Mastering Your Actalent Design Engineer Interview | Engineer’s Interview Blueprint

What will be the questions asked in the interview for a Design Engineer? 

This is the question most job seekers have on their minds as they prepare for interviews in this highly competitive field.  

You’ve likely spent time refining your design engineer resume and developing the skills necessary for the role, but when it comes to the interview, the uncertainty can be nerve-wracking.  

Will they ask about sheet metal design? Or maybe focus on your knowledge of stress-strain curves and SFD/BMD diagrams? 

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of real interview questions asked by Actalent during their recruitment process for Design Engineer positions.  

These questions will give you a clearer idea of what to expect, how to frame your answers, and how to stand out among other candidates. 

1. What are the basics of sheet metal? 

Sheet metal refers to metal formed into thin, flat pieces, commonly used in manufacturing. Its key properties include flexibility, strength, and the ability to be easily cut and shaped into complex forms. 

2. What is first angle projection? 

First angle projection is a method of creating technical drawings where the object is placed between the viewer and the projection plane. It is commonly used in Europe and parts of Asia. In this method, the front view is drawn above the top view, and the right-side view is to the left of the front view. 

3. Can you explain the stress-strain curve for ductile materials? 

The stress-strain curve for ductile materials shows how a material deforms under stress. It typically features an elastic region (where the material returns to its original shape) followed by a plastic region (where permanent deformation occurs) and finally ends at the fracture point. 

4. What is the unit of stress and strain? 

• Stress is measured in Pascals (Pa), equivalent to N/m². 

• Strain is a dimensionless quantity, as it’s a ratio of change in length to the original length. 

5. Why is stress on the Y-axis and strain on the X-axis in the stress-strain curve? 

Stress is on the Y-axis because it is the dependent variable, meaning it changes based on how much strain (the independent variable, placed on the X-axis) is applied to the material. 

6. What is a snap-fit and what are the types? 

A snap-fit is a fastening method where parts are assembled by snapping them together without additional hardware. Types include cantilever, torsional, and annular snap-fits, each designed for specific applications and stress conditions. 

7. What are some common defects in snap-fits? 

Common defects include warping, overstressing leading to failure, and excessive wear, which can cause snapping mechanisms to fail over time. 

8. What’s the difference between first angle and third angle projection? 

In first angle projection, the object is placed between the observer and the projection plane, commonly used in Europe. In third angle projection, the projection plane is between the observer and the object, commonly used in the U.S. 

9. What are stress and strain? 

• Stress is the force applied to a material divided by its cross-sectional area. 

• Strain is the deformation or displacement in a material relative to its original length caused by the applied stress. 

10. What are SFD and BMD? 

• SFD (Shear Force Diagram) represents the variation of shear force along the length of a beam. 

• BMD (Bending Moment Diagram) shows how the bending moment varies along the beam. 

11. What is a bearing and its types? How do you choose a bearing? 

A bearing is a machine element that enables rotational or linear movement while reducing friction. Common types include ball bearings, roller bearings, and thrust bearings. The selection depends on load, speed, and alignment requirements. 

12. Can you explain the stress-strain curve for steel? 

The stress-strain curve for steel shows a clear elastic region followed by a yield point where the material deforms plastically. Steel can undergo significant plastic deformation before ultimately breaking at its fracture point. 

13. What are some assembly techniques other than welding? 

Other than welding, common assembly techniques include riveting, bolting, adhesive bonding, and snap-fits. Each method has its own advantages depending on the materials and required strength. 

14. How do you assemble the outer and inner panels of a hood? 

The outer and inner panels of a hood are typically assembled through hemming, where the edges of the outer panel are folded over the inner panel. They may also be joined using adhesives, spot welding, or mechanical fasteners. 

15. What material did you choose for the hood project, and why? 

Steel is commonly chosen for hood designs due to its high strength and impact resistance, making it ideal for safety-critical automotive components. It is also cost-effective compared to aluminum. 

16. Why did you choose steel over aluminum for the hood? 

Steel is often preferred over aluminum for its higher strength, better formability, and lower cost, making it a practical choice for automotive parts like hoods, where impact resistance is critical.  

Conclusion 

Preparing for a design engineer interview requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands the ability to communicate your skills effectively.  

With these real-world questions from Actalent, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the interview process, tackle technical challenges, and showcase your design engineer skills.  

By practicing your answers and refining your approach, you can significantly boost your confidence and land your dream design engineer job. 

Good luck—you’ve got this! 

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!