10 Quality Engineer Interview Questions and

Answers

Q:

Why did you pursue a career as a Quality Engineer?

A:

This question gives you insight into a candidates motivations

for pursuing a career in quality engineering. The candidate
should have a clear reason for wanting to work as a Quality
Engineer. What to look for in an answer:

 A clear reason for wanting to be a Quality Engineer

 A passionate and honest answer

 Clear career aspirations

Example:
"I've always had a passion for quality. At university, I made sure
all of my engineering projects were of the highest standard. I
enjoy the challenge of making sure a process is efficient and
error-free. Quality Engineering seemed like a logical career step
given my interests."
Q:

What would you do if you found out an employee wasn't

following quality standards?

A:

A Quality Engineer has an obligation to ensure that everyone in

the company is following quality standards. The candidate
should be willing to confront the employee and take the
 necessary steps to ensure that quality standards are
maintained. What to look for in an answer:

 Willingness to confront employees not upholding quality

standards
 Professional approach to conflict

 Willingness to educate employees on quality

Example:
"If I saw an employee not following quality standards, I'd let
them know as soon as possible. They might not know what
they're doing wrong, so I'd be more than happy to educate
them. I'd also be sure to make a note to the quality assurance
manager to ensure that the employee is monitored in the
future."
Q:

Do you have experience working directly with clients?

A:

During the development of quality assurance processes, Quality

Engineers may have to work directly with their clients. The
candidate should be comfortable working with the client and
ensuring they meet their needs. What to look for in an answer:

 Experience working with clients

 Communication and interpersonal skills

 Willingness to meet the client's needs

Example:
"Yes, I've worked closely with the client on many different
projects. I think it's the best way to get the job done properly. If
you work closely with the client, you can ensure their meets are
met to their specifications. I always make sure that I maintain
 an excellent relationship with the client and represent the
company to the best of my ability."
Q:

What would you do if you found a flaw in our production

process?

A:

Quality Engineers may identify flaws in a production process

during their assessments of a company's processes. The
candidate should be able to outline their reaction to identifying
a flaw in a production process and be willing to suggest
solutions. What to look for in an answer:

 Willingness to report production issues

 Understanding of proper reporting

 Suggestions for solutions

Example:
"If I found a flaw in your production process, the first thing I
would do is report it to the Production Manager. Problems like
this need to be taken care of quickly before they interrupt the
production process. Depending on the problem, I'd offer my
best suggestions for a solution that would minimise the
disruption to production."
Q:

What steps would you take to ensure that we purchase quality

materials?

A:
 Quality Engineers may be expected to contribute towards
ensuring a company purchases quality materials for
production. The candidate should be able to explain the steps
they'd take to select quality materials for purchase. What to
look for in an answer:

 Process for sourcing quality materials

 Understanding of the importance of quality materials

 Awareness of budgetary limitations

Example:
"I think that sourcing quality materials is the most important
step in the production process. You can't make quality products
without quality starting materials. The first thing I do is look at
the budget for sourcing materials. Then I..."
Q:

What is a project quality plan and why is it important?

A:

A project quality plan is an outline of the steps that will be taken

to ensure quality during a project. A Quality Engineer candidate
should be familiar with project quality plans and understand
their importance. This question tests the candidates knowledge
of fundamental quality engineering knowledge. What to look
for in an answer:

 Definition of a project quality plan

 Explanation of why a project quality plan is important

 Clearly articulated answer

Example:
"A project quality plan is a plan that describes all the processes
and tools used to ensure quality during a project. It's important
 because it sets a standard for quality assurance throughout a
project. It means that everyone knows what is expected of them
from a quality perspective and offers solutions when quality
standards aren't met."
Q:

Do you have any experience leading a quality assurance team?

A:

During quality assurance projects, a Quality Engineer may be

expected to lead other quality assurance professionals as part
of their work. What to look for in an answer:

 Leadership experience
 Leadership and communication skills

 Desire to gain more leadership experience

Example:
"Yes, I have some experience leading a team. In my last role, I
was in charge of a small team of Quality Assurance
professionals while we implemented a new quality process in
the company's manufacturing department. I'd love to get more
leadership experience and I'd be happy to lead a team at your
company."
Q:

How do you handle a complaint from a client?

A:

When implementing quality control processes, a Quality

Engineer may deal with complaints from a client if there is a
problem. A good Quality Engineer will be able to calmly take the
 criticism and formulate an appropriate response. What to look
for in an answer:

 Ability to take criticism

 Calm and measured response

 Problem-solving skills

Example:
"In my last job, we were implementing a new quality control
step in a factory. The client was unhappy with the added time in
the production process. I invited the client to a meeting to
discuss it further. I listened to their concerns and then..."
Q:

What are the key responsibilities of a Quality Engineer?

A:

This question gives you the opportunity to assess the

candidate's understanding of the Quality Engineer role. They
should be able to outline the main responsibilities of the role
and link them back to the job description. What to look for in an
answer:

 Description of the key responsibilities of a Quality

Engineer
 Link their answer to the job description

 Understanding of the role

Example:
"The key responsibility of a Quality Engineer is to design and
implement quality assurance processes within a company.
They're also expected to create technical documentation and
analyse existing processes. I also note that you need a Quality
 Engineer with experience in frozen food production. I have
experience in that area."
Q:

Why do you want to be a Quality Engineer at our business?

A:

This question gives the candidate the opportunity to express

their passion for the position and explain why they want to
work for you. It also allows them to demonstrate that they've
done their research on the job. What to look for in an answer:

 Reason for wanting to work for you

 Evidence of background research

 Compelling and passionate answer

Example:
"I want to work for your company because you're on the cutting
edge of manufacturing. I have a passion for quality, and I want
to bring that passion to your business to get the absolute best
out of your products. Since you recently expanded your
manufacturing, I think this a great opportunity to implement
optimal quality processes."