20 Rockwell Automation Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at Rockwell Automation, you’ll need to know how to answer some specific interview questions.

After all, as a leading provider of industrial automation and information solutions, Rockwell Automation is known for its innovative products and services. So it’s no surprise that the company is also known for its tough interview questions.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common Rockwell Automation interview questions, along with sample answers. With these in hand, you’ll be ready to take on anything the interviewer throws your way.

Rockwell Automation Interview Process

The interview process at Rockwell Automation can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screen and one in-person interview. For some positions, there may be multiple rounds of interviews. The interviews themselves are generally fairly standard, focusing on your experience and skillset. However, for some positions, such as engineering roles, there may be a technical component to the interview. Overall, the interview process is relatively smooth and efficient.

1. What is your experience working with automated systems?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company’s products and services. If you have experience with Rockwell Automation, describe how it helped you in your previous role. If you don’t have direct experience, explain what you know about the company and its products.

Example: “I’ve worked with Rockwell Automation for five years now, starting as a programmer and moving up to my current position as a senior programmer. I’m familiar with all of their systems and can troubleshoot any issues that arise. In fact, I recently had to do this when one of our customers was having trouble with their system. I was able to fix the issue within two hours.”

2. Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple projects at once, how did you prioritize them and what was the outcome?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific project that you managed while also mentioning the steps you took to complete each task on time.

Example: “In my previous role as a software engineer, I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once. One of these projects involved creating a new system for tracking inventory in real-time. This project required me to work with other engineers to create a database that could track inventory levels across multiple warehouses. To manage this project, I scheduled weekly meetings with my team members to discuss their progress and any challenges they were facing.”

3. When have you been in a situation where you had to take control of a project that was not going well? How did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to lead. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to fix the project or how you communicated with others about what was going on.

Example: “In my last position as an automation engineer, I had a project where we were supposed to install new equipment in one of our client’s factories. The factory was already running at full capacity, so we needed to make sure that the new equipment would not slow down production. Unfortunately, when we installed the new equipment, production slowed by 20%.

I immediately called a meeting with all of the engineers who worked on the project. We discussed possible solutions and decided that we could either remove some of the equipment or hire more employees. After discussing both options with the client, they decided to hire more employees.”

4. Can you provide an example of automation software that you have worked on before?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have experience with industrial automation software. You can use your answer to discuss a specific project or highlight your skills and knowledge of Rockwell Automation’s products.

Example: “I worked on a project for a large manufacturing company where I used Rockwell Software Factory to create custom applications for the client. This allowed me to customize the application so it was more efficient for their business, which helped them save money in the long run.”

5. Describe your experience with troubleshooting and problem solving.

Troubleshooting and problem solving are important skills for any engineer to have. Your interviewer may ask this question to see if you can apply your critical thinking and analytical skills to solve problems in the workplace. In your answer, try to describe a time when you solved a problem or helped someone else solve a problem.

Example: “In my last position as an automation engineer, I was responsible for troubleshooting issues with our production line. One day, we had a power outage that caused all of our machines to shut down. I worked with my team to figure out what happened and how to fix it so we could get back up and running again.”

6. Give an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer or client.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific actions you took that helped your customer or client.

Example: “When I was working as an IT specialist for a small business, one of my clients called me in a panic because their computer wasn’t working properly. I immediately went into work mode and spent two hours troubleshooting the issue with them over the phone. After going through all possible solutions, we determined that the problem was due to a faulty motherboard. I ordered a new motherboard and installed it myself so they could get back to work as soon as possible.”

7. Why do you want to work at Rockwell Automation?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of Rockwell Automation that you admire or find interesting.

Example: “I want to work at Rockwell Automation because I am passionate about automation and robotics. Your company has been making advancements in these fields for many years now, which makes me excited to contribute to those innovations. I also really like how open-minded your company seems to be when it comes to new ideas and concepts.”

8. What industries are we currently involved in?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and its current projects. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific industries that you are familiar with or have experience in.

Example: “Rockwell Automation has been involved in many different industries over the years, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, mining and more. I am particularly interested in working for Rockwell Automation because of its involvement in the automotive industry. My father worked as an engineer at Ford Motor Company for 30 years, so I grew up around cars and know how important automation is to the auto industry.”

9. Do you think robots will replace humans on assembly lines in the near future?

This question is a great way to assess your knowledge of the company and its products. It also helps you determine if you’re a good fit for the position, as it’s likely that employees who are passionate about automation will be more successful in their roles.

Example: “I think robots will continue to work alongside humans on assembly lines for quite some time. While I’m sure there are many tasks they can do better than us, I believe we have unique skills that make us valuable members of the team. For example, while robots may be able to perform repetitive tasks with precision, humans are much better at problem-solving and creative thinking.”

10. How would you describe our company’s culture?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your understanding of the company’s culture and values. They want to know that you can fit in with their team, so they might look for answers that show how you would contribute positively to the workplace.

