17 Subsea Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Subsea engineers develop and oversee the construction of offshore oil and gas platforms. They also work on the pipelines and other infrastructure that connect these platforms to onshore facilities.

If you want to become a subsea engineer, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of the oil and gas industry, as well as the engineering principles that are used to design and build offshore structures. You’ll also need to be able to communicate effectively, as you’ll be working with a team of other engineers, technicians, and support staff.

When you’re applying for a subsea engineering job, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of common subsea engineer interview questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your next job interview.

Are you comfortable working independently on projects that can take years to complete?

Subsea engineering projects can take a long time to complete, so the interviewer wants to make sure you’re comfortable working independently for extended periods of time. Your answer should show that you are self-motivated and enjoy taking on large projects.

Example: “I am very comfortable working independently on subsea engineering projects because I find it rewarding to see my work come to fruition after many months or years of research and development. In fact, I prefer working alone as opposed to in teams because I feel like I can be more productive when I’m not having to share credit with other engineers.”

What are some of the most important skills you have that will help you succeed as a subsea engineer?

Subsea engineers need to have a variety of skills, including problem-solving and communication. When answering this question, make sure you highlight the specific skills that are most important for subsea engineering.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills I have is my ability to communicate with others. Subsea engineering requires teamwork, so it’s essential that everyone on the team can clearly explain their ideas and listen to each other. Another skill I find useful in this position is my creativity. In many cases, there isn’t an exact solution to a problem, so I like to approach problems creatively and come up with new solutions.”

How would you go about designing a system that transports resources from one location to another?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team. Your answer should include the steps you would take, including how you would communicate with other engineers on your team.

Example: “I would first determine what resources are needed at each location. Then I would create a plan for transporting those resources from one location to another. For example, if we need oil in Florida but it’s only available in Texas, I would design a system that transports oil from Texas to Florida using underwater pipelines or ships. Once I have a plan in place, I would present my ideas to my team so they can provide feedback.”

What is the most challenging aspect of being a subsea engineer?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of what your day-to-day responsibilities are as a subsea engineer. It also helps them determine if you’re someone who is able to handle challenges and overcome obstacles. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention something that’s specific to the company or industry in which you’re interviewing.

Example: “The most challenging aspect of being a subsea engineer is having to work with limited resources. In my previous role, we were working on an oil rig where there was a lot of corrosion due to water damage. We had to find ways to fix these issues without spending too much money because our budget was already quite low. I worked with my team to come up with creative solutions that would save us money while still getting the job done.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to overcome a difficult engineering challenge.

Subsea engineers often face unique challenges that other engineers don’t. Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you’ve used them in the past. In your answer, explain what the challenge was and how you overcame it.

Example: “In my last position, I had to design a subsea system for an offshore oil rig. The client wanted the system to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions while also being cost-effective. To overcome this challenge, I researched different materials that could help me achieve both of these goals. After testing several materials, I found one that met all of our requirements. This helped us save money on the project.”

If hired, what would be your primary focus as a subsea engineer?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a clear understanding of what it means to be a subsea engineer. It also gives them insight into your career goals and how they align with their company’s objectives. When answering this question, make sure to emphasize your interest in working as a subsea engineer and not simply a general engineer.

Example: “My primary focus would be safety. I understand that there are many different factors that can affect the safety of a subsea operation, so I am committed to finding solutions for any challenges we may encounter. Another important aspect of my job would be ensuring that all operations are cost-effective. I believe that by using innovative technology and developing new methods, we can create more efficient processes.”

What would you do if you noticed a potential design flaw in one of your projects?

Subsea engineers must be able to identify and correct design flaws before they become costly problems. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the problem-solving skills needed for the job. In your answer, explain how you would approach this situation. Share a specific example of when you identified and fixed a flaw in one of your projects.

Example: “If I noticed a potential design flaw, I would first try to understand why it happened. If there was an error in my calculations or assumptions, I would fix that. However, if the flaw is due to something else, such as client requirements, then I would communicate with my team about what we can do to resolve the issue. We may need to redesign the project or find another way to meet the client’s needs.”

How well do you understand the different types of subsea systems?

Subsea systems are complex, and the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with different types of subsea systems. Use your answer to highlight any specific knowledge or skills that you have regarding subsea systems.

Example: “I’ve worked on a variety of subsea systems throughout my career as a subsea engineer. I understand how each system works and can troubleshoot problems when they arise. In my last position, I was responsible for designing and implementing subsea systems in offshore drilling operations. One of the most common systems I encountered was an umbilical system, which is used to transport power from surface vessels to underwater equipment.”

