50+ new Product Development Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Surface finish symbols are used to indicate the type of surface finish required for a part.

• Surface finish symbols are typically represented by a series of lines, circles, and triangles.

• The symbols are used to indicate the type of surface finish required for a part, such as roughness, waviness, or lay.

• Examples of surface finish symbols include Ra for roughness average, Rz for roughness depth, and W for waviness.

1st and 3rd angle projection symbols are used in engineering drawings to indicate the orientation of the object being depicted.

• 1st angle projection symbol is a triangle with the number '1' inside and is used in Europe and Asia.

• 3rd angle projection symbol is a triangle with the number '3' inside and is used in North America.

• The symbol is usually placed in the lower right-hand corner of the drawing.

• The symbol indicates the direction of the view and the position of the object in...read more

Draw orthographic projections of given isometric view.

• Identify the isometric view and its orientation

• Draw the front, top, and right views using the correct scale and proportions

• Ensure that all lines are parallel and dimensions are accurate

• Label each view with the appropriate dimensions and notes

• Check for any errors or inconsistencies

Bernoulli's theorem states that potential energy decreases as kinetic energy increases in a fluid flow.

• Bernoulli's theorem is based on the conservation of energy in a fluid flow.

• Potential energy is the energy possessed by a fluid due to its position or elevation.

• Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a fluid due to its motion.

• As the velocity of a fluid increases, its kinetic energy increases and its potential energy decreases.

• This relationship is described by Bernoulli's e...read more

Relative humidity is the ratio of actual water vapor present in the air to the maximum amount of water vapor air can hold at a given temperature.

• Absolute humidity is the actual amount of water vapor present in the air.

• Saturation humidity is the maximum amount of water vapor air can hold at a given temperature.

• Relative humidity and absolute humidity are measured in percentage while saturation humidity is measured in grams per cubic meter.

• Relative humidity is affected by temper...read more

I will follow a structured process to evaluate the impact of the change and ensure proper documentation and communication.

• Review the change request and assess its impact on the product design, cost, and schedule

• Evaluate the feasibility of the change and propose alternatives if necessary

• Document the change request and update relevant documents such as drawings, specifications, and BOMs

• Communicate the change to stakeholders such as manufacturing, quality, and suppliers

• Obtain ap...read more

APQP is a structured approach to product development that involves planning, design, validation, and launch phases.

• APQP stands for Advanced Product Quality Planning

• It is a framework used to ensure that products meet customer requirements and are launched successfully

• The development cycle includes planning, design, validation, and launch phases

• Issues can be dealt with by identifying the root cause, developing a corrective action plan, and implementing the plan

• Effective communi...read more

PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is a standardized process in the automotive industry to ensure suppliers meet quality standards.

• PPAP is a set of guidelines developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) to establish confidence in suppliers and their production processes.

• It involves submitting documentation such as design records, process flow diagrams, control plans, and measurement system analysis.

• PPAP is typically required by automotive OEMs before a new p...read more

I learned about materials science and engineering principles, including sustainable design and waste reduction.

• I learned about the properties and characteristics of different materials, including plastics, and how they can be designed for sustainability and recyclability.

• I also studied waste reduction strategies, such as designing products for disassembly and reuse, and using biodegradable materials.

• One solution to plastic waste is to promote the use of biodegradable plastics...read more

Plastics are synthetic materials made from polymers that can be molded into various shapes and forms.

• Plastics are widely used in manufacturing due to their versatility and durability.

• They are commonly used in packaging, construction, automotive, and electronics industries.

• Examples of plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and PET.

• Plastics can be recycled, but not all types are recyclable.

• Plastics can have negative environmental impacts if not disposed of properly.

I have 3 years of experience in mobile manufacturing.

• Worked for 3 years in a mobile manufacturing company

• Experience in designing and developing new mobile products

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality control in mobile industry

Hot forging involves shaping metal at high temperatures, while cold forging is done at or near room temperature.

• Hot forging allows for greater deformation and is suitable for complex shapes.

• Cold forging improves surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

• Hot forging is typically used for larger components, like automotive parts.

• Cold forging is often used for smaller, high-volume parts, such as fasteners.

Gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on the driven gear to the number of teeth on the driving gear.

• Count the number of teeth on the driving gear (gear attached to the motor) and the driven gear (gear attached to the load)

• Divide the number of teeth on the driven gear by the number of teeth on the driving gear to get the gear ratio

• For example, if the driving gear has 20 teeth and the driven gear has 40 teeth, the gear ratio is 2:1

PFD stands for Process Flow Diagram, which is a visual representation of the steps involved in a process.

