17 Electrical Engineer Intern Interview Questions and Answers

An electrical engineer intern is someone who is currently enrolled in a degree program related to electrical engineering. Electrical engineer interns work with experienced engineers to learn how to design and develop electrical systems.

Answering interview questions is a critical part of the job application process. In this guide, you will find electrical engineer interview questions and answers that will help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the basics of electrical engineering?

This question is a great way for employers to assess your knowledge of the field. They want to know that you have some background in electrical engineering and can apply it to their company. When answering this question, make sure to mention any classes or training you’ve had with electrical engineering.

Example: “I am familiar with the basics of electrical engineering. I took an introductory class in college where we learned about circuits, power sources and other important concepts. I also completed an internship at my previous job where I was able to put these skills into practice. My team worked on several projects involving circuit design and power distribution.”

What are some of the most important skills for an electrical engineer to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for an electrical engineer and explain why they are so important.

Example: “The two most important skills for an electrical engineer to have are problem-solving and communication skills. Electrical engineers need to be able to solve problems quickly, which requires strong problem-solving skills. In addition, it’s essential that we’re able to communicate our ideas clearly to others. This is especially true when working with a team or client.”

How would you design a power plant that could withstand natural disasters?

This question can help interviewers assess your problem-solving skills and ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations. In your answer, you can describe the steps you would take to design a power plant that could withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes.

Example: “I would first conduct research on the types of natural disasters that are common in the area where the power plant is being built. I would then use this information to determine which components of the power plant are most vulnerable to these hazards. For example, if there was a risk of flooding, I would ensure that all electrical equipment was waterproof. If there was a risk of an earthquake, I would make sure that the building’s foundations were strong enough to support it.”

What is an alternating current, and how is it different from a direct current?

This question is a basic knowledge test that many employers ask to ensure you have the necessary background in electrical engineering. Your answer should include definitions of both alternating current and direct current, as well as how they differ from one another. You can also mention some applications for each type of current.

Example: “Alternating current is an electric current that changes direction periodically. Direct current, or DC, is an electric current that flows in only one direction. AC differs from DC because it reverses its flow at regular intervals. Alternating current is used in most household appliances because it’s more efficient than direct current.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot an electrical system that was not working properly.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach problems and solve them. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and critical thinking abilities.

Example: “At my last internship, I was working on a project that required me to troubleshoot an electrical system that wasn’t functioning properly. The client had hired us to install solar panels in their home, but they weren’t getting enough energy from the sun to power all of their appliances. After inspecting the wiring, I realized that one of the wires was loose. I fixed this issue and the client was able to use the solar panels as intended.”

If you were given the task of designing a new type of electrical system, what research would you do before beginning the project?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to research information. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you would take when researching for an electrical system design project.

Example: “When I was in school, my professor gave us a unique assignment where we had to create our own type of electrical system. We were given no guidelines or requirements, so I started by doing some research on different types of electrical systems that are currently being used. From there, I researched what makes each system work and how they could be improved. After looking at all of these factors, I decided that I wanted to create a new type of electrical system that uses solar power.”

What would you do if you noticed a safety issue with a system you designed?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re aware of safety regulations and procedures. They want to know that you can identify potential hazards, report them and fix the problem yourself or with help from others. In your answer, explain how you would handle a situation like this one. Explain that you would first try to solve the issue on your own before asking for help.

Example: “If I noticed a safety issue in a system I designed, I would first look at all the documentation to see if there were any issues I missed. If not, I would contact my supervisor to discuss the issue. Together, we would figure out what caused the issue and decide whether it’s something I could fix myself or if I should involve other engineers.”

How well do you work with others?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you will fit into their team. They want to know that you are a good communicator and have strong interpersonal skills. Use examples from your past experience of working with others on projects or in teams.

Example: “I am very comfortable communicating with my teammates, especially when I need help understanding something. In my last internship, I worked with two other electrical engineers who were more experienced than me. When I didn’t understand something they said, I would ask them to explain it again so I could fully comprehend it. I also asked questions if I needed clarification. This helped me learn new things and develop my communication skills.”

Do you have any experience working on a team of engineers?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you might fit in with their team. If you have experience working on a team, share what your role was and what responsibilities you had. If you don’t have experience working on a team, you can talk about any other experiences where you worked as part of a group to complete a task or project.

