90+ Product Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Find odd ball out of 8 balls in 2 weighings with 7 balls having same weight.

• Divide balls into 3 groups of 3, 3, and 2 balls

• Weigh 3 balls against 3 balls

• If both weighings are equal, odd ball is in the group of 2 balls

• If one weighing is heavier, odd ball is in the heavier group

• Weigh 2 balls from the heavier group, and the odd ball will be identified

• If both weighings are lighter, odd ball is in the lighter group

• Weigh 2 balls from the lighter group, and the odd ball will be ident...read more

Telecom sources refer to the data sources used by telecommunication companies to collect Call Detail Records (CDRs) for billing and analysis purposes.

• Telecom sources are used to collect CDRs for billing and analysis purposes

• CDRs obtained from telecom sources include information such as call duration, call time, caller ID, and call location

• Examples of telecom sources include mobile network operators, landline service providers, and VoIP service providers

Adding Vanadium or Tungsten as alloy elements to Plain carbon steel improves its strength, hardness, and wear resistance.

• Vanadium and Tungsten increase the hardenability of carbon steel.

• They form carbides, which enhance the steel's strength and wear resistance.

• Vanadium also helps in refining the grain structure of the steel.

• Tungsten improves the high-temperature strength and toughness of the steel.

• Both elements contribute to the overall improvement in the mechanical propertie...read more

Answering questions related to file transfer, server health check, core in Linux, and server connectivity.

• For file transfer, use tools like SCP, SFTP, or Rsync.

• To check server health, use monitoring tools like Nagios, Zabbix, or Prometheus.

• To check core in Linux, use the command 'cat /proc/cpuinfo' or 'lscpu'.

• To connect one server to another, use tools like SSH or VPN.

• Ensure proper network configuration and security measures are in place.

• Regularly update and maintain servers ...read more

Tolerance is the allowable variation in a product's dimensions. Speed is scalar, velocity is vector. Sliding velocity is the velocity of a sliding object.

• Tolerance is the range of acceptable variation in a product's dimensions

• Speed is the rate at which an object moves, while velocity is the rate at which an object moves in a specific direction

• Sliding velocity is the velocity of an object that is sliding on a surface

• Sliding velocity can be calculated by multiplying the coeffic...read more

To ensure all faults are captured in the product, a comprehensive testing process should be implemented.

• Implement a rigorous testing strategy that covers all aspects of the product

• Perform functional testing to ensure the product meets all requirements

• Conduct regression testing to identify any new faults introduced during development

• Utilize automated testing tools to increase efficiency and accuracy

• Encourage feedback from users and stakeholders to identify potential faults

• Impl...read more

Python code to read, display, and find duplicates in a data set.

• Use the pandas library to read the data set into a DataFrame

• Display the data set using the print() function or DataFrame.head() method

• Find duplicates by using the DataFrame.duplicated() method

• Filter the DataFrame to show only the duplicate rows

Ambient temperature is the temperature of the surrounding environment.

• It is the temperature of the air or surroundings in which an object is located.

• It can vary depending on the location and time of day.

• It is typically used as a reference point for temperature measurements.

• Room temperature is a common example of ambient temperature, usually around 20-25°C.

Yes, a circle can be formed if all strings have the same starting and ending characters.

• Check if all strings have the same starting and ending characters

• Join the strings in a circular manner to form a circle

• Example: ['abc', 'cde', 'efg'] can form a circle as 'abc' -> 'cde' -> 'efg' -> 'abc'

Different types of protocols used in communication systems include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and SNMP.

• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - used for communication over the internet

• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) - used for transferring web pages

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - used for transferring files between a client and server

• SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - used for sending email messages

• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) - used for man...read more

Control loops and cascade controllers are important components in process control systems.

• Control loops are used to maintain a desired process variable by continuously adjusting the manipulated variable.

• Cascade controllers are a type of control loop where the output of one controller is used as the setpoint for another controller.

• Cascade control is commonly used in industries such as chemical, oil and gas, and power generation.

• Cascade control can improve the response time and...read more

A server in node.js with implemented functionalities.

• Use the 'http' module to create a server

• Implement different routes and handle requests using 'express' framework

• Use 'body-parser' middleware to parse request bodies

• Implement CRUD operations for data manipulation

• Handle errors and implement error handling middleware

Object-oriented programming is a programming paradigm that organizes code into objects with properties and behaviors.