Do you have any experience using 3D modeling software to design subsea systems?

Subsea engineers use 3D modeling software to create designs for subsea systems. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience using specific types of software and how you apply it to the job. Use your answer to explain which type of software you have used in the past and what you are familiar with.

Example: “I have extensive experience using Autodesk Inventor, a program that allows me to design complex subsea systems. I also have some experience using Solid Edge, another 3D modeling software that is similar to Inventor but has different features. Both programs allow me to create models of subsea systems and test them out before implementing them into real-world situations.”

When working in a team environment, what is your approach to sharing ideas and feedback?

Subsea engineers often work in teams to complete projects. Employers ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how you interact with others. In your answer, try to explain that you value collaboration and actively seek input from your team members. Explain that you are willing to change your ideas if they prove to be less effective than other solutions.

Example: “I believe that it’s important for everyone on a team to feel like their opinions matter. I always make sure to listen carefully when my colleagues share their feedback or ideas. If I disagree with something, I am open to discussing the issue until we find a solution that works for everyone. I also think it is beneficial to have an idea of what everyone else thinks before presenting my own ideas. This helps me understand where others are coming from and makes it easier to incorporate their feedback into my final plan.”

We want to expand our subsea operations. What types of systems would you recommend we add to our existing infrastructure?

This question allows you to show your knowledge of subsea engineering and how it can be applied in a real-world setting. You should explain the systems you would recommend, why they are important and what their benefits are.

Example: “I would recommend adding more ROVs to your existing infrastructure because they’re highly efficient at completing tasks underwater. They have advanced sensors that allow them to complete complex operations with minimal human interaction. I also think it’s important to add an additional tether line system so you can expand your operations without having to replace any equipment.”

Describe your experience with deepwater operations.

Subsea engineers may need to work in deepwater operations, so the interviewer wants to know if you have experience with this type of project. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills or knowledge that will help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve worked on a few projects involving deepwater operations. In my last position, I was responsible for designing and implementing subsea structures for offshore oil rigs. One of these projects involved installing a new platform at a depth of 1,500 meters. To complete this task, I had to ensure all of our equipment could withstand the pressure of working at such a great depth. I also needed to make sure we were using the right materials to avoid corrosion.”

What makes you the best candidate for this subsea engineer position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you are the best candidate for their open position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight a few of your strongest skills or experiences that relate to the job description.

Example: “I am the best candidate for this subsea engineer position because I have extensive experience working in this field. In my previous role as a subsea engineer, I helped develop new technologies that improved safety measures on offshore drilling rigs. This led to increased efficiency and reduced costs for our company. I also understand the importance of teamwork when performing my duties as a subsea engineer, which is why I always make sure to communicate with my team members.”

Which subsea systems are you most familiar with?

Subsea engineers need to be familiar with a variety of subsea systems. This question helps the interviewer determine how much experience you have in this field and if your skills match the job description. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of the company’s products or services, as well as other relevant systems.

Example: “I am most familiar with underwater drilling equipment, including blowout preventers and BOP stacker cranes. I also understand the importance of subsea power generation and distribution systems, which is why I’m excited about working for this company. Your deepwater wind turbines are some of the best on the market.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of safety when it comes to subsea engineering?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety in your work. They want to know that you will take all necessary precautions when working on a subsea engineering project. In your answer, explain what you think is most important about keeping people safe and how you would apply those principles to your own work.

Example: “Safety is definitely one of the most important aspects of any engineering job. I believe it’s crucial to always be aware of the risks involved with any given task and to plan accordingly. For example, if I were working on a subsea engineering project, I would first assess the situation and determine whether there are any environmental factors that could impact my work. Then, I would look at the equipment we have available and decide which tools or techniques would be best for completing the job safely.”

How often do you make updates to your designs?

Subsea engineers must be able to make updates to their designs as needed. This question helps the interviewer determine how often you update your designs and if you have experience doing so. In your answer, explain what factors influence when you update a design and provide an example of a time you made an update to one of your subsea engineering projects.

Example: “I usually make updates to my designs every six months or after I receive new information about the project. For instance, in my last position, we had just started construction on a pipeline when we learned that there was a fault in the location where we were building. We then had to change our plans for the pipeline based on this new information.”

There is a problem with one of your subsea systems. How do you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills. It also allows you to demonstrate how you would handle a situation that could occur in the workplace.

Example: “If there was a problem with one of my subsea systems, I would first try to identify what caused it and then fix it. If I couldn’t figure out what caused the issue, I would call for help from other engineers or technicians who have more experience than me. Once we figured out what caused the problem, we would repair it as soon as possible.”