17 Electrical Test Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Electrical test engineers are responsible for verifying the performance and safety of electrical equipment and systems. They work with a wide range of products, including power supplies, generators, motors, and batteries. Electrical test engineers may also be involved in the design of electrical equipment and systems.

If you’re looking for a job as an electrical test engineer, it’s important to be prepared for the interview. The questions you’ll be asked will vary depending on the company and the position, but some of the most common questions include:

-What experience do you have with electrical testing? -What are some of the most common problems you’ve encountered while testing electrical equipment? -How do you go about troubleshooting electrical problems? -What are some of the most important safety measures you take while testing electrical equipment?

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers that will help you answer these and other common questions.

Are you familiar with the IEEE 829 standards for test documentation?

The IEEE 829 standards are a set of guidelines for test documentation that many companies use. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with these standards and how they apply to your work. In your answer, explain what the IEEE 829 standards are and describe any experience you’ve had using them in your previous roles.

Example: “I am familiar with the IEEE 829 standards for test documentation. I worked at my last company where we used these standards as part of our quality assurance process. We would create test plans based on customer requirements and then document all testing procedures according to the IEEE 829 standards. This helped us ensure that we were following best practices when it came to documenting our tests.”

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

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and qualifications to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight your technical, communication and problem-solving skills.

Example: “The most important skill for an electrical test engineer is their ability to communicate effectively with others. Electrical engineers need to be able to clearly explain their ideas and concepts to other members of a team. I also think it’s important to have strong technical skills because they allow me to understand complex problems and develop solutions. Finally, I believe that being organized and detail-oriented are essential skills for electrical test engineers.”

How would you troubleshoot a circuit that was not working properly?

This question can help the interviewer understand your troubleshooting skills and how you apply them to a circuit. Use examples from past experience in which you used your problem-solving skills to identify issues with circuits and solve them.

Example: “When I’m troubleshooting a circuit, I first look at all of the components that make up the circuit. Then, I test each component individually to see if it’s working properly. If one part of the circuit isn’t working as expected, I’ll replace or repair it. In my last role, I had to troubleshoot a circuit that wasn’t working properly. After testing each individual component, I found that one of the wires was loose. I fixed the wire and the circuit worked again.”

What is your process for evaluating the quality of a circuit design?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge of electrical engineering to a project. Your answer should include steps for evaluating circuit designs and any tools or processes you use to ensure quality work.

Example: “I start by reviewing the design specifications, including what needs to be accomplished with the circuit and the safety requirements. Then I analyze the schematic diagram to determine if it’s complete and accurate. Next, I check the bill of materials to make sure all components are accounted for and that they’re compatible with each other. Finally, I review the layout drawings to ensure there aren’t any errors in the placement of components.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to work with a difficult or challenging customer.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you handle conflict and whether or not you can resolve it in a professional manner. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to solve the problem and maintain a positive relationship with the customer.

Example: “In my previous role as an electrical test engineer, I had a difficult customer who would often call me at all hours of the day about issues they were having with our software. This made it challenging for me to get any work done because I was constantly answering their questions. Eventually, I scheduled a meeting with them to discuss the issue. We talked through some of the challenges they were having and came up with a solution that allowed them to use the software more effectively.”

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

This question helps the interviewer determine how you plan to fit into their team and what your goals are for your first few weeks on the job. Your answer should include a list of things you would do to get acclimated to your new role, including meeting with coworkers and learning about company policies and procedures.

Example: “During my first week, I would want to meet as many people in the office as possible. I also plan to spend time getting familiar with the company’s computer systems and any other resources that will help me complete my work. I would also like to learn more about the projects we’re currently working on so I can contribute to them from day one.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker was not following safety procedures while testing electrical components?

Interviewers ask this question to see how you would handle a situation that could be challenging. They want to know if you can use your communication skills and problem-solving abilities to help resolve the issue in a way that helps everyone stay safe while also helping the coworker improve their testing methods.

Example: “I would first make sure I understood what they were doing wrong, so I could explain it to them in a way they understand. Then, I would talk with my supervisor about the situation so we could come up with a plan for addressing the issue. If the coworker was new to the company or the position, I would offer to train them on the proper safety procedures and give them extra support until they felt comfortable performing the tasks.”

How well do you understand the differences between AC and DC circuits?

This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of electrical engineering and how it applies to test engineering. Use examples from your experience to highlight your understanding of AC and DC circuits, as well as their differences.

