How to Stand Out in Your FEA Engineer Interview | Engineer's Interview Blueprint

Picture this: You walk into your FEA Engineer interview, knowing that you’ll face questions designed to challenge your knowledge and experience.  

Your mind races—"What will they ask me about meshing strategies? Will they dive deep into stress-strain curves?"  

As an engineer, you’re used to solving problems, but the interview room can feel like a puzzle of its own. 

Candidates across the industry face the same nerve-wracking experience when trying to land an FEA Engineer position. 

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the actual questions asked in companies for FEA Engineer.  

By breaking down these questions, you’ll get a head start in formulating thoughtful, confident answers that will help you stand out from the competition. 

Let’s get started.  

1. Explain any project you did in ANSYS Workbench. 

In ANSYS Workbench, I worked on a project to analyze the structural integrity of a bridge under varying load conditions. I utilized FEA to simulate stresses and strains, applied boundary conditions, and meshed the model for accuracy. The goal was to ensure that the design met safety and performance criteria under different load scenarios, including extreme weather conditions. 

2. Topics related to vibrations, like what is natural frequency and resonance? 

Natural frequency is the rate at which a system oscillates when not disturbed by external forces. Resonance occurs when an external force matches this natural frequency, causing the system to oscillate with increasing amplitude, which can lead to failure in mechanical systems if not controlled. 

3. Explain analysis settings options like large deflection and augmented Lagrange. 

• Large deflection: This option is used when dealing with nonlinear problems where deflections are large enough to affect the stiffness of the structure. It’s necessary for accurate simulations in situations like the bending of thin plates. 
• Augmented Lagrange: This is a method used in contact problems to enforce constraints, like non-penetration between bodies. It provides better accuracy when dealing with complex contact simulations.  

4. Degrees of Freedom (DOF) of a cantilever beam? 

A cantilever beam has 6 DOFs at its free end: 3 translational (movement along the X, Y, and Z axes) and 3 rotational (rotation about the X, Y, and Z axes). At the fixed end, all 6 DOFs are constrained. 

5. Previous company experience and why do you want to work in the FEA domain? 

At my previous company, I worked on structural analysis projects where I gained valuable hands-on experience with FEA tools like ANSYS. I want to continue working in the FEA domain because it allows me to solve complex engineering problems using simulations, which I find intellectually stimulating and rewarding. FEA also plays a crucial role in optimizing designs and ensuring safety, which aligns with my passion for innovation. 

6. How does a clutch work? 

A clutch works by transmitting power from the engine to the drivetrain in a controlled manner. It allows the driver to engage or disengage the engine from the transmission, providing smooth gear changes and enabling the car to come to a stop without stalling. 

 7. Why do we use ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)? 

ABS is used to prevent the wheels from locking up during heavy braking, which maintains traction and allows the driver to maintain steering control. This reduces the likelihood of skidding and improves overall safety, especially on slippery surfaces. 

8. Is it mandatory to use a clutch? 

For manual transmissions, the clutch is essential for shifting gears without damaging the transmission. However, in automatic transmissions, the use of a clutch is managed internally by the system, so the driver doesn't need to operate it manually.  

9. What are stress and strain? 

Stress is the internal force per unit area within a material, typically measured in Pascals (Pa). Strain is the deformation or displacement of a material in response to an applied stress. It’s dimensionless, as it’s a ratio of the change in length to the original length. 

10. Why does the engine make so much noise, and where does it come from? 

Engine noise comes from various sources, including combustion, moving mechanical parts like pistons and valves, and vibration in the exhaust system. Poor insulation and resonance can amplify these noises. 

11. Why is a centrifugal pump not considered a positive displacement type of pump? 

A centrifugal pump moves fluid by converting rotational kinetic energy into hydrodynamic energy, whereas a positive displacement pump moves a fixed amount of fluid with each cycle. In positive displacement pumps, the flow rate is constant regardless of pressure, whereas in centrifugal pumps, the flow rate varies with pressure. 

12. Which pump is more efficient: Centrifugal or Reciprocating? 

For low flow, high-pressure applications, reciprocating pumps are generally more efficient. However, for high flow, low-pressure applications, centrifugal pumps are typically more efficient and simpler to operate. 

13. What is a radial flow turbine? 

A radial flow turbine is a type of turbine where the fluid flows perpendicular to the axis of rotation, moving radially inward or outward across the blades. It’s commonly used in turbochargers and hydraulic turbines. 

14. What are the two types of clearance in a turbine? 

The two main types of clearance in a turbine are: 

• Axial clearance: The distance between the rotor and the casing in the axial direction. 
• Radial clearance: The distance between the rotor and the casing in the radial direction. Proper clearances are crucial to avoid mechanical contact and ensure efficiency. 

Conclusion: 

Interviews can feel like a pressure test - especially when you’re vying for a specialized role like an FEA Engineer.  

But with the right preparation, you can turn that pressure into an opportunity to shine.  

By practicing answers to these real-world questions, you’ll not only be ready for whatever the interviewer throws at you but also be able to showcase your expertise and problem-solving abilities in a way that leaves a lasting impression. 

Remember, the key to success is preparation, confidence, and the ability to communicate your technical skills effectively. Now go ace that interview! 

With Skill-Lync's Post Graduate Programs, you'll build a rock-solid foundation in all these critical concepts, making you interview-ready in no time. Plus, our Career Experts offer hands-on support through mock interviews, resume workshops, LinkedIn profile optimization, and much more! 

Sign up for a FREE course demo today, and let’s start our journey toward landing that dream job!