17 Electrical Engineering Technician Interview Questions and Answers

An electrical engineering technician is a professional who provides technical support to engineers and other professionals who work with electrical equipment. They may work in a variety of settings, including manufacturing plants, research laboratories, and utilities.

If you’re applying for a job as an electrical engineering technician, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your technical skills and experience. You may also be asked questions about your ability to work as part of a team, your problem-solving skills, and your ability to handle stressful situations.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the basic concepts of electrical engineering?

This question is a great way for employers to assess your knowledge of the field. Electrical engineering technicians need to have a basic understanding of how electricity works and what components are needed to create circuits. Your answer should include an example of a concept you understand and how it applies to your work as an electrical engineering technician.

Example: “I am familiar with Ohm’s law, which states that voltage equals current times resistance. This means that if I know any two of these three factors, I can calculate the third. In my last role, this was very helpful when troubleshooting issues with circuits. I also understand the difference between AC and DC power, which helps me determine the right equipment to use in different situations.”

What are some of the most important skills for an electrical engineering technician to 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 electrical engineering technician duties.

Example: “The most important skill for an electrical engineering technician is attention to detail. This is because we are responsible for testing circuits and making sure that all components work properly. Another important skill is communication. Electrical engineers often need assistance with projects, so I am regularly communicating with them about their needs. Finally, problem-solving skills are essential as well. There are many different issues that can arise during testing, so I must be able to solve these problems quickly.”

How would you troubleshoot a malfunctioning circuit board?

Circuit boards are an important part of electrical engineering. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to complete your job duties. Use your answer to highlight your troubleshooting skills, as well as your ability to use tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Example: “I would first check all of the connections on the circuit board to make sure they’re secure. If I find a loose connection, I’ll tighten it with my screwdriver. Next, I’d test the circuit board again to see if that fixed the problem. If not, I’d move on to checking the voltage levels of each component. If one is malfunctioning, then I replace it. Once everything checks out, I can put the circuit board back into its proper place.”

What is your experience with using 3D modeling software?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with using software that is used in electrical engineering. Use examples from previous work to show how you use this type of software and what types of projects you have completed using it.

Example: “I’ve been using 3D modeling software for five years now, starting when I was an intern at a local architecture firm. The company had recently purchased new computers with advanced graphics cards, which allowed us to use more complex programs like Autodesk Inventor. I learned how to use the program to create models of buildings and structures, including interior designs and landscaping features.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified and solved a problem in a circuit.

This question can help the interviewer understand your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to a work environment. Use examples from previous jobs that highlight your ability to analyze circuits, identify problems and solve them quickly.

Example: “In my last job, I was working on a circuit board when I noticed one of the wires had come loose. I immediately stopped what I was doing and fixed the wire so it wouldn’t cause any damage to the rest of the circuit. After fixing the loose wire, I tested the circuit to make sure everything worked properly before continuing with my task.”

If hired for this position, what would be your priorities during your first few weeks on the job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you plan to contribute to the company. Before your interview, make a list of three things you would do if hired. These should be tasks that are important for new employees to complete. Some examples include:

Learning the job’s expectations Finding out who your supervisor is Getting acquainted with other technicians Explaining your role in the company to others Example: “I know it’s important to get to know my coworkers as soon as possible. I’d also like to find out what my responsibilities are so I can start contributing right away. I’m eager to learn from experienced professionals and hope to shadow someone until I feel comfortable enough to perform all of my duties independently.”

What would you do if you noticed another electrical engineering technician making a dangerous mistake while working on a circuit?

This question can help interviewers understand how you work with others and your ability to communicate. Your answer should show that you are willing to speak up when necessary, but also that you respect the opinions of others.

Example: “If I noticed another electrical engineering technician making a dangerous mistake while working on a circuit, I would first make sure they were aware of their error. If they didn’t realize it or if it was an honest mistake, I would offer my assistance in fixing the problem. However, if they ignored me or continued to make the same mistake despite knowing better, I would report them to my supervisor so they could handle the situation.”

How well do you understand the National Electrical Code?

The National Electrical Code is a set of regulations that govern the electrical systems in buildings. Employers ask this question to make sure you have enough knowledge about the NEC to do your job well. Before your interview, read through the most recent version of the NEC. Make notes on any areas where you’re not as familiar with the code. Then, use these notes to answer the interviewer’s question.

Example: “I’ve been working with the National Electrical Code for several years now. I’m very familiar with all of its rules and regulations. In fact, I find it helpful to refer to the NEC when I’m unsure about something. It helps me understand what I should be doing.”

