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Manufacturing Engineer Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Manufacturing Engineer interview questions and answers.

  1. Why did you choose a career in manufacturing engineering? See answer
  2. Can you describe your work history as a manufacturing engineer? See answer
  3. Can you tell me about your educational background as a manufacturing engineer? See answer
  4. Can you describe a challenging engineering project you worked on? See answer
  5. What qualities make you the best manufacturing engineer for this position? See answer
  6. How do you manage your time when working on fast-paced manufacturing engineering projects? See answer
  7. Can you describe your ability to work with other technical professionals? See answer
  8. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in manufacturing engineering? See answer
  9. How would you calculate the cost of ongoing manufacturing work? See answer
  10. Can you differentiate between lean manufacturing and just-in-time (JIT) processes? See answer
  11. Can you explain what Bill of Materials (BOM) means and how it relates to manufacturing? See answer
  12. Imagine you noticed an operator removing a safety guard on a conveyor. What would you do? See answer
  13. Why do you want to work as a manufacturing engineer in this organization? See answer
  14. Can you describe a situation where your proposed process change improved a product’s quality?
  15. Imagine you’re developing a more efficient manufacturing process. What do you think would impact your solution?
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Hire your next Manufacturing Engineer today.

Post a job

Hire your next Manufacturing Engineer today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Manufacturing Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Why did you choose a career in manufacturing engineering?

Candidates work in manufacturing engineering for various reasons, such as the employment benefits and ability to contribute to exciting projects. The goal of this question is to find out whether a manufacturing engineer is passionate about their job. What to look for in an answer:

  • Enthusiasm for the role
  • What interests a candidate about manufacturing engineering
  • Motivation to put in their best

Example:

"I became a manufacturing engineer because I love creating products. My mother bought me a box of playdough for my fifth birthday, and I'd make different objects with it. When I got to high school, I found science and math exciting, and my teacher recommended that I considered a career in manufacturing. I know I made the right choice because every day as a manufacturing engineer excites me."

Can you describe your work history as a manufacturing engineer?

Depending on your requirements, a candidate may need work experience to qualify for a manufacturing engineer role. This question helps you determine whether a manufacturing engineer's experience would be helpful in your organization. What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant engineering work experience
  • Ability to connect work experience to the position
  • Lessons learned or tasks completed

Example:

"I started my career as a manufacturing engineer five years ago. Shortly after graduating, Fontaiu International Inc. hired me to work at its automotive facility as a manufacturing engineer. At that time, the company was looking to introduce lean manufacturing and Six Sigma into its manufacturing processes. My supervisor put me in charge of improving the facilities assembly-line process. After analyzing the process thoroughly, I came up with a solution that met the organization's process efficiency target of 87%. I'd put in a similar effort as your manufacturing engineer."

Can you tell me about your educational background as a manufacturing engineer?

The goal of this question is to understand how a candidate's education prepares them for the manufacturing engineer position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant formal and informal education
  • Training and certification in manufacturing engineering
  • Drive to apply lessons learned from education programs

Example:

"I earned a master's degree in manufacturing engineering from the University of British Columbia. Each course in my program informed me of the latest developments in manufacturing engineering. Specifically, my master's thesis required me to evaluate a company's manufacturing process and identify improvements in product design. My ability to network effectively helped me reach out to more experienced manufacturing engineers."

Can you describe a challenging engineering project you worked on?

Manufacturing engineering projects involve analytical thinking and excellent problem-solving skills. This question helps you understand how a candidate thinks through and solves manufacturing engineering challenges. What to look for in an answer:

  • Practical experience handling manufacturing engineering challenges
  • Application of engineering skills to solve challenges
  • Creativity and critical-thinking skills

Example:

"Last fall, I worked on a side project that involved improving the design of an automotive component in a limited-edition vehicle. Finding data on existing components was a challenge for me. So, I used information from similar limited-edition vehicles after getting the approval of my supervisor. I love taking on challenges because they help me develop my analytical thinking skills."

What qualities make you the best manufacturing engineer for this position?

This question helps you determine what makes a manufacturing engineer stand out. What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant personality traits, skills, and other attributes
  • Drive to add value to your organization
  • Enthusiasm for the manufacturing engineer position

Example:

"I have advanced technical skills, which help me understand the mechanics of and operate equipment in manufacturing plants. My organizational skills are excellent, and I know how to prioritize tasks. I also enjoy thinking of creative designs for products and manufacturing systems. I believe these skills and my good work ethic make me a good fit for your organization."

How do you manage your time when working on fast-paced manufacturing engineering projects?

This question enables you to assess a candidate's ability to work in fast-paced environments. What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Experience working in fast-paced engineering facilities
  • Understanding of the importance of meeting deadlines and reaching targets

Example:

"Before I start my day, I list out aspects of a project that I need to complete. Then, I write out their dependencies. I make sure I complete these tasks in the order of their priority and focus on meeting deadlines."

Can you describe your ability to work with other technical professionals?

