Prepare for your Mechanical Design Engineer interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
The MMC design philosophy is a method of designing mechanical components that is used by many companies. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are familiar with this method and how it can be applied to their company’s processes. In your answer, explain what the MMC design philosophy is and how you have used it in the past.
Answer Example: "The MMC design philosophy stands for Minimum Material Cost, Maximum Material Strength, and Minimum Weight. This is a method of designing mechanical components that focuses on using the least amount of material possible while still achieving the desired strength and weight. I have used this philosophy in the past when designing parts for machines and robotics."
This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of safety procedures and how they apply to mechanical design. Use examples from past projects that highlight your ability to design machines that are safe to use in hazardous environments.
Answer Example: "When designing a machine for use in a hazardous environment, I always make sure to consider the safety of the people who will be using it. This includes ensuring that all components are properly sealed so that no contaminants can enter the system, as well as designing the machine with enough redundancy to prevent any major failures. Another important factor is making sure that all sensors and controls are properly shielded from potential sources of damage. Finally, I make sure to thoroughly test the machine before deploying it into production."
This question is a great way for interviewers to assess your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to mechanical design. Your answer should include steps that you would take to ensure that the machine you’re designing meets all of these criteria.
Answer Example: "When designing a machine that is as efficient, safe, and cost-effective as possible, I would first conduct a thorough analysis of the current system or process in order to identify any potential areas for improvement. This includes identifying any deficiencies in the current design, as well as determining the exact specifications of the machine or system being developed."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you use your engineering skills to create products and ensure they’re safe for consumers. Use examples from past projects to explain your process, including any steps that were especially important in ensuring the final product met safety standards.
Answer Example: "I start by creating a 3D model of the product in CAD software. This allows me to test different designs and make sure they’re structurally sound before moving forward with production. Once I’m satisfied with the prototype, I then test it to make sure it meets all of the requirements for the final product. This could include testing for durability, accuracy or other factors that are important for the product’s functionality. Finally, I make any necessary adjustments before moving forward with production."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and whether you are willing to adapt to new situations. Use examples from previous projects where you had to modify designs or create new ones from scratch.
Answer Example: "In my last role as a mechanical design engineer, I worked on a project where we had to redesign an existing product to make it more efficient. The original design had several flaws, including inefficient use of space and materials. My team and I worked together to come up with new designs that solved these problems while also meeting customer requirements."
This question allows the interviewer to assess your work ethic and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should include a list of tasks that are important to your role as a mechanical design engineer, such as learning the company’s software programs or meeting with other teams within the company.
Answer Example: "During my first few weeks on the job, I would focus on learning all I can about the company’s products and processes. I would also try to learn as much as I can about the software programs used for mechanical design engineering. Once I feel comfortable with these things, I would start working on projects and collaborating with other teams within the company."
This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach new projects and whether you have experience working with a variety of different mechanical designs. Your answer should show that you are willing to learn new things, but also that you have the ability to complete projects successfully even if you’re unfamiliar with them.
Answer Example: "If I were assigned to a project I was unfamiliar with, my first step would be to do some research. I would look into the company’s past projects, as well as any similar projects in the industry, to get an idea of what to expect from this particular project. Then, I would meet with my team members to discuss their roles in the project and ask any questions I have about their responsibilities. Finally, I would take some time to review any documents related to the project so that I am fully prepared to begin working on it."
Mechanical design engineers often work with other engineers and designers. Employers ask this question to make sure you can collaborate well with others. Use your answer to show that you are a team player who is willing to help others. Share an example of a time when you worked with someone else on a project and how you helped them achieve their goals.
Answer Example: "I work very well with other engineers and designers. I understand that we are all working towards the same goal, which is to create the best possible product. I am always willing to lend a hand to someone who needs help with their part of the project. In my last position, I was working on a project with another mechanical design engineer. He was having trouble with one of the components of the design, so I helped him figure out a solution."
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level with mechanical design engineering software. If you have previous experience using this type of software, share what you’ve learned and how it’s helped you complete projects more efficiently. If you don’t have any experience working with finite elements software, consider mentioning another type of engineering software that you’re familiar with and how it relates to your ability to work as a mechanical design engineer.
Answer Example: "I have extensive experience working with finite elements software. I have been using CAD software for over five years, which has allowed me to become familiar with various finite elements programs. I am comfortable creating 3D models and designing parts using the various features of these programs. I also understand the importance of creating accurate models that can be used to create accurate simulations."
This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of mechanical design engineering and how you apply it in real-world situations. Use examples from past projects where you used welded construction or bolted construction, and explain why one method was more appropriate than the other.
Answer Example: "When designing a mechanical system, I always consider the strength of the material being used. If the material is strong enough to support the weight of the system without being weakened by a weld, then I will typically choose a bolted construction. However, if the material is too weak to support the weight without being welded, then I will use welded construction."