Do you have experience working with hazardous materials?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with dangerous materials and how you handled them. Your answer should show that you understand the risks of working with hazardous materials and that you know how to handle them safely.

Example: “I’ve worked with hazardous materials in my previous role as an electrical engineering technician, but I always made sure to follow all safety protocols when handling these materials. For example, I would wear protective gear like gloves and goggles while working with chemicals and I would never leave a chemical unattended or out of its designated storage area. I also ensured that I had proper ventilation for any projects involving volatile substances.”

When testing new products, how do you ensure that the results are accurate and reliable?

This question can help the interviewer understand your testing methods and how you ensure that the results are accurate. Use examples from past projects to explain how you test products and ensure accuracy in your results.

Example: “I always make sure to follow all safety protocols when testing new products. I also use a variety of equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters and power supplies to test for voltage, current and resistance. When testing for resistance, I use an ohmmeter to measure the amount of resistance between two points on the product. For measuring voltage and current, I use a digital voltmeter and amperimeter to check for these values.”

We want to improve our circuit designs to make them more efficient. What are some common design principles of electrical circuits?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of electrical engineering principles. Use examples from your experience to highlight your ability to apply design principles and create efficient circuits.

Example: “There are several important factors that affect circuit efficiency, including voltage drop, current flow and power loss. Voltage drop occurs when there is a difference in voltage between two points in a circuit. To reduce this, you can use components with higher voltages or increase the distance between the two points. Current flow refers to how much electricity flows through a circuit at any given time. You can improve current flow by using larger conductors. Finally, power loss happens when energy isn’t transferred properly within a circuit. This can happen due to resistance.”

Describe your experience with computer-aided design software.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with computer-aided design software, which is a type of software used in electrical engineering. This can help the interviewer determine whether you have enough experience using CAD software to complete tasks on the job. In your answer, describe your experience level with CAD software and how it helped you complete projects or assignments.

Example: “I’ve been working with computer-aided design software for five years now. I started out my career as an entry-level engineer at a small company that didn’t have many resources. The only way we could create designs was through CAD software. At first, I found it challenging to use the software because there were so many features. However, after completing several projects, I became comfortable with the software and learned how to use its features effectively.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that relate to this position. Focus on highlighting your most relevant experience and soft skills.

Example: “I am an extremely organized person who is able to work well under pressure. I also have excellent communication skills, which allow me to collaborate with others and explain technical concepts in ways that are easy for people to understand. My attention to detail makes me a great candidate because I would be able to perform quality checks throughout my projects. Finally, I am passionate about electrical engineering and enjoy learning new things.”

Which electrical engineering disciplines do you have the most experience with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with electrical engineering. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to list the specific skills you have that are relevant to the job description and highlight any certifications or training you may have completed.

Example: “I have a lot of experience working with power systems, including generators, transformers and motors. I also have some experience with computer-aided design software, which is something I would like to learn more about if hired for this position. I am currently enrolled in an online course on CAD software.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of circuit design?

Circuit design is a major part of electrical engineering, and the interviewer may ask this question to see if you understand what’s important about it. Your answer should show that you know how to create circuits effectively and efficiently. You can mention some specific aspects of circuit design that are important to you or explain why you think they’re important.

Example: “I believe the most important aspect of circuit design is safety. I always make sure my designs are safe for anyone who will be using them. For example, when designing an elevator control system, I would ensure that there were no exposed wires or other hazards that could cause injury. Another important factor in circuit design is efficiency. I try to create systems that use as little energy as possible while still performing their functions.”

How often do you perform maintenance on your equipment and tools?

This question can help the interviewer determine how often you perform preventative maintenance on your tools and equipment. Preventing damage to your tools and equipment can save time and money in the long run, so employers may want to know that you have experience with this process. In your answer, try to explain what types of maintenance you do and why it’s important.

Example: “I clean my tools after every job I work on. This helps me avoid having to replace any damaged or broken tools because they’re not properly maintained. It also ensures that I’m using the right tool for each project. I change the batteries in my flashlights and other battery-operated tools once a month. I oil my power tools once a week.”

There is a bug in the software that you’re using to design a circuit. How do you fix it?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer that you’re familiar with using software to design circuits and how to fix any issues that may arise while doing so. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to troubleshoot the issue and resolve it as quickly as possible.

Example: “I first check if there are any updates available for the software I’m using. If not, then I will try to find out why the bug occurred in the first place. This could be due to an incorrect setting or a missing component. Once I have identified the cause of the bug, I will correct the settings or add the necessary components to solve the issue.”