You identify that a key aspect of a process is that a piece of expendable tooling be changed every 500 cycles. How do you ensure that the maintenance team is adhering to the required frequency of this change?

How to Answer
Answer Example
Experienced Example

While manufacturing engineers may or may not have direct management responsibility for the maintenance staff in their areas, they will certainly be expected to give direction the the maintenance team at times. It is important you show that you will take ownership, not only of giving direction, but implementing processes that ensure that direction is followed. This could include updating documents, adding check sheets, performing audits, or other similar tasks. You should use this answer to highlight your ability to communicate and show your understanding of implementing processes in the workplace.

"The first step for me would be to make sure that the maintenance team understands the importance of this task. I would personally communicate the proper way to complete the task and explain the importance of the task being completed. I find that people are much more likely to complete tasks if they understand why they are expected to do them. Additionally, I would create an SOP explaining how the process should be completed and at what frequency. Lastly, I would place a sign-off sheet at the process so the frequency at which the tooling is changed can easily be audited."

"If possible, I would install a counter. When the counter reached 400, the light would change to yellow. When 490, it would turn red. I would also ensure a steady supply of maintenance-required items was always available for the task. I would also ensure a backup supplier was in line for the required tools and supplies. I would also conduct a meeting with management and ensure a formal announcement was made for the maintenance workers and add it to the job duties."

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How to Answer: You identify that a key aspect of a process is that a piece of expendable tooling be changed every 500 cycles. How do you ensure that the maintenance team is adhering to the required frequency of this change?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Manufacturing Engineer job interview.

11. You identify that a key aspect of a process is that a piece of expendable tooling be changed every 500 cycles. How do you ensure that the maintenance team is adhering to the required frequency of this change?

How to Answer

While manufacturing engineers may or may not have direct management responsibility for the maintenance staff in their areas, they will certainly be expected to give direction the the maintenance team at times. It is important you show that you will take ownership, not only of giving direction, but implementing processes that ensure that direction is followed. This could include updating documents, adding check sheets, performing audits, or other similar tasks. You should use this answer to highlight your ability to communicate and show your understanding of implementing processes in the workplace.

Written by Jon Dale on January 31st, 2021

Answer Example

"The first step for me would be to make sure that the maintenance team understands the importance of this task. I would personally communicate the proper way to complete the task and explain the importance of the task being completed. I find that people are much more likely to complete tasks if they understand why they are expected to do them. Additionally, I would create an SOP explaining how the process should be completed and at what frequency. Lastly, I would place a sign-off sheet at the process so the frequency at which the tooling is changed can easily be audited."

Written by Jon Dale on January 31st, 2021

Experienced Example

"If possible, I would install a counter. When the counter reached 400, the light would change to yellow. When 490, it would turn red. I would also ensure a steady supply of maintenance-required items was always available for the task. I would also ensure a backup supplier was in line for the required tools and supplies. I would also conduct a meeting with management and ensure a formal announcement was made for the maintenance workers and add it to the job duties."

Written by Daniel Neuhaus on November 4th, 2022

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