• Encapsulation: bundling data and methods together in a single unit

• Inheritance: creating new classes by inheriting properties and behaviors from existing classes

• Polymorphism: using a single interface to represent different types of objects

• Abstraction: simplifying complex systems by breaking them down into manageable parts

FMEA stands for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis. It is a systematic approach to identify and prevent potential failures in a product or process.

• FMEA is used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

• It involves identifying potential failure modes, their causes, and the effects of those failures.

• Risk priority numbers (RPN) are assigned to each failure mode to prioritize corrective actions.

• FMEA helps in improving product quality, reducing costs, a...read more

Minimum number of operations to convert string s1 to s2 is the Levenshtein distance between the two strings.

• Use dynamic programming to calculate the Levenshtein distance between the two strings.

• The operations allowed are insertion, deletion, and substitution of a single character.

• Example: s1 = 'kitten', s2 = 'sitting'. The minimum number of operations is 3 (substitute 'k' with 's', insert 'g', substitute 'e' with 'i').

Parent node can be tracked by storing a reference to the parent node in each node of the binary tree.

• Store a reference to the parent node in each node of the binary tree

• Update the parent reference when inserting or deleting nodes

• Use this parent reference to navigate back to the parent node

I have experience in optimizing product design and manufacturing processes.

• I have worked on reducing production costs by optimizing the manufacturing process.

• I have used simulation software to optimize product design and improve performance.

• I have implemented lean manufacturing principles to optimize production flow and reduce waste.

• I have conducted experiments to optimize material selection and improve product durability.

• I have collaborated with cross-functional teams to ide...read more

The weight of material can be calculated by multiplying the volume of the material by its density.

• Calculate the volume of the material (length x width x height)

• Determine the density of the material (usually in g/cm^3 or kg/m^3)

• Multiply the volume by the density to get the weight of the material

• Example: Weight = Volume x Density

Developing green sustainable products involves considering the environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.

• Conducting a life cycle assessment to identify areas for improvement

• Using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes

• Designing for durability and recyclability

• Reducing energy consumption during use

• Implementing end-of-life disposal strategies

• Examples: solar-powered chargers, reusable water bottles, biodegradable packaging

Use Java Streams to find total employees with salary > 50000

• Filter employees with salary > 50000 using stream.filter()

• Count the number of employees using stream.count()

Yes, it is generally okay to domain switch as a Product Engineer.

• Domain switching can bring new perspectives and ideas to the role.

• It allows for personal and professional growth.

• Transferable skills can be valuable in different domains.

• Adaptability and willingness to learn are important qualities.

• Examples: A software engineer transitioning to product management or a mechanical engineer moving into software development.

Garbage collection in Java is an automatic process of reclaiming memory by deallocating objects that are no longer in use.

• Garbage collection is performed by the JVM (Java Virtual Machine).

• It frees up memory by identifying and removing objects that are no longer reachable.

• The process involves three steps: marking, sweeping, and compacting.

• Marking identifies objects that are still in use.

• Sweeping frees up memory occupied by unreachable objects.

• Compacting moves the remaining obj...read more

I would start by understanding the customer's requirements and specifications, and then use AutoCAD to create a detailed drawing that meets their needs.

• Gather all necessary information from the customer regarding their requirements and specifications

• Use AutoCAD software to create a detailed drawing that meets the customer's needs

• Ensure accuracy and attention to detail in the drawing

• Communicate with the customer throughout the process to ensure their satisfaction

No, static methods cannot be overridden but can be overloaded.

• Static methods belong to the class and not to the instance of the class.

• Overriding is not possible as it requires inheritance and static methods cannot be inherited.

• Overloading is possible as it allows multiple methods with the same name but different parameters.

• Example: public static void method() and public static void method(int a)

Ductile materials can be drawn into wires, while malleable materials can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.

• Ductile materials can be drawn into wires without breaking.

• Malleable materials can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.

• Ductile materials include metals like copper and aluminum.

• Malleable materials include metals like gold and lead.

Regulations ECE and FMVSS and Design standards for Sheetmetal and plastic

• ECE regulations are standards set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe for the safety and environmental performance of vehicles.

