Describe a complex engineering issue you encountered during development and how you resolved it.

Vehicle Systems Engineer Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

During a previous project, I encountered a complex engineering issue related to the integration of electrical and control systems in a vehicle. The issue was that the control signals were not being properly transmitted from the control system to the electrical components, resulting in malfunctioning of various systems. To resolve this, I started by analyzing the system architecture and identifying potential points of failure. I then conducted extensive testing and troubleshooting to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. After identifying the problem, I worked closely with the electrical and control system engineers to implement a solution, which involved reconfiguring the wiring layout and updating the control software. Through collaborative efforts and rigorous testing, we successfully resolved the issue and ensured the proper functioning of the vehicle's electrical and control systems.

A more solid answer

During the development of a vehicle, I encountered a complex engineering issue involving the integration of the powertrain control module (PCM) with the transmission control module (TCM). The issue caused inconsistent shifting and poor performance of the vehicle. To address this, I first conducted a thorough analysis of the electrical and communication protocols between the PCM and TCM. Through extensive testing, I identified a synchronization issue between the two modules which was causing the problem. I then collaborated with the software engineers to develop a firmware update to resolve the synchronization issue. Additionally, I worked with the electrical engineering team to ensure proper wiring and signal integrity. After implementing the solution and conducting rigorous testing, we successfully resolved the issue, resulting in improved performance and smooth shifting of the vehicle.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the engineering issue encountered and the steps taken to resolve it. It demonstrates the candidate's expertise in systems engineering, problem-solving skills, and communication and collaboration abilities. However, it could further improve by providing more information about the impact of the resolution on the overall project and how the candidate's leadership and motivation skills contributed to the successful resolution.

An exceptional answer

During the development of a hybrid electric vehicle, I faced a complex engineering issue related to the integration of the regenerative braking system with the vehicle's powertrain control system. The issue was that the regenerative braking was not functioning optimally, resulting in inconsistent charging of the battery pack and reduced overall efficiency. To resolve this, I first conducted a comprehensive analysis of the system architecture and identified potential design flaws. I then led a cross-functional team consisting of electrical engineers, software engineers, and mechanical engineers to develop a solution. Through collaborative efforts, we redesigned the powertrain control system to incorporate advanced algorithms for regenerative braking control and optimized the charging strategy for the battery pack. Additionally, I implemented advanced diagnostic capabilities to monitor and optimize the performance of the regenerative braking system in real-time. This resulted in a significant improvement in the overall efficiency of the vehicle and a more seamless integration of the regenerative braking system with the powertrain control system.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed description of the complex engineering issue and the steps taken to resolve it. It demonstrates the candidate's strong analytical and problem-solving skills, expertise in systems engineering, and ability to lead and motivate a team of engineers. The answer also highlights the candidate's in-depth understanding of vehicle control systems and software, as well as their knowledge of vehicle testing and validation protocols. Additionally, it showcases the candidate's ability to deliver high-quality vehicles that meet stringent performance, safety, and regulatory standards. The answer could be further improved by providing specific examples of how the candidate's leadership and motivation skills were utilized during the resolution of the issue.

How to prepare for this question

Review and familiarize yourself with various complex engineering issues that can arise during vehicle development.
Reflect on your past experiences and projects to identify any complex engineering issues you have encountered and resolved.
Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex engineering issues.
Emphasize your experience and expertise in systems engineering methodologies and tools.
Practice articulating your thoughts and explanations in a clear and concise manner.

What interviewers are evaluating

Analytical and problem-solving skills
Systems engineering
Communication and collaboration abilities