Hiring technical engineers

This question is two-fold. First, you’ll be able to assess the candidate’s development process. How do they work through a project? What is their working style? Does this align with your company’s needs? Next, their answer will provide insight into the types of projects that they’ve done and the types of systems they like to create.

Engineering is all about constant iteration, especially in the face of unforeseen problems. The best technical engineers have a flexible, step-by-step approach to solving system issues. They don’t go with hit-or-miss guesses — they work through a structured yet adaptable process, understanding when to escalate the problem to a higher-level tier.

The field of statistics deals with the collection, presentation, analysis, and use of data to make decisions, solve problems, and design products and processes. Many of the decisions an engineer makes regarding variables and changes are explored using statistical hypothesis testing, which your candidate should have a firm grasp of.

Technical engineers must use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance. When designing a new system, for instance, they may call upon scientific knowledge around the laws of gravity or how fluid flows.

Unfortunately, the notion that quality is everyone’s responsibility within a company isn’t always embraced. A strong technical engineering candidate should be able to discuss their experience adopting new tools, methodologies, and approaches with respect to measuring and ensuring quality throughout organizational projects.

In addition to screening for expertise, this question also reveals whether or not the candidate can communicate technical knowledge to a layman. Not only will technical engineers have to work with other employees across many departments (including designers, sales personnel, and account managers), but they may have to guide clients through processes as well.

This question can help you discern both teamwork and communication skills. Whether the candidate is envisioning a hypothetical scenario or drawing from personal experience, their answer should indicate they’re not afraid to speak up when their insight could benefit the company — and that they know the importance of doing so tactfully.

This question is an indirect way of asking whether the interviewee is actively pursuing professional development. To keep up with rapidly evolving technology, the best engineers take online courses, follow industry news, and join professional groups. Their answer may also help you to gauge whether they have leadership potential.

Technical engineering is a highly collaborative career, even though the bulk of an employee’s daily duties will be done independently. Their day-to-day responsibilities demand engagement with a number of teams and clients, all with different personalities and work styles, to create, evaluate, and fix technical systems, so a diplomatic approach is essential.