20 National Renewable Energy Lab Interview Questions and Answers

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation’s premier laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an economically viable and environmentally sustainable energy future.

If you’re interested in working at NREL, you can expect the interview process to be competitive. To give yourself the best chance of landing the job, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions. In this article, we’ve gathered a list of common NREL interview questions to help you prepare for your interview.

National Renewable Energy Lab Interview Process

The interview process at National Renewable Energy Lab can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screening and one in-person interview. For some positions, you may be asked to give a presentation as part of the interview process. Overall, the interview process is fairly thorough and can take several weeks to complete.

1. Why do you want to work at the National Renewable Energy Lab?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are interested in working at this specific organization. It is important to show that you have done your research on the National Renewable Energy Lab, including what it does and its mission. You should also mention any personal reasons for wanting to work there.

Example: “I am passionate about renewable energy and want to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to finding ways to make our planet more sustainable. I believe that the National Renewable Energy Lab is one of the best places to do this because of its dedication to innovation and collaboration with other organizations.”

2. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to answer honestly. Employers ask this question because they want to know what you’re good at and where you can improve. When answering this question, be sure to focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.

Example: “I am extremely organized and detail-oriented. I also have excellent communication skills and work well under pressure. My weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on the task at hand that I forget to take breaks. This has led to me feeling overwhelmed or burnt out in the past.”

3. How would you go about designing a solar panel for an electric vehicle?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of solar energy and how it can be used in different applications. When answering this question, you should focus on the steps you would take when designing a solar panel for an electric vehicle.

Example: “I would first determine what type of solar cells I would use for the project. For this application, I would probably choose monocrystalline silicon solar cells because they are more efficient than other types of solar cells. Next, I would consider the size of the solar panels needed for the vehicle. I would also need to decide whether or not I wanted to include any additional features like a battery system.”

4. Can you tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward, how did you approach it?

This question is a great way to assess problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to solve the problem and what your final solution was.

Example: “At my current position, I had a client who wanted to create an entirely new website for their business. They were looking for something that would help them reach more customers online. However, they didn’t have much money to spend on the project. So, I suggested we start with a redesign of their existing site. This would allow us to build out some of the functionality they needed while also saving them money. The client agreed, and we started working on the project.”

5. Describe your experience with using software programs such as MATLAB or Python.

The interviewer may ask you this question to determine your experience with using software programs that are used in the renewable energy field. You can answer this question by describing any previous experience you have with these programs and how it helped you complete your work.

Example: “I’ve had some experience working with MATLAB and Python, but I’m not as experienced with them as I am with other programming languages. However, my last employer gave me a lot of training on MATLAB and Python, which allowed me to use both programs effectively. For example, when we were analyzing data from our solar panel project, I was able to use MATLAB to create graphs and charts for our reports.”

6. Do you have any experience working in a team environment?

The National Renewable Energy Lab is a collaborative environment, so it’s important that you have experience working in teams. When answering this question, think about the types of projects you’ve worked on and how your team members contributed to the project’s success.

Example: “In my current role as an engineer, I work with a large team of engineers, scientists and technicians who all contribute to our projects. In my previous position, I was part of a smaller engineering team where we collaborated on several different projects. Both positions helped me develop my teamwork skills and learn how to communicate effectively with others.”

7. Give an example of a time when you were able to help someone reach their goals.

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your leadership skills and how you motivate others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific goal that someone had and how you helped them achieve it.

Example: “When I first started working as an engineer, my manager was very busy with other projects so he wasn’t able to give me much guidance on how to do my job well. One day, he asked me if I would like some extra training on how to use our software program. I told him yes, and he scheduled a time for us to meet one-on-one where he taught me all about the software. After that meeting, I felt more confident in my ability to complete my work.”

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

This question is a common one in interviews. It allows the interviewer to get an idea of your career goals and aspirations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include some personal details about yourself that you feel are important for the interviewer to know.

Example: “I see myself working at NREL for many years to come. I love the work environment here and am excited to continue my research on renewable energy sources. In 5 years, I hope to have completed my master’s degree in renewable energy engineering. I would also like to start a family by then.”

9. Tell us about a project you worked on that you are proud of.

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant’s work history and what they are most proud of. This can help you determine if their experience aligns with the job description and whether or not they would be a good fit for the position.

Example: “I am very proud of my last project at my previous company, where I worked on creating an energy-efficient building that was also cost-effective. It took us several months to complete, but we were able to create a model that other companies could use as well. We even got it patented so no one else could copy our design.”

10. Do you think you could work independently if needed?

This question is a way for employers to assess your ability to work independently. They want employees who can complete tasks without much supervision, so they ask this question to see if you have the skills and experience to do that. In your answer, explain how you are able to manage your time and get things done on your own.