This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of industry standards and how you apply them to your work. Use examples from your experience to show that you are familiar with industry-wide design guidelines and can follow them effectively.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am familiar with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) design standards. In my previous role as a mechanical design engineer, I was responsible for ensuring that our products met these standards. For example, we used ANSI Z1.1-2003 for dimensional measurements and ISO 2859-1:2006 for fasteners. These standards help ensure that our products are safe and compatible with other manufacturers’ products."
Mechanical design engineers often work in teams with other engineers to create new products. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working with others and have experience doing so. In your answer, explain that you enjoy working with teams and have done so in the past. Share an example of a time when you worked well with others to create a product.
Answer Example: "Absolutely. I have extensive experience working with teams of engineers to create new products. During my time at my previous job, I worked on a team of five other mechanical design engineers who were responsible for designing and developing new products for our company. We met regularly to discuss our progress and any challenges we faced. We also used project management software to communicate regularly about our progress and any changes to our timeline or budget."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for a mechanical design engineer and explain why they are so important.
Answer Example: "As a mechanical design engineer, I believe the most important skills to have are excellent problem-solving abilities, strong analytical skills and an understanding of 3D modeling software. Problem-solving is essential for figuring out how to design a part or product in the most efficient way possible. Strong analytical skills allow me to break down complex problems into simpler ones, which can help me create more efficient designs. Finally, 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks is vital for creating accurate models of parts and products."
This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and how you approach a challenge. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to design a stronger part and explain why each step is important.
Answer Example: "When designing a new machine part that is stronger and more durable than the old part, I would first consider the material used to make the part. The material used should be strong enough to withstand the stresses placed upon it while still being lightweight enough to reduce the overall weight of the machine. Next, I would look at the design of the part itself. By creating a more complex design with multiple layers of material, I can increase the overall strength of the part. Finally, I would ensure that the part is properly tested before being used in production. By following these steps, I am able to design a new machine part that is stronger and more durable than the old part."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your engineering skills to real-world situations. Your answer should show that you can use your knowledge of materials and physics to design parts that are safe for use by consumers.
Answer Example: "I start by researching the material properties of the part’s material, including its strength, stiffness and ductility. Then I create a computer model of the part using CAD software. This allows me to test different configurations and designs before actually making the part. Once I’ve decided on a design, I can use the CAD model to generate a 3D printable file that can be used to create the part using a 3D printer."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach new projects and whether you have experience creating designs from scratch. Use examples from previous work or school projects to highlight your creativity, problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
Answer Example: "In my last role as a mechanical design engineer, I was tasked with creating a new design for a medical device. The purpose of this design was to improve upon the current model by making it more efficient, effective and safe for patients. To do this, I researched current trends in medical device design and consulted with medical professionals to determine what features were most important for patients. After considering all of these factors, I created a new design that included improved functionality and efficiency while maintaining safety."
Screws are a common component in mechanical design. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using different types of screws and how they can be used in different applications. In your answer, explain the different types of screws you’re familiar with and why they’re used in certain situations.
Answer Example: "I am very familiar with the different types of screws used in mechanical design. There are many different types of screws, but I primarily work with flathead and phillips head screws. Flathead screws are used when you need to secure two pieces of material together. They’re great for this purpose because they can be inserted into the material at an angle, which makes them easier to install. Phillips head screws are used when you want to secure one piece of material to another. These screws are great because they can be inserted into the material straight-on, making them easier to use."
This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of mechanical design and how it applies to the workplace. Cams are used in many different types of machinery, so it’s important to be able to identify the different types and explain their uses.
Answer Example: "There are three main types of cams used in mechanical design: linear, rotary and compound. Linear cams are used for linear motion, such as in doors or windows. Rotary cams are used for rotary motion, such as in wheels or gears. Compound cams are used for both linear and rotary motion. They are often found in hinges or door locks."
This question is a great way to test your understanding of mechanical design terminology. Brackets and cams are two parts that are often used together, so knowing how they work together can show the interviewer that you have a strong grasp of mechanical design principles.
Answer Example: "A bracket is a support structure that’s used to hold objects in place. It’s usually made out of metal or wood, and its job is to provide stability. A cam is also a support structure, but it’s used to move objects rather than hold them still. It’s typically made out of metal or plastic, and it can be used to open or close an opening or move an object back and forth."
This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities needed for this role. You can answer by describing one or two qualities and explaining why they are important for mechanical design engineers.
Answer Example: "The most important quality for a mechanical design engineer is creativity. Mechanical design engineers need to be able to think outside the box when it comes to solving problems, which requires them to be creative. They also need to have excellent problem-solving skills so they can quickly find solutions to issues that arise during the design process."