Example: “In my previous role, I worked on a team that designed circuit boards for an industrial-sized washing machine. The company wanted to create a new feature where the washer could detect when clothes were too dirty and wash them again without any user input. To do this, we had to use both AC and DC circuits in our design. We used AC circuits because they’re more efficient than DC circuits at transferring power over long distances. However, we also needed to be able to measure the voltage of the current, which is something you can’t do with AC circuits.”

Do you have experience using oscilloscopes? If so, can you provide an example of how you used them on the job?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with oscilloscopes and how you apply that knowledge in the workplace. If you have used an oscilloscope before, consider sharing a specific example of when you used it on the job and what you learned from using it.

Example: “I’ve used oscilloscopes for years as part of my electrical test engineer duties. I use them to measure voltage, current and frequency, which helps me ensure that products are safe for consumers. In one instance, I was working on a project where we needed to make sure our product didn’t exceed certain voltage levels. Using the oscilloscope, I was able to determine that the product met all safety standards.”

When testing a circuit, do you follow a specific process to ensure you check all the components?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to understand how you apply your knowledge of electrical engineering principles and processes. Use examples from previous projects where you applied the steps of testing circuits, including checking for voltage, continuity and resistance.

Example: “I always start by checking for voltage in each circuit I test. If there is no voltage present, then I check for continuity between components. If there’s no continuity, then I know that part of the circuit isn’t functioning properly. After checking for voltage and continuity, I check for resistance. If there’s no resistance, then it means the circuit is open. If there’s resistance, then it means the circuit is closed.”

We want to improve our circuit testing processes to meet industry standards. If you could redesign one aspect of our testing procedures, what would it be and why?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. You can use the company’s current testing procedures as a starting point for your answer, then explain how you would improve them based on your own experience or knowledge of industry standards.

Example: “I’d start by analyzing the circuit testing process from beginning to end. I’d look at each step in the process to see if there are any areas that could be improved. For example, I might find that some tests take too long to complete, which may lead to mistakes. I would try to reduce the time it takes to perform these tests so they’re more efficient.”

Describe your experience with using multimeters.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with using tools and equipment in the field. Use your answer to highlight your ability to use a multimeter, including how you’ve used one before and what kind of information you can gather from it.

Example: “I have been using a multimeter for several years now, so I am quite comfortable with its functionality. In my last role as an electrical test engineer, I used a multimeter to check voltage levels on circuits and components. I also used it to measure current flow through wires and cables to ensure they were functioning properly.”

What makes you the best candidate for this electrical test engineer position?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are qualified for this role. Use examples from your experience and education to highlight your skills, knowledge and abilities.

Example: “I have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology with an emphasis on software development. I also have five years of experience as an electrical test engineer at my current company where I’ve worked on projects like developing new products and testing them for safety. My background in both hardware and software development makes me well-suited for this position.”

Which electrical components or systems have you tested in the past?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how you apply it to a new role. Use examples from your resume or past projects to highlight your skills and abilities as an electrical test engineer.

Example: “In my last position, I tested all of the components in a power grid system that was used for a large-scale solar farm. The project required me to work with several other engineers to ensure we were testing each component correctly and efficiently. We also had to make sure our tests didn’t interfere with the operation of the entire solar farm. My knowledge of the different systems helped us complete the project on time.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being an electrical test engineer?

This question can help interviewers understand what you think about your job and how it relates to the company. They may want to know that you enjoy working as an electrical test engineer, but they also might appreciate hearing about any challenges you’ve faced in this role. Consider discussing a challenge you have experienced and how you overcame it or plan to overcome it.

Example: “The most challenging part of being an electrical test engineer is finding ways to improve testing processes. I love my work because I get to solve problems every day, but sometimes it’s hard to find new solutions when we’re doing something over and over again. However, I try to look at each project with fresh eyes and consider different approaches.”

How often do you update your knowledge and skills as an electrical test engineer?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach your career and whether you’re open to learning new things. Your answer should show that you are committed to continuous improvement, but it’s also important to mention specific ways you’ve done this in the past.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my skills as an electrical test engineer. I have taken several online courses on topics like digital testing and automated testing. These courses helped me learn more about these processes and apply them to my work. In addition, I regularly read industry publications and attend conferences to stay up-to-date with current trends.”

There is a discrepancy in the results of two different tests on the same circuit. What is your process for determining the correct result?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach problem-solving and your ability to use critical thinking skills. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for determining which test result is correct, including any additional steps you might take to ensure accuracy.

Example: “I would first compare the two tests to see if they were performed in the same way. If so, I would then check the equipment used during each test to make sure it was calibrated correctly. Next, I would perform a third test on the circuit to determine whether one of the previous results was incorrect.”