17 Mechanical Engineering Intern Interview Questions and Answers

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test machines and mechanical systems. This can include anything from medical devices to aircraft engines.

If you’re looking for a job as a mechanical engineer, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. One way to prepare for this important meeting is to learn how to answer mechanical engineering interview questions before talking with an interviewer.

Employers look for mechanical engineers who are trustworthy, reliable, well organized, and able to solve problems. You’ll also need physical strength and stamina, as well as knowledge of the best ways to design and build machines.

A mechanical engineering interview is your chance to show that you’ve polished these skills to a shine. To help you get ready, we’ve listed mechanical engineering questions and answers that will help you figure out what you want to say during an interview.

Are you familiar with the engineering design process?

The engineering design process is a series of steps that mechanical engineers use to create and test prototypes. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary knowledge to complete your internship duties. In your answer, explain that you understand the basic steps of the engineering design process. Share that you are willing to learn more about it if needed.

Example: “I am familiar with the engineering design process. I took an introductory class in college where we learned about each step. However, I would be happy to refresh my memory on the process again. I know that there are many different approaches to the engineering design process, so I’m excited to see how your company uses it.”

What are some of the most important skills for a mechanical engineer 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 mechanical engineering.

Example: “The most important skill for a mechanical engineer is problem-solving because we are constantly solving problems. I am also very good at math, which is another essential skill for mechanical engineers. In my previous internship, I was tasked with creating a new design for an engine that would increase fuel efficiency by 10%. I used my math skills to calculate what changes needed to be made to achieve this goal.”

How would you go about solving a problem if you didn’t have all of the necessary resources or information?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and how you use them to find solutions. Use examples from previous projects or experiences where you had to solve problems without all of the information, but still managed to come up with an effective solution.

Example: “In my last internship, I was tasked with designing a new type of solar panel that would be more efficient than current models on the market. However, there were no existing designs for this project, so I had to start from scratch. I started by researching different types of solar panels currently in production and what makes them work. From there, I used those findings to create a prototype design that could be mass produced.”

What is your process for identifying and addressing risks in a project?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach a project and your thought process. Use examples from previous projects to explain how you identify risks, analyze them and develop solutions.

Example: “I use several methods for identifying risks in a project. I first look at the design specifications and compare them to the client’s expectations. Then, I review any existing data or research that may be relevant to the project. Finally, I discuss my findings with my team members so we can come up with solutions together. In one of my past internships, I noticed that our initial designs were not feasible because they did not meet the client’s requirements. We then discussed alternative ideas and came up with new designs that met all of the client’s needs.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your creativity to come up with a solution to a problem.

Employers ask this question to see if you have the ability to think outside of the box and come up with unique solutions. When answering, it can be helpful to provide an example that shows your creativity while also highlighting other important skills such as problem-solving or teamwork.

Example: “At my internship last summer, we were tasked with creating a new design for a machine that would help farmers harvest their crops more efficiently. I noticed that many of the machines had issues with overheating, which caused them to break down during use. I decided to create a cooling system that would keep the machines from overheating by using water to cool the motors. This solution helped reduce downtime on the farm and allowed the company to save money.”

If you were given the task of designing a new car, what features would you include?

This question can help the interviewer determine your creativity and problem-solving skills. Use examples from previous projects to show how you would approach this task.

Example: “If I were given the task of designing a new car, I would first consider what features are most important for the driver. For example, in my last internship, we had to create an engine that could power a vehicle at high speeds while using as little fuel as possible. In this case, I would design the car with lightweight materials so it could accelerate quickly but also use less fuel. I would also include safety features like airbags and seat belts.”

What would you do if you noticed a potential safety issue while reviewing the blueprints for a new product?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are aware of your own safety and the safety of others. They want to know that you will report any issues immediately so they can be addressed before a product goes into production. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation by giving an example of a time you reported a problem with a design.

Example: “If I noticed a potential safety issue while reviewing blueprints for a new product, I would first bring it up in our team meeting. If my concerns were not addressed there, I would speak to my supervisor about them. I have had experience reporting a safety concern before when I was working on a project at school. My team was designing a new type of bike helmet, but we did not consider the weight of the helmet when designing the straps. I brought up my concerns during our team meeting, and my teammates decided to redesign the strap system.”

How well do you understand the differences between static and dynamic systems?

This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts. Use examples from your experience to show that you understand how these systems work and when they’re most effective.