• PFDs are used to understand the flow of a process and identify potential areas for improvement.

• They typically include equipment, materials, and information flow.

• PFDs are essential in new product development to ensure efficient and effective processes.

• Examples of PFDs include diagrams showing the steps involved in manufacturing a new product or the flow of information in a ...read more

PFMEA stands for Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, a method used to identify and prioritize potential failure modes in a process.

• PFMEA is a systematic approach to identifying and preventing potential failures in a manufacturing or development process.

• It involves analyzing each step of the process to determine potential failure modes, their effects, and the likelihood of occurrence.

• Risk priority numbers (RPN) are calculated to prioritize which failure modes should be ...read more

APQP is a structured approach to product development that ensures customer satisfaction through effective planning and risk management.

• APQP involves cross-functional teams working together to identify and mitigate potential risks throughout the product development process.

• It includes five phases: planning, product design and development, process design and development, product and process validation, and launch, assessment, and feedback.

• APQP is commonly used in the automotive...read more

NPD stands for New Product Development, which refers to the process of bringing a new product from concept to market.

• NPD involves idea generation, product design, prototyping, testing, and commercialization.

• It aims to meet customer needs, stay ahead of competitors, and drive business growth.

• Examples include Apple launching a new iPhone model or Nike introducing a new line of athletic shoes.

Yes, I am proficient in 3D modelling and drafting using software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

• Proficient in 3D modelling software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD

• Experienced in creating detailed drafts and models for new product development

• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications accurately

Surges occur at outdoor LED lighting due to various reasons.

• Lightning strikes

• Power fluctuations

• Switching of high-power equipment

• Faulty wiring

• Poor grounding

• Inadequate surge protection

• Environmental factors such as humidity and temperature changes

• Overloading of circuits

• Electromagnetic interference

• Voltage spikes from the power grid

• Inrush current during startup

• Design flaws in the LED driver circuitry

Shrinkage value of a material refers to the amount by which the material contracts or shrinks during the cooling process after being molded or formed.

• Shrinkage value is typically expressed as a percentage of the original size of the material.

• It is an important factor to consider in manufacturing processes, especially in injection molding and casting.

• Different materials have different shrinkage values, so it is crucial to account for this when designing molds or parts.

• For exam...read more

Tolerances and fits are important in product development. Tolerances refer to the allowable variation in dimensions, while fits describe the degree of interference between mating parts.

• Tolerances can be classified as either unilateral or bilateral

• Fits can be classified as clearance, interference, or transition

• Examples of fits include press fit, slip fit, and force fit

Pulley provides mechanical advantage by reducing the amount of force required to lift a load.

• A pulley system can have multiple pulleys to increase mechanical advantage

• The mechanical advantage of a pulley is equal to the number of supporting ropes or cables

• Pulleys can change the direction of the force applied to lift a load

• Examples of pulleys include cranes, elevators, and flagpoles

LED flickering can be resolved by checking power supply, using proper dimmer, and selecting high-quality LED bulbs.

• Check power supply for voltage fluctuations

• Use a proper dimmer that is compatible with LED bulbs

• Select high-quality LED bulbs that are designed to work with dimmers

• Ensure proper grounding of the circuit

• Avoid using too many LED bulbs on a single circuit

• Consider using an LED driver to regulate the voltage

• Check for loose connections or damaged wiring

APQP stands for Advanced Product Quality Planning, a structured method for developing and introducing new products.

• APQP is a quality framework used in the automotive industry to ensure that products meet customer requirements.

• It involves defining the project scope, creating a cross-functional team, and developing a detailed plan.

• APQP includes activities such as design and process FMEAs, control plans, and production part approval.

• The goal of APQP is to prevent defects and red...read more

PPAP Submission level is a process of ensuring that the supplier's production process meets the customer's requirements.

• PPAP stands for Production Part Approval Process

• It is a standardized process used in the automotive industry

• PPAP submission level is the level of documentation required for a supplier to demonstrate that their production process is capable of meeting the customer's requirements

• There are five levels of PPAP submission, with level 1 being the least stringent a...read more

CAD software, simulation tools, project management software

• CAD software like SolidWorks for designing

• Simulation tools like ANSYS for testing designs

• Project management software like Jira for tracking progress

I am comfortable with CAD software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD, as well as simulation software like ANSYS.

• CAD software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD

• Simulation software like ANSYS