of environments because I know how to balance speed with accuracy.”

17. Which area of engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your passion for engineering. It also helps them understand what you hope to accomplish in this role and how it fits into your career goals. When answering, be sure to mention an area of engineering that aligns with the job description.

Example: “I am most interested in mechanical engineering. I love working on projects where I can use my creativity and problem-solving skills to create something new or improve upon existing technology. In my last position, I worked on a team that developed a new type of battery that was more efficient than current models. We were able to reduce costs while increasing performance by 30%. That project was one of my favorites.”

18. General Motors is a company that emphasizes innovation. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

General Motors is a company that values innovation, and they want to know what you think about it. They are looking for someone who can help them innovate in their industry. In your answer, explain how you would approach being innovative at General Motors.

Example: “I believe the most important thing when trying to be innovative is to remember that there’s no one right way to do things. There are many ways to solve problems, so I always try to look at situations from different angles. This helps me come up with new ideas and solutions.”

19. What types of programs do you have experience with?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your technical skills and experience. If you have relevant experience, share it with the interviewer. If you don’t have any direct experience but are eager to learn new programs, let the interviewer know that you’re open to training.

Example: “I’ve worked in a variety of engineering software programs throughout my career. I’m familiar with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB and Microsoft Visual Studio. I also have some experience using 3D modeling software like Rhino and Grasshopper.”

20. Do you recall any linguistic mistakes in games you have played?

Game developers often have to create unique languages for their games. This question helps the interviewer understand how you use your language skills in a creative way and whether you’ve ever made any mistakes while doing so.

Example: “I once played a game where I had to find hidden objects by looking at runes on the ground. The runes were written in an ancient language, but there was no translation available. So, I used my knowledge of linguistics to translate the runes myself. It took me quite some time, but eventually I figured out what they said.”