• FMVSS refers to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which are regulations set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States.

• Design standards for sheet metal and plastic involve guidelines and specifications for the design and manu...read more

The number of components in a graph can vary based on the connections between nodes.

• The number of components in a graph can be determined by counting the number of disconnected subgraphs.

• For example, a graph with 3 disconnected subgraphs would have 3 components.

• Adding or removing edges between nodes can change the number of components in a graph.

Design a search system with maximum features.

• Identify the scope and requirements of the search system

• Determine the search algorithm and ranking system

• Include filters and sorting options

• Implement autocomplete and suggestions

• Incorporate natural language processing and machine learning

• Ensure scalability and performance

• Provide analytics and reporting features

Designing a calculator with memory involves adding a storage feature for storing and recalling previous calculations.

• Include a 'memory' button on the calculator for storing numbers or results

• Allow users to store multiple values in memory and recall them as needed

• Provide options for clearing memory or specific stored values

• Display a visual indicator when memory is in use or has stored values

Annotations in Springboot like @Entity, @RestController are used for defining classes and endpoints respectively.

• Annotations like @Entity are used to define JPA entities in Springboot.

• Annotations like @RestController are used to define RESTful web services endpoints.

• Annotations like @Autowired are used for dependency injection in Springboot.

TPM stands for Total Productive Maintenance. It is a maintenance strategy that aims to maximize equipment effectiveness and minimize downtime.

• TPM involves regular maintenance and inspection of equipment to prevent breakdowns

• It emphasizes employee involvement and training to improve equipment performance

• TPM can lead to increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved product quality

• Examples of TPM techniques include autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, and quality m...read more

Handling employees on the shop floor requires effective communication, clear expectations, and a positive work environment.

• Establish clear expectations for behavior and performance

• Provide regular feedback and recognition

• Encourage open communication and active listening

• Create a positive work environment with opportunities for growth and development

• Address conflicts and issues promptly and professionally

Various materials are used for car manufacturing including steel, aluminum, plastic, and carbon fiber.

• Steel is commonly used for car bodies and frames due to its strength and durability.

• Aluminum is used for parts that require lighter weight, such as wheels and engine blocks.

• Plastic is used for interior components and some exterior parts.

• Carbon fiber is used for high-performance vehicles and parts due to its strength and lightweight properties.

• Other materials such as magnesium...read more

To update table 1 city from table 2 city value, use SQL UPDATE statement with JOIN clause.

• Use UPDATE statement with JOIN clause to join both tables on a common column

• Specify the column to be updated in table 1 and the corresponding column in table 2

• Use WHERE clause to filter the rows to be updated

• Example: UPDATE table1 JOIN table2 ON table1.id = table2.id SET table1.city = table2.city WHERE table1.id = 1

I have a strong grip on C programming language.

• I have experience in writing efficient and optimized code in C.

• I am familiar with data structures and algorithms in C.

• I have worked on projects involving embedded systems and device drivers in C.

• I have knowledge of memory management and pointers in C.

• I have used C to develop applications in various domains such as networking, gaming, and system programming.

LLD for a simple tic-tac-toe game

• Create a 3x3 grid to represent the game board

• Define player objects with symbols (X and O)

• Implement logic to check for win conditions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)

• Allow players to take turns placing their symbol on the board

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design software used for creating 2D and 3D designs. MS Office and Excel are productivity software used for various office tasks.

• AutoCAD is used in industries like architecture, engineering, and construction.

• It allows users to create precise and detailed designs with various tools and features.

• MS Office includes software like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for creating documents, presentations, and managing emails.

• Excel is a spreadsheet software use...read more

Design a system for messaging multiple teams at a time.

• Implement a messaging platform with channels for each team

• Allow users to subscribe to multiple teams' channels

• Provide options for real-time messaging and notifications

• Include features like file sharing, message search, and user mentions

Friction is the force that resists the relative motion or tendency of such motion of two surfaces in contact.

• Friction is caused by the roughness of surfaces in contact.

• It acts in the opposite direction of the applied force.

• Friction can be static (no motion), kinetic (motion), or rolling.

• Examples include rubbing hands together to create heat due to friction and the stopping of a moving car due to friction between the tires and the road.