Example: “In my last internship, I worked on a project where we had to create a system for an amusement park ride. The dynamic system we created was more efficient than the static one because it allowed us to use fewer parts while still maintaining safety. This helped reduce costs for the client.”

Do you have experience using computer-aided design software?

Mechanical engineers use computer-aided design software to create and test prototypes of machines. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary skills for the job. Before your interview, research the types of programs that the company uses. If you don’t know which ones they use, explain that you are familiar with several different types of CAD software.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Autodesk Inventor and Solidworks. I used both of these programs in my last internship where I was tasked with creating a prototype of an automated door opener. I also learned how to use Fusion 360 while taking a class on 3D modeling.”

When reviewing another engineer’s work, what is your process for checking for errors?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and collaborate with others. Your answer should show that you are a team player who is willing to offer constructive feedback.

Example: “I always start by reading through the entire document, looking for any grammatical errors or typos. Then I check all of the math and calculations to make sure they’re correct. Finally, I compare my results to those in the report to see if there are any discrepancies. If I find any issues, I will let the engineer know so they can fix them before presenting their work to senior management.”

We want to increase the efficiency of our manufacturing process. How would you go about doing that?

This question is a great way to show 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 go about doing this step by step.

Example: “I would first look at the current process and analyze what’s working well and what isn’t. Then I’d create a new plan that incorporates all of the best parts of the old one while improving efficiency. For example, if there are certain machines or processes that take up too much time, I might find ways to automate those tasks so they’re more efficient.”

Describe your process for conducting a stress analysis.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you can apply the skills and knowledge you’ve learned in school. You should describe a process for conducting a stress analysis, but also explain how you would modify it based on the needs of the project or company.

Example: “I start by identifying the type of stress I’m analyzing. For example, if I’m looking at the stresses within a material, I’ll use FEA software to analyze the stresses within the structure. If I’m looking at the stresses within a system, like a building, I’ll use finite element modeling to determine the stresses within each component of the system. Once I know what type of stress I’m analyzing, I’ll begin my research into the best method for performing the analysis.”

What makes you the best candidate for this mechanical engineering internship?

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 and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant abilities and explaining why they are beneficial to this position.

Example: “I am passionate about mechanical engineering and have been working toward my degree in this field since I was 18 years old. Throughout my education, I’ve developed strong problem-solving skills and learned how to work with others to solve complex issues. My communication skills are also quite advanced, which is important for communicating ideas to clients or other team members. These skills make me the best candidate for this internship.”

Which industries do you hope to work in after completing your internship with our company?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your career goals and aspirations. They want to make sure you are a good fit for their company, but they also want to know that you have plans to stay in the engineering field after completing your internship. In your answer, try to show that you’ve done some research on the industry and that you’re excited about working there.

Example: “I hope to work in the aerospace industry after I complete my internship. I am fascinated by how engineers can create machines that fly through the air. I think it’s amazing that we can build something so complex and get it into space. I would love to be able to contribute to the design of new planes or spacecraft.”

What do you think is the most important thing that mechanical engineers can do to help the world?

This question is a great way to show your passion for mechanical engineering and the impact you want to make in the world. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about how you have helped improve something or made someone’s life easier through your work as a mechanical engineer.

Example: “I think that mechanical engineers are some of the most important people on the planet because we help solve so many problems. For example, I worked with a team last summer where we were tasked with creating a wheelchair ramp for an elderly woman who had trouble getting around her home. We designed a wheelchair ramp that was lightweight enough for her husband to install by himself, which allowed her to get outside more often.”

How often do you update your knowledge and skills as a mechanical engineer?

Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and continuously learning new things. They may ask this question to see if you have a plan for continuing your education throughout your career. In your answer, explain how you stay up-to-date on the latest mechanical engineering news and trends. Share any methods you use to learn more about your field.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my skills as a mechanical engineer. I subscribe to several mechanical engineering blogs and newsletters so I can read articles from experts in the industry. I also take online courses through Udemy and other platforms to expand my knowledge of different topics. I find these resources very helpful because they allow me to learn at my own pace.”

There is a problem with a product you designed. How do you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you respond to challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to communicate clearly and willingness to take on responsibility.

Example: “If there is a problem with a product I designed, I would first try to identify what caused it. If I made an error in my calculations or design, I would immediately inform my supervisor so they could address it before production began. If the issue was due to another factor, such as a change in materials or suppliers, I would work with my team to find a solution that still met the needs of the project.”