Interview Guide for Design Engineers at Volkswagen IT | Engineer’s Interview Blueprint

Are you tired of sending out countless applications for design engineer jobs, only to hear crickets in response?  

You’re not alone. Many talented design engineers find themselves caught in a frustrating cycle, where strong technical skills don’t translate into successful interviews.  

Crafting the perfect design engineer resume or navigating the complexities of design engineer interviews can feel like a daunting task, especially when job descriptions often seem overwhelming with their technical jargon. 

The key to breaking this cycle lies in preparation.  

This blog is here to provide you with a crucial advantage—real interview questions from Volkswagen IT Services that will help you anticipate what interviewers want to know. 

 With these insights, you’ll be equipped to showcase your skills and stand out from the competition. 

Let’s dive into the design engineer interview questions that will prepare you for success in your job hunt. 

1. What is BIW (Body in White)? 

BIW refers to the car’s structural frame made up of welded sheet metal parts, prior to the application of paint or the addition of other components. It's a critical stage in automotive manufacturing as it determines the vehicle's strength and shape. 

2. What is the 3-2-1 principle? 

The 3-2-1 principle is used in fixture design for locating and holding parts. It stabilizes a component by using 3 points to fix it on the primary plane, 2 points on the secondary plane, and 1 point on the tertiary plane, ensuring stability during the manufacturing process. 

3. What is PLP or RPS? 

PLP (Principle Locating Points) or RPS (Reference Point System) are methods for defining specific points on a part that ensure accurate alignment during assembly or inspection. These points control the part’s position relative to other components or fixtures. 

4. Why is shimming done in a BIW fixture? 

Shimming in BIW fixtures compensates for dimensional variances in parts or setup, ensuring the correct alignment during the assembly process. It helps adjust and maintain precision when positioning components. 

5. Why is 2-way shimming done in the panel? 

2-way shimming allows adjustments in two directions to correct misalignments between panels. It helps ensure proper fitment and alignment, maintaining uniform gaps and flushness between panels. 

6. What is Mylar, or what is a Rest block or Clamp block? 

In BIW fixtures, a Mylar is a clamping component used to secure panels during assembly. A Rest block or Clamp block holds or supports parts in the fixture to maintain proper positioning and prevent movement during operations. 

7. What is a Riser, and is it a gas-cut or welded structure? 

A Riser is a supporting structure used in fixtures to lift components for better accessibility. It can be gas-cut or welded, depending on the design and the strength required for the fixture. 

8. Why are dowels used in BIW? 

Dowels are used to precisely align parts and fixtures. They serve as positioning guides, ensuring components are accurately placed and fit together seamlessly during assembly. 

9. What is the tolerance on a dowel? 

Dowel tolerance refers to the acceptable size variation for a tight fit, typically in the range of microns. In BIW, high precision is required to ensure proper alignment and fitment, which is why small tolerances are critical. 

 Questions Related to Sheet Metal, Teamcenter, and CATIA 

10. Can you explain the key considerations in sheet metal design? 

When designing with sheet metal, important factors include material thickness, bend radii, and allowances for spring-back. These considerations ensure manufacturability, structural integrity, and that the part can be produced without defects like tearing or warping. 

11. What do you know about Teamcenter, and how is it used in product development? 

Teamcenter is a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool used to manage product data, streamline design workflows, and support collaboration across teams. It helps in managing CAD files, version control, and documentation, making it a central hub for development processes. 

12. How familiar are you with Teamcenter development? 

Teamcenter development involves customizing workflows, integrating different CAD tools, and automating repetitive tasks to improve productivity. It’s also used for managing complex product structures and ensuring all engineering teams are aligned. 

13. What are some essential CATIA commands you use frequently? 

Key CATIA commands include: 

• Pad: For extruding sketches into 3D features. 

• Pocket: For removing material by cutting into a 3D part. 

• Draft: For applying a taper to faces, commonly used in parts designed for manufacturing. 

• Fillet: To round off sharp edges for smoother transitions. 

• Mirror: To create symmetrical features by reflecting part geometry across a plane. 

Landing your dream design engineer job doesn't have to feel out of reach.  

By understanding the typical design engineer job description and honing your skills in response to real design engineer interview questions, you’re setting yourself up for success.  

Remember to tailor your design engineer resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences and consider taking a design engineer course to further enhance your qualifications. 

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 your journey toward landing that dream job!