Example: “In my last internship, I worked alongside two senior electrical engineers who helped me learn more about the field. They were always willing to answer questions and provide feedback when I needed it. In addition to working with them, I also collaborated with another intern to create an innovative solution for a client’s problem.”

When given a deadline, do you prefer to work quickly or carefully?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic. They want to know that you can meet deadlines and produce quality work in a timely manner. In your answer, explain how you plan for projects and manage your time. Share an example of when you met a deadline or helped someone else meet one.

Example: “I prefer to take my time with projects because I believe it leads to better results. However, I also understand the importance of meeting deadlines. When given a project with a deadline, I immediately create a schedule for myself. This helps me stay organized and on track. If I have any questions along the way, I make sure to ask them right away so I don’t forget later. I find this method works well for me.”

We want to hire an electrical engineer who is willing to take on challenging projects. Describe a project that was outside of your comfort zone but that you were able to complete successfully.

This question is an opportunity to show your potential employer that you are willing to take on new challenges and learn from them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific project or task that was outside of your comfort zone but that you were able to complete successfully.

Example: “When I first started my electrical engineering internship, I had never worked with the software we used at my company. However, I knew that if I wanted to succeed in my role as an engineer, I would need to become familiar with the software quickly. So, I asked one of my colleagues for help and they showed me how to use the software. After practicing with the software for a few days, I felt comfortable using it.”

Describe your process for troubleshooting a system that isn’t working properly.

Troubleshooting is an important skill for electrical engineers to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to troubleshoot systems and fix them when they aren’t working properly. Use your answer to explain the steps you take when troubleshooting a system. Explain that you will first identify what isn’t working, then determine why it isn’t working and finally find a solution to fix it.

Example: “When I am troubleshooting a system, I start by identifying what isn’t working. For example, if there is a power outage in one area of a building, I would go to that area to see what isn’t working. Next, I would determine why the problem occurred. In this case, I would look at the wiring or other components of the system to figure out why the power went out. Finally, I would come up with a solution to fix the issue. In this situation, I might need to replace some parts of the system to get everything back up and running again.”

What makes you stand out from other electrical engineers?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want to know what makes you unique, so share a few of your strongest skills or experiences that relate to the job description.

Example: “I have always been passionate about renewable energy, which is why I am pursuing an electrical engineering degree. In my previous internship, I worked on several solar projects, including designing a new system for a local business. I also completed a project where I installed solar panels on a residential home. These projects taught me valuable lessons about working with clients and developing systems that are cost-effective.”

Which electrical engineering software do you have experience using?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with electrical engineering software. It can also show them which programs you’re most comfortable using and how familiar you are with other types of software. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few specific features that you’ve used in each program.

Example: “I have experience using AutoCAD, PLEXOS and MATLAB. I find these three programs very useful for my work as an electrical engineer because they allow me to create detailed designs, test out different scenarios and perform complex calculations. In my last internship, I primarily used AutoCAD to design circuits and PLEXOS to simulate those circuits. I also used MATLAB to analyze data from sensors.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of electrical engineering?

This question is a great way to assess an applicant’s knowledge of the field. It also allows you to see how they prioritize their work and what skills they value most in electrical engineering. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of electrical engineering that are important to you or your company.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of electrical engineering is safety. I know that many people rely on our designs for power generation and distribution, so I take extra care to ensure my projects are safe and reliable. I always make sure to include backup systems and redundancies into my designs to prevent any accidents.”

How often do you update your knowledge of electrical engineering?

Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and continuously learning. They may ask this question to see if you have a passion for electrical engineering and how often you update your skills. In your answer, share what resources you use to learn about the industry and new technologies. You can also mention any certifications or training courses you’ve completed recently.

Example: “I am passionate about my career as an electrical engineer, so I make it a point to stay up-to-date on current trends in the field. I subscribe to several online newsletters and blogs where I can read about new developments in technology. I also take part in professional development courses at my university. For example, I just finished a course on renewable energy sources.”

There is a problem with a system you designed. How do you react?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you react to challenges and whether you are able to solve problems on your own. Use examples from previous experiences where you faced a problem with a system you designed, analyzed it and solved it.

Example: “When I first started as an electrical engineer intern, I was working on a project that required me to design a new power grid for a city. After completing my initial designs, I realized there were some issues with the way I had configured the power lines. I immediately went back to my original plans and fixed the issue by reconfiguring the power lines so they would be more efficient. The client was very happy with the final product.”