Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from a mechanical engineering technologist, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them.
Mechanical engineering technologists are the link between engineers and the technicians who implement their designs. As a result, they must be able to communicate effectively with both groups and have a strong understanding of both the theory and practice of mechanical engineering.
If you’re looking for a job as a mechanical engineering technologist, you’ll need to be able to answer a variety of questions about your skills, experience, and education. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers that you can use to develop your own responses.
Mechanical engineering technologists often work with a team of professionals to complete projects. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable working in a collaborative environment and that you have experience doing so. In your answer, explain how you enjoy working as part of a team and what skills you bring to the table.
Example: “I am very comfortable working with a team of professionals. Throughout my career, I’ve worked on several teams of mechanical engineers, architects and other professionals. I find it helpful to bounce ideas off of others and learn from their expertise. I also like contributing my own unique perspective to a project. I feel that my background in computer modeling and 3D printing has helped me contribute valuable insights to many projects.”
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 the position.
Example: “The most important skill for me is my attention to detail. I am very organized and able to follow through on projects from start to finish. Another skill that has helped me in my career is my problem-solving ability. I enjoy finding solutions to complex problems and figuring out ways to make things more efficient. Finally, communication is another key skill for me. I like being able to explain technical concepts to others so everyone understands.”
This question helps the interviewer understand your understanding of what a mechanical engineering technologist does. It also allows you to show how you would interact with other team members and contribute to the overall success of the project.
Example: “A mechanical engineering technologist is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of a product’s design are feasible, including its functionality, safety and cost-effectiveness. I believe it’s important to work closely with other team members to ensure we’re meeting these goals while still creating an appealing product. For example, in my last role, I worked on a new line of kitchen appliances. My team included designers, marketers and engineers who were all working toward the same goal of creating a successful product.”
Mechanical engineering technologists use computer-aided design software to create and test prototypes. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with using CAD software, as well as how you apply it in your work. In your answer, try to describe a time when you used the specific type of CAD software that the company uses.
Example: “I have extensive experience using Autodesk Inventor software. I first learned how to use this program while working at my previous job, where I was responsible for creating 3D models of various projects. I also regularly applied these skills during my internship at a local manufacturing plant, where I helped engineers develop new products by testing different designs.”
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with mechanical engineering and how you apply it to projects. Use examples from your resume or a previous job application to describe what you did in your role as a mechanical engineer.
Example: “In my last position, I helped design a new type of wind turbine that was more efficient than other models on the market. My team and I analyzed different types of turbines and their components to determine which ones were most effective at generating energy. We then used our findings to create a prototype for the new turbine. After testing its efficiency, we made adjustments to improve its performance and created a final model.”
This question helps employers determine what your interests are and how you might fit into their company culture. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area of mechanical engineering that you have experience in or a specific project you would like to work on.
Example: “I am passionate about the design process for new products. I find it interesting to learn about the needs of a client and then create a product that meets those needs. In my last role, I worked with a team to develop a new type of bike helmet that was lightweight but also safe. It was rewarding to see our hard work come to fruition.”
This question can help interviewers understand how you approach challenges and whether you’re willing to seek out additional information or training. In your answer, try to show that you are committed to learning more about mechanical engineering technology and developing your skills as a professional.
Example: “If I was working on a project and realized I needed more technical knowledge, I would first ask my supervisor if they had any resources available for me to learn more. If not, I would look online for educational materials or enroll in an online course to gain the necessary knowledge. I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge of mechanical engineering technology, so this is something I would be happy to do.”
The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the safety regulations and standards that apply to mechanical engineering technologists. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of these regulations and how you use them in your work.
Example: “I understand that as a mechanical engineering technologist, I am responsible for ensuring the products I design are safe for consumers. To do this, I must be familiar with all applicable safety regulations and standards. In my last role, I was tasked with designing a new product that met certain safety requirements. I researched the relevant safety regulations and standards and used this information to ensure the product I designed met those standards.”
This question can help interviewers understand your experience level and how you might fit into their company. Use examples from your past to explain what materials you worked with, the manufacturing processes you used and the products you helped create.
Example: “In my last position as a mechanical engineering technologist, I was responsible for creating new designs for consumer goods. One of my projects involved working with plastics to create a more efficient water bottle design. We were able to use recycled plastic in our design process, which reduced the amount of waste produced by the product. In addition, we created a water bottle that could hold ice cubes for longer periods of time than other brands.”
This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your problem-solving skills and ability to identify potential issues before they become costly. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for testing new designs, including how you use data to support your decisions.
Example: “When I’m testing a new product design, my first step is to create a test plan that outlines all of the tests I’ll be conducting. Next, I perform each test as outlined in the test plan. After completing each test, I analyze the results to determine if there are any areas where improvements could be made. If so, I make adjustments to the design based on the test results.”
This question can help the interviewer understand your problem-solving skills and how you would apply them to a specific project. Use examples from previous projects or describe what you would do if you were given this task in your current role.
Example: “I would first conduct an energy audit of the product, which involves measuring the power consumption of the product under different conditions. I would then use this data to create a model that predicts the energy efficiency of the product based on its usage. This will allow me to make changes to the product’s design so it uses less energy when in operation.”
The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you work with others and share your ideas. Your answer should show that you are a team player who is willing to collaborate with other members of the engineering team.
Example: “I use Microsoft OneNote for all my documentation, which allows me to create notes, lists, tables and diagrams in one place. I find it helpful to keep all my information in one location because it makes it easy to access when I need it later. In addition, I can easily share my documents with other members of the team by emailing them or uploading them to our company’s shared drive.”
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 reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Consider highlighting any relevant experience or skills that match what the employer is looking for.
Example: “I am an ideal mechanical engineering technologist because I have five years of experience in this role. During my time as a mechanical engineering technologist, I’ve developed strong problem-solving skills and learned how to work with different types of machinery. I also understand the importance of safety when working on projects and always follow all safety protocols. Another reason I’m an ideal candidate is because I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from XYZ University.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with computer-aided design software. It can also show them which programs you prefer to use and why. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few features that make each program useful for you.
Example: “I am most familiar with SolidWorks, AutoCAD and Inventor. I find these programs easy to navigate and they have many tools that allow me to create models and designs quickly. Each program has its own unique benefits, but I think my favorite is SolidWorks because it’s so versatile and allows me to work on projects from start to finish.”
This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you approach challenges. Your answer can also show your level of self-awareness, which is an important skill for this role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about yourself that helps you overcome challenges.
Example: “The most challenging part of being a mechanical engineering technologist is having to work with tight deadlines. I find that my ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks helps me meet these deadlines while still producing high-quality work. In fact, in my last position, I was able to reduce the average time it took our team to complete projects by 25%.”
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 plan for keeping up with the latest developments in mechanical engineering technology. In your answer, share how you stay on top of industry news and trends. Explain what resources you use to learn about new advancements.
Example: “I am passionate about my career, so I always make sure to keep up with the latest developments in mechanical engineering technology. I subscribe to several trade publications and online newsletters to get updates on the latest products and innovations. I also attend conferences and seminars to hear from experts in the field. I find these events to be very informative and helpful when it comes time to solve problems at work.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you respond to challenges and whether you have a problem-solving mindset. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you handled a problem with a product or project.
Example: “In my last position as a mechanical engineering technologist, I designed a new type of car engine that was supposed to use less fuel than other engines on the market. However, when we tested the engine, it used more fuel than expected. This meant that the company would not make as much money from selling these cars as they had planned. My team and I worked together to figure out why the engine used so much fuel. We discovered that there was an error in our calculations, and once we fixed the mistake, the engine performed as intended.”