Manufacturing engineers work with designers, vendors, plant operators, and other engineers in a company. The purpose of this question is to assess a candidate's ability to work as part of a team. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience working with other employees
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to delegate responsibilities, ask for help, and assist others

"I'm a good team player. In my last role, I worked with design teams to create prototypes and marketing teams to provide advertising information. I also helped with inventory control and assisted the maintenance engineer on several projects. Collaborating with other professionals helped me develop my soft and hard skills. I look forward to joining your team as a manufacturing engineer.

Example:

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in manufacturing engineering?

Manufacturing engineers need to stay current with the latest developments in manufacturing engineering to succeed in their role. This question reveals what steps a candidate takes to keep their skills relevant and expand their knowledge. What to look for in an answer:

  • Positive attitude to learning
  • Ability to adapt to new manufacturing engineering processes
  • Proactiveness

Example:

"I enjoy reading technical reports and journals to stay on top of the latest research. I also connect with my peers and network with other manufacturing engineers. Last year, I joined a manufacturing engineering chatroom, and I enjoy discussing with other engineers there."

Can you describe a situation where your proposed process change improved a product's quality?

Improving manufacturing processes is an important duty of a manufacturing engineer. By asking this question, you can find out more about a candidate's experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of manufacturing process design
  • Understand of how to analyze quality problems
  • Experience implementing process changes

Example:

"At National Auti Inc., we had a difficult time with operators who didn't remove chaff before producing a new batch of wheat bread. After analyzing the situation, I recommended adopting quality assurance procedures that enabled us to improve the quality of the wheat bread we made. I'm skilled at analyzing manufacturing processes and providing solutions to quality issues."

How would you calculate the cost of ongoing manufacturing work?

This question helps you understand how a candidate would oversee and monitor the costs associated with manufacturing processes. What to look for in an answer:

  • A candidate's business sense and understanding of how to calculate costs
  • Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Experience managing budgets

Example:

"I'd combine all aspects of the process that accounted for the project's expenses. I'd include operational costs, such as the cost of supplies and raw materials. I'd also calculate administrative costs, the factory's overhead, and other indirect costs related to the process. I have two years of experience calculating the cost of manufacturing projects."

Can you differentiate between lean manufacturing and just-in-time (JIT) processes?

This technical question tests a candidate's knowledge of manufacturing engineering processes. What to look for in an answer:

  • Clear definition of JIT and lean manufacturing
  • Expertise in engineering methodologies
  • Understanding of what conditions to use JIT and lean manufacturing

Example:

"JIT is a methodology that ensures components arrive at a production facility on time. It reduces waste from damaged parts and inventory expenses. Lean manufacturing integrates a customer's perspective to JIT. It ensures all manufacturing steps add value to customers and meet their needs. I understand your organization implements JIT, and you are looking for a manufacturing engineer to implement lean manufacturing. I'd be happy to work on this project."

Imagine you're developing a more efficient manufacturing process. What do you think would impact your solution?

This question tests a candidate's ability to think critically about a project. What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent critical-thinking skills
  • Ability to anticipate issues and changes
  • Ability to create solutions and solve problems

Example:

"In my experience, there are several factors that can affect a manufacturing process. A well-managed inventory system is important for smooth operations. I also think the equipment and programs used can impact a manufacturing process. At my last job, I found ways to improve the efficiency of manufacturing components and made sure the plant's overhead stayed within its budget."

Can you explain what Bill of Materials (BOM) means and how it relates to manufacturing?

This question enables you to find out whether a candidate understands the technical aspects of the manufacturing process. What to look for in an answer:

  • Clear definition of BOM
  • Understanding of the importance of BOM
  • Experience overseeing the BOM

Example:

"A BOM is a list of materials and parts required to manufacture a certain product. In my previous positions, I managed the design, development, and fabrication processes of products. My duty required me to create a BOM using an Excel Spreadsheet. It included all the tools and resources required for manufacturing our automotive components."

Imagine you noticed an operator removing a safety guard on a conveyor. What would you do?

By asking this question, you can assess whether a candidate is safety conscious. Pay attention to how they would correct the operator. What to look for in an answer:

  • Politeness and professionalism
  • Understanding of general safety regulations
  • Sense of responsibility and ability to hold others accountable

Example:

"If I noticed an operator removing the safety guard on a conveyor, I'd politely tell them to place it back. I'd also inform the operator of the risk of not using a safety guard on a conveyor. If I noticed no change in their behaviour, I'd ask the operator to stop work and inform my manager of the situation."

Why do you want to work as a manufacturing engineer in this organization?

The purpose of this question is to find out what attracted a manufacturing engineer to your organization. Pay attention to their long-term career goals. What to look for in an answer:

  • Enthusiasm for the role
  • Understanding of your organization and the products you manufacture
  • Drive to contribute to your organization

Example:

"I want this manufacturing engineer job because I've always wanted to work for an industry leader. TBC Inc. is popular for manufacturing fast-moving consumer goods, and the idea of advancing my career while adding value to your processes excites me. I understand you have several key performance indicators (KPIs) for your manufacturing processes. I'm eager to use my excellent technical skills to identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions."

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