• Question: Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision during a design project. How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome?
  • Expected Answer: The candidate should provide a specific example, highlighting their decision-making process, how they balanced trade-offs, and the outcome of their decision.
  • Sample Answer: "During a previous project, I had to choose between two material options for a key component. One was more durable but significantly more expensive. After discussing with the team, I chose the more cost-effective option and implemented additional quality checks to ensure performance. The decision resulted in significant cost savings without compromising quality."
• Question: How do you handle feedback from team members or stakeholders when it conflicts with your design approach?
  • Expected Answer: The candidate should demonstrate effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, showing how they handle conflicts constructively.
  • Sample Answer: "I prioritize understanding the concerns behind the feedback. In one case, a stakeholder was concerned about the cost implications of my design. I arranged a meeting to explain my design choices and worked together to find a compromise that met both cost and performance goals."
• Question: Can you give an example of how you ensured your design met both technical specifications and project deadlines?
  • Expected Answer: The candidate should describe their time management and organizational skills, and how they ensured the project stayed on track.
  • Sample Answer: "I break down the project into smaller milestones with clear deadlines. During a suspension design project, I set up regular check-ins with the team to review progress and make adjustments as needed. This approach helped us meet the deadline while ensuring the design met all technical specifications."

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