Interview Qs for a Design Engineer at Tata Technologies | Engineer’s Interview Blueprint

Ever wondered what it takes to land a coveted job in Automotive Design at top companies like Tata Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Segula, and Hyundai? 

These companies don’t just hire anyone—they handpick a select few through challenging technical assessments, aptitude tests, interviews, and projects. 

But don’t worry, we’re here to bring you one step closer to catching their eye. 

At Skill-Lync, we’ve worked with hundreds of corporate partners, helping them find the skilled engineers they need. Over time, our experts have uncovered the secrets to preparing engineers for their dream roles. These insights are the backbone of our coursework! 

Now, we're sharing those insights with you in the Engineer’s Interview Guide. Packed with question banks, assessments, and mock interview questions, this guide is designed to help you prepare like a pro. 

Let’s start with some frequently asked interview questions from Tata Technologies for the role of Design Engineer! 

1. What is GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)?

GD&T is a system that defines and communicates engineering tolerances using symbols. It ensures that parts fit and function properly, even with small variations in manufacturing. Think of it as the "language" that keeps design and manufacturing on the same page. 

2. What is the 3-2-1 Principle? 

The 3-2-1 principle is a method used in fixture design. It stabilizes a part during manufacturing by securing it in 3 perpendicular directions: 3 points on the primary plane, 2 on the secondary, and 1 on the tertiary plane. 

3. Explain the plastic process. 

Plastic manufacturing typically involves processes like injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. These methods shape plastic materials into desired forms by heating, molding, and cooling them. 

4. Name three types of plastic defects and explain. 

• Short shot: Incomplete filling of the mold cavity. 
• Flash: Excess plastic leaking out of the mold, creating unwanted thin material. 
• Sink marks: Depressions in the surface of the plastic part due to uneven cooling. 

5. What causes short shots and flash in injection molding? 

Short shots occur when there’s not enough material to fill the mold, often due to low injection pressure or a blocked gate. Flash happens when there’s excess material, usually caused by too much pressure or mold misalignment. 

6. What is a parting line? 

The parting line is where two halves of the mold meet. It can often leave a visible line on the finished product, so it’s crucial to minimize or hide it for aesthetic reasons. 

7. Define Hooke's Law. 

Hooke's Law states that the force needed to extend or compress a spring is proportional to the distance stretched or compressed, as long as the material’s elastic limit isn't exceeded. 

8. What is Young's Modulus? Why is it important? 

Young's Modulus is a measure of the stiffness of a material. It helps engineers understand how much a material will deform under stress, which is essential when selecting materials for load-bearing applications. 

9. What are the types of elements used in FEA (Finite Element Analysis)? 

Common FEA elements include: 

• 1D elements like beams and bars for simple structures. 
• 2D elements like shells for thin-walled structures. 
• 3D elements for more complex geometries and solid bodies. 

10. What’s the difference between stress and pressure? 

Stress is the internal force within a material, while pressure refers to the external force applied over an area. Stress is more about how the material reacts, while pressure is what’s acting on the material. 

11. What are the different types of fit in engineering? 

Fits describe how two parts interact. The main types are: 

• Clearance fit: There's a gap between the parts. 
• Interference fit: The parts are tightly fit and require force to assemble. 
• Transition fit: The parts are designed to be either a tight or loose fit depending on manufacturing tolerances. 

12. What’s the difference between casting and forging? 

Casting involves pouring liquid metal into a mold to shape it, while forging uses compressive force to shape solid metal. Casting is good for complex shapes; forging gives better mechanical properties. 

13. What is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)? 

An HEV uses both a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. 

14. As a design engineer, would you choose a hollow or solid shaft? Why? 

A hollow shaft is usually preferable in many applications because it provides a higher strength-to-weight ratio, making it lighter without sacrificing too much strength. 

15. What are the safety considerations for sheet metal design? 

Ensure proper radii for bends, use stiffeners for reinforcement, avoid sharp edges, and account for material spring-back after forming. 

16. What’s the purpose of a fillet and chamfer? 

Fillets smooth out sharp corners, distributing stress evenly, which is essential in preventing cracks. Chamfers remove sharp edges to ease assembly and improve safety. 

17. Explain the stress-strain curve for ductile materials. 

The stress-strain curve for ductile materials shows a linear relationship at the start (elastic region), followed by a yield point where plastic deformation begins. After yielding, the material stretches until it reaches its ultimate tensile strength, then fractures. 

18. Why are second and fourth angle projections not used in engineering drawings? 

Second and fourth angle projections create overlapping views, making it difficult to interpret the drawing. First and third angles are used as they provide clear and non-overlapping views of the object. 

19. What are the types of welding used in automotive applications? 

Common types include MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, and resistance spot welding, which is widely used for joining sheet metals. 

20. How do you troubleshoot errors in CATIA diagrams? 

Start by checking the sketch constraints, reviewing the assembly for part interference, and ensuring that the material properties and dimensions are correctly defined. 

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How many of these questions could you confidently answer? 

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!