Example: “I think Rockwell Automation has a very collaborative work environment. I’ve heard from many people that it’s easy to get help when you need it, which is important because automation projects are often complex. I also understand that there are plenty of opportunities for growth within the organization, which makes me excited to join.”

11. If hired, how would you approach building relationships with new customers?

This question can help interviewers understand how you interact with others and your communication skills. Use examples from previous jobs to explain how you would approach new customers, especially if they’re in a similar industry as Rockwell Automation.

Example: “I believe it’s important to build relationships with all of my customers because it helps me learn more about their needs and challenges. I also find that building strong relationships can lead to repeat business and referrals. In the past, I’ve used customer surveys to get feedback on our products and services so we can improve them. I also make sure to introduce myself to every employee at each company I work with.”

12. What are some ways you see the manufacturing industry changing in the next few years?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your knowledge about the industry and how you might fit in. Use examples from your experience to show that you’re up-to-date on trends and changes in manufacturing.

Example: “I see more companies moving toward digitalization, which is something Rockwell Automation has been doing for years. I also think we’ll start seeing more automation in smaller businesses as it becomes more affordable and accessible. In my last role, I helped implement an automated system at a small business where they were having trouble finding enough employees to keep up with production.”

13. Tell me about a time where you worked on a team that struggled to meet deadlines, how did you deal with it?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you helped the team overcome challenges and meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last role as an automation engineer, I worked on a team that was tasked with creating a new software program for our company’s machines. We had a tight deadline of two months to complete the project, but we were having trouble meeting the deadline due to some technical issues. I took charge of the situation by organizing meetings with the entire team to discuss what we could do to get back on track. After discussing all possible solutions, we decided to hire another engineer to help us finish the project in time.”

14. Describe a time when you made a mistake, how did you handle it, and what did you learn from it?

This question is a great way to show your ability to learn from mistakes and how you can apply that learning to the job. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about any past mistakes and explain what steps you took to correct them.

Example: “In my last position as an automation engineer, I was working on a project where we needed to integrate several different types of software into one system. While I was working on the project, I accidentally deleted some files that were essential for the integration process. At first, I panicked because I didn’t know how long it would take me to recreate those files. However, after taking a deep breath, I realized there was nothing else I could do but start over. It took me two days to recreate the files, but in the end, everything worked out.”

15. Which areas of automation software development interest you most?

This question helps the interviewer determine if your skills and interests align with those of Rockwell Automation. Your answer should show that you have a passion for automation software development, but also that you are willing to learn new things.

Example: “I am passionate about all aspects of automation software development, however I find myself most interested in developing solutions for complex problems. In my last role, I worked on an application that helped automate a manufacturing process where several different machines needed to work together to complete a task. It was challenging, but it was rewarding to see how our solution improved productivity.”

16. How would you define success as a software engineer?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you understand the company’s values and goals. Use examples from your past experience to explain what success looks like for you, and how you’ve achieved it in the past.

Example: “Success as a software engineer means being able to solve problems efficiently while maintaining quality work. In my last role, I was tasked with creating a new system for tracking inventory at a large warehouse. The client wanted to be able to track their inventory on mobile devices, so they could access information about their stock anywhere. After several weeks of research, I determined that we should use a cloud-based database to store all of our data. This would allow us to create an app for both Android and iOS devices.

I presented this idea to the team, and everyone agreed that it was the best solution. We were able to implement the new system within two months, and the client was thrilled with the results.”

17. We have many employees who have been here for over 10 years. What does loyalty mean to you?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and its values. It also shows that you are willing to stay with the company for an extended period of time. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize how much you value loyalty yourself.

Example: “Loyalty means so much to me because I believe that if you’re loyal to someone or something, they will be loyal back. In my previous positions, I have always been very loyal to my coworkers and managers. If there was ever anything they needed help with, I would do everything I could to assist them. This has led to many opportunities for growth within my career.”

18. What has been the most challenging part of executing a project?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle challenges and obstacles. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to adapt to change and commitment to excellence in your work.

Example: “The most challenging part of executing a project is when I have to manage multiple projects at once. In my last role, I had five different projects that were all due within two weeks of each other. This was difficult because it meant I had to prioritize which projects needed to be completed first. However, I used my time management skills to ensure I could complete all of them on time.”

19. Are you interested in pursuing any professional certifications in the future?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in continuing your education and development as a professional. If you have already pursued certifications, you can mention them and discuss the benefits of having them.

Example: “I am interested in pursuing several professional certifications in the future. I would like to obtain my Certified Rockwell Automation Programmer certification because it will allow me to demonstrate my knowledge of programming languages used by this company. I also plan on obtaining my Certified Rockwell Automation Technician certification because it will help me learn more about the products that Rockwell Automation offers.”

20. If we were to check your references, what would they say about you?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s work ethic and how they interact with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific details that your references would share.

Example: “My references would say that I am an extremely hard worker who always strives for excellence in my work. They would also say that I am very personable and friendly, which makes me easy to get along with. They would probably tell you that I have been known to solve problems on my own without having to ask for help.”