Example: “I am very comfortable working independently. I’ve worked in many positions where I was the only employee or one of few employees. This has helped me develop my independent skills because I had to learn how to manage my time and get things done without help from others. I also find it helpful to use resources like online training courses and guides to help me with projects.”

11. Are you comfortable with public speaking?

This question is often asked to determine how comfortable you are with presenting your ideas and research in front of a group. Employers want employees who can confidently share their findings, so they ask this question to see if you have experience doing so. If you do not have much public speaking experience, explain what other types of presentations you’ve done before.

Example: “I am very comfortable with public speaking. In my last position, I was the lead presenter for our department’s monthly meetings. These meetings were an opportunity for me to present my team’s progress on renewable energy projects. I also presented at several conferences about my team’s work. I find public speaking to be quite enjoyable as long as I’m prepared.”

12. Have you ever been involved in a research project before? If so, what was your role?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new employer. The National Renewable Energy Lab conducts research projects, so it’s likely that you’ll be working on one if you’re hired. This question also allows the interviewer to see how much experience you have in this type of work and whether or not you are qualified for the position.

Example: “I’ve been involved in several research projects throughout my career. In college, I worked with a team of other students to create an alternative energy source. We were tasked with creating a renewable energy source that could power a small town. My team and I created a solar panel system that was able to power a small city.”

13. What is your favorite renewable energy source?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleagues. It can also help you determine which renewable energy sources the lab focuses on most. When answering this question, try to think of what you are passionate about and how it relates to the job.

Example: “I am very interested in solar power because I love being outside. I find that when I’m working with solar panels, I feel like I’m getting some sun myself. I’ve always been fascinated by the sun and its ability to provide us with so much energy. I would love to work at NREL to help develop even better ways to harness the sun’s energy.”

14. What is your greatest strength?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and abilities necessary for the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what you are most proud of in your career so far.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always looking for ways to help others succeed, whether that’s by sharing information or helping them solve problems. In my last role, I noticed that one of my coworkers was having trouble understanding some of the concepts we were working on. I offered to meet with her after hours to go over the material again, which helped her feel more confident in her work.”

15. Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question can help interviewers learn more about your customer service skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you helped a customer solve a problem or provided them with exceptional service.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer who was having trouble setting up their account. They called us multiple times and were getting frustrated because they couldn’t figure out the issue. I took over the call and spent an hour on the phone with them going through all the steps to set up their account. In the end, it turned out that the issue was due to a software update. The customer was so grateful for my help and told me how much they appreciated our company’s customer service.”

16. What are the most important qualities for a successful researcher?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have the skills and abilities to succeed in their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few qualities that are important for researchers and explain why they’re beneficial.

Example: “I believe one of the most important qualities for a successful researcher is curiosity. Researchers should always be asking questions about how things work or what new discoveries could improve current processes. Another quality I think is important is creativity. A researcher needs to be able to come up with unique solutions to problems or challenges. Finally, I think collaboration is an important skill because research often involves working with other people.”

17. What kind of work environment do you prefer?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit for their organization. They may want to know that you are comfortable with the work environment at NREL, which is typically collaborative and fast-paced. You should answer honestly about your preferences but also highlight how you adapt to different environments.

Example: “I prefer a highly collaborative work environment where I am able to bounce ideas off of my colleagues and learn from them. However, I understand that sometimes it’s necessary to work independently on projects. At my last job, I was often tasked with working alone or in small groups to complete assignments. I learned to adjust to this kind of work environment and found ways to collaborate with others when possible.”

18. Which area of renewable energy interests you most?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the renewable energy industry. It also allows you to share what interests you most about working at NREL. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area that you have experience in or are passionate about.

Example: “I am very interested in solar power and how we can make it more efficient. I think there’s still so much room for improvement, which makes me excited to work on new projects. I’ve been researching different ways to improve efficiency, including using nanotechnology.”

19. What do you know about the National Renewable Energy Lab?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the National Renewable Energy Lab and its mission. It also allows you to show that you have researched the organization before applying for the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include specific facts about the lab’s history or some of its most recent projects.

Example: “I know that the National Renewable Energy Lab was founded in 2007 by President George W. Bush as part of his energy policy. The lab has two locations, one in Golden, Colorado and another in the city of Boulder. I am familiar with the research conducted at the lab, including the development of solar cells and wind turbines.”

20. We are looking for someone who can take initiative, give us an example of a time where you took initiative.

This question is a great way to see how well you can work independently. It’s important for employees at the NREL to be able to take initiative and solve problems on their own, so it’s important that you show your interviewer that you have this skill.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed that our department was running low on supplies. Rather than waiting for someone else to notice, I took it upon myself to order more supplies. This helped us avoid any delays in production and saved the company money.”