10+ Senior Engineer Purchase Interview Questions and Answers

In case of a global shortage of an exclusive semiconductor, I would take the following actions:

• Identify alternative suppliers or manufacturers who can provide the required semiconductor

• Negotiate with existing suppliers to increase the supply or prioritize our orders

• Explore the possibility of redesigning the product to use a different semiconductor

• Collaborate with other companies or industry associations to find a collective solution

• Monitor the situation closely and stay updat...read more

The working culture of the Purchase department in Shaily Engineering Plastic Ltd is collaborative and efficient.

• The Purchase department at Shaily Engineering Plastic Ltd promotes a collaborative work environment.

• There is a strong emphasis on effective communication and coordination within the department.

• The team works closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and negotiate favorable terms.

• There is a focus on cost optimization and finding the best value for...read more

Vendor quotation selection involves comparing and evaluating criteria such as price, quality, delivery time, and vendor reputation.

• Compare vendor quotes based on price, quality, delivery time, and vendor reputation

• Evaluate vendor's past performance and customer feedback

• Consider vendor's financial stability and ability to meet production demands

• Assess vendor's technical capabilities and compliance with industry standards

• Negotiate terms and conditions to ensure a mutually benef...read more

Landing price can be calculated by adding the FOB price with freight, insurance, customs duty, and other charges.

• FOB price is the cost of goods and transportation to the port of shipment

• Freight cost is the cost of shipping the goods from the port of shipment to the port of destination

• Insurance cost is the cost of insuring the goods during transit

• Customs duty is the tax imposed by the importing country on the imported goods

• Other charges may include port handling charges, docum...read more

I am familiar with various manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, welding, and additive manufacturing.

• Casting: involves pouring molten metal into a mold to create a desired shape

• Machining: involves removing material from a workpiece to achieve the desired shape and size

• Welding: involves joining two or more pieces of metal by melting them together

• Additive manufacturing: involves building a part layer by layer using 3D printing technology

Landed cost for import items is calculated by adding the cost of goods, freight charges, insurance, customs duties, and other expenses incurred until the goods reach the final destination.

• Calculate the cost of goods including the purchase price, packaging, and any other related costs.

• Add the freight charges, which include the cost of shipping, handling, and any other transportation costs.

• Include the cost of insurance, which is usually a percentage of the total value of the go...read more

Procurement process involves identifying needs, selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships.

• Identify needs and requirements

• Select potential suppliers

• Negotiate contracts and terms

• Manage supplier relationships

• Ensure timely delivery and quality

• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance

Heavy fabrication rate refers to the cost or rate at which heavy fabrication work is done.

• Heavy fabrication rate can vary depending on the complexity of the project, materials used, and location.

• Factors such as labor costs, equipment costs, and overhead expenses can also impact the heavy fabrication rate.

• For example, the heavy fabrication rate for a large steel structure may be higher than the rate for a smaller project due to the amount of materials and labor involved.

Steel grades refer to the different types and compositions of steel used for various applications.

• Steel grades are classified based on their chemical composition, physical properties, and intended use.

• Common steel grades include carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel.

• Each steel grade has specific characteristics that make it suitable for different applications.

• For example, carbon steel is commonly used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength and affordab...read more

The refrigeration cycle is a thermodynamic process that removes heat from a designated area to lower its temperature.

• 1. The cycle consists of four main processes: evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion.

• 2. In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surroundings, causing it to evaporate.

• 3. The compressor then compresses the refrigerant gas, raising its pressure and temperature.

• 4. In the condenser, the refrigerant releases heat to the environment and...read more

Costing of sheet metal and plastic parts involves analyzing material costs, manufacturing processes, and supplier quotes.

• Analyze material costs for sheet metal and plastic parts separately

• Consider manufacturing processes such as stamping, injection molding, and CNC machining

• Obtain quotes from multiple suppliers to compare costs

• Factor in additional costs like tooling, finishing, and shipping

• Use cost estimation tools or software for accurate calculations

To source new suppliers, research potential candidates, evaluate their capabilities, and establish relationships.

• Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers

• Evaluate supplier capabilities and quality standards

• Establish communication and build relationships with potential suppliers

• Negotiate terms and conditions of contracts

• Perform due diligence to ensure supplier compliance with regulations and ethical standards

I handle various commodities, focusing on sourcing and procurement of materials like metals, plastics, and electronic components.

• Metals: Sourcing steel and aluminum for manufacturing processes.

• Plastics: Procuring high-quality polymers for product development.

• Electronic Components: Managing supply chains for semiconductors and circuit boards.

• Negotiating contracts with suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness.

• Conducting market research to identify new suppliers and trends.

Diesel engine works by compressing air in the cylinder, injecting fuel, and igniting the mixture to create combustion.

• Diesel fuel is injected into the combustion chamber at high pressure

• Air is compressed in the cylinder by the piston

• The heat generated by compression ignites the fuel-air mixture

• The combustion pushes the piston down, creating power