Landing a job in electrical engineering or technician roles is a two-way street. The interview isn’t just about proving you have the skills; it’s your critical opportunity to assess the company, the team, and the technology you’ll be working with. Asking the right questions demonstrates curiosity, technical depth, and a forward-thinking mindset.
Here is a detailed guide on what questions to ask and topics to discuss during your interview for an engineering or technician role in automation or manufacturing.
Part 1: Questions About the Technology and Systems
These questions show the interviewer you understand the complexity of the modern industrial control system and are focused on technical resilience and efficiency.
1. Control System Architecture and Standards
Understanding the core technology stack reveals the company’s commitment to modern standards and system safety.
- “What is the core control platform in the facility (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell ControlLogix, DeltaV DCS)? Is there a convergence strategy between PLCs and DCS?”
- “How are new safety applications designed, validated, and documented? Which machine safety standard do you adhere to (ISO 13849 PL or IEC 61508 SIL), and how do you maintain the required Safety Integrity Level (SIL)?”
- “How are your automation systems connected to the enterprise network? Can you describe your Industrial DMZ and how the OT network is segmented from the IT network?”
2. Data and the Intelligence Economy
In the age of AI and Machine Learning (ML), asking about data shows you are focused on the future.
- “What is used as the Data Historian platform, and what percentage of field instruments feed data into it?”
- “Are you currently utilizing Predictive Maintenance (PdM) or AI/ML algorithms to drive control decisions, or are the controls based solely on fixed logic? If so, what is the process for validating the AI’s output before it reaches a controller?”
- “How do you manage Digital Twins or process simulation models for optimizing new lines or training?”
Part 2: Questions About the Role and Process
These questions clarify your day-to-day responsibilities, the priorities of the team, and the company’s commitment to quality.
3. Documentation, Change Management, and Auditing
This is the difference between a chaotic environment and a professional one. Strong processes indicate a commitment to safety and compliance.
- “Can you describe your Change Management process for making modifications to PLC/DCS code? How do you maintain version control and audit logs?”
- “How frequently are your technical schematics and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) updated, and what tool or software is used to manage that documentation?”
- “What does a typical root cause analysis (RCA) look like when a major process or electrical fault occurs?”
4. Technician vs. Engineer Work Distribution
For an entry-level candidate, it’s vital to know where the boundaries lie.
- For Technicians: “What is the balance between reactive (break-fix) maintenance and proactive work (calibration, preventive maintenance, etc.)? What systems do you use for work order management (CMMS)?”
- For Engineers: “What is the expected split between managing capital projects (design, budgeting) and supporting existing production (troubleshooting, optimization)?”
Part 3: Questions About Growth and Culture
These questions gauge the company’s investment in your future and the work environment.
5. Training and Professional Development
Industrial technology evolves quickly. A strong employer invests heavily in its people.
- “Does the company sponsor certifications like the ISA CAP or GIAC GICSP, and are there opportunities for training specific to vendor platforms (e.g., specific DCS or robotics courses)?”
- “How does the engineering or maintenance department support the pursuit of a Professional Engineer (PE) license or advanced degrees?”
6. Team Structure and Collaboration
Understanding who you report to and who you work with is key to a successful start.
- “How often do the controls team and the electrical maintenance team collaborate, especially during complex commissioning projects?”
- “What are the biggest challenges facing this facility or department in the next 12 to 18 months, and how would this role specifically help address those challenges?” (This shows you are thinking strategically.)
Final Thoughts: Demonstrating Your Value
When asking these questions, listen intently to the answers. Your final question should relate directly to the company’s core mission or challenge.
A powerful closing might be: “Based on our discussion regarding the facility’s push toward PdM, my experience with [Specific Skill, e.g., Ethernet/IP diagnostics] would be immediately useful in shoring up the ‘Digital Chain.’ What would the first 90 days look like for someone focused on that goal?”
This summary ties your skills back to the company’s needs, reinforcing your value as a prepared and knowledgeable candidate.
