Boeing Interview Questions

Boeing Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Whether you’re an enthusiastic young graduate or an experienced technician, it’s hard to deny how cool airplanes, rockets, and other aerospace technologies are. And, when it comes to these technologies, Boeing is within the top 5 companies in the industry.

In fact, as of 2019, Boeing employed roughly 143,000 people across 50 states.

Being such an expansive aerospace company, Boeing is a great option for engineers, programmers, analysts, managers, and individuals in other similar fields. Even if you have all the experience in the world, you’ll still want to nail your interview.

Luckily, in this article, we’ll examine the most common Boeing interview questions, as well as how to answer them effectively.

The Boeing Interview Process

As eager as you might be to kickstart your Boeing career, you should expect a thorough hiring and interview process. Nearly all employers use interviews to understand how you might perform if hired. Especially with Boeing, the hiring manager will want to ensure that you can perform your job correctly and safely.

With that in mind, you must prepare for your Boeing interview. After all, you’ll want to leave a good impression on the hiring manager.

Here are a few crucial steps you can follow to get hired:

1. Apply. Of course, to even land an interview, you’ll need to apply. Search for available Boeing positions on a job site or the Boeing website, and then complete an online application.

2. Wait for a call. After you apply, you should expect to wait 2-5 weeks before receiving a call from Boeing. During this call, you’ll likely be asked to schedule an in-person interview.

3. Nail your interview(s). During your interview, you’ll be expected to sit down with a hiring manager who can assess your potential. While succeeding in this interview is important, you should also be prepared for a second interview, as Boeing likes to vet candidates thoroughly.

4. Onboarding. Once Boeing has decided that you’re the best candidate for the job, a series of onboarding tasks begin. Before officially being brought on, expect to receive a background check and a pre-employment drug test.

   Due to the nature of aerospace work, Boeing regularly drug tests all potential employees. This is mainly for safety reasons.

Common Boeing Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Interviews can be a nerve-wracking process, regardless of the position you’re going for. To prepare, we’ve provided you with a list of common Boeing interview questions, as well as how to answer them:

1. Why Boeing?

   This question is all about testing your interest and knowledge. Most companies, including Boeing, will ask something like this.

   Whether you’re applying to be a manager or an engineer, you can mention what Boeing is working on right now and why you’re so interested in it. Additionally, don’t be afraid to add that Boeing is one of the most admired companies in the world.

   Example Answer:

   As a passionate engineer, I’m highly excited to work on the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. All of your company’s work is top quality and admired worldwide, and I would love to be a part of that work.

2. Tell me about your prior experience.

   Employers ask this question to gauge how qualified you are for a position. After all, Boeing doesn’t want a manager who doesn’t know anything about aerospace technology. They’ll likely analyze your language, terminology, and storytelling to see if you’re as experienced as you say.

   While your answer will depend on what kind of position you’re applying for, make sure you share relevant experience.

   Example Answer:

   I have over six years of experience working as an aerospace engineer for Aurora Flight Sciences, where I helped manufacture both commercial and military aircraft. Throughout my time working there, we utilized build-to-print and rapid prototyping techniques with advanced composite materials. This process helped drive down costs, as well as improve overall quality, safety and performance. I believe this experience makes me more than qualified to work as an aerospace engineer at your company.

3. Do you have experience working with XY software?

   This question is specifically for software engineers or other similar positions. If they mention a specific kind of software, you should always assume that’s what they use at their company.

   Ideally, you’ll want to share information about working with the specific software they mention. However, if you can’t, make sure you share some relevant experience working with similar software. Talk about how you used that software and how it aided in your work.

   Example Answer:

   While I don’t have experience with that particular software, as an electrical engineer of over a decade, I do have extensive experience working with Altium. This experience still serves me well, though, as I’ve used the program as a PCB and electronic design automation software package for printed circuit boards, just as I would using your company’s software.

4. Would you consider yourself an innovative person?

   Aerospace technology is all about advancements and innovation. The hiring manager will want to know that you can succeed on this front and bring new ideas to the table.

   If possible, try to bring up a relevant example of a time you were innovative. Focus on when you solved a problem, came up with a unique idea, or saved a previous employer money.

   Example Answer:

   Yes. I think innovation is a crucial part of pushing aerospace technologies forward. When I worked for Airbus, I mentioned that even though we’d started using 3D printing for manufacturing different parts for the A350, we could further customize these parts. I then designed a blueprint for our 3D printers that would create highly customized parts. These parts ultimately reduced drag by 2.1% and fuel costs by 5.41%. Even though these adjustments were small, these subtle innovations can make all the difference.

5. Describe a time where you had to overcome a challenge in the workplace.

   Every job has its challenges, so your potential employer needs to know that you can tackle anything that comes your way.

   In the context of working for Boeing, you could address a time you handled a safety issue, software error, or miscommunication with a team member. Make sure you use the STAR method, so you can address the Situation, your Task, and how the Action you took led to a positive result.

   Example Answer:

   I once worked on an important project that required Magnesium, superalloys, and high-performance plastics. While I was on schedule to complete the project on time, I’d been informed that we were low on materials, and our next shipment would come too close to our deadline. I quickly contacted my manager and discussed the issue. Together, we concluded that the deadline should be extended for safety and quality purposes. With that extension, we were able to complete the project on time accurately.

6. How would you define quality?

   No aerospace company wants to create poor-quality products. Not only will it damage their reputation, but it can also be extremely dangerous. These companies want employees who pay attention to detail and put out high-quality work.

   Answer honestly and let your experience guide you. What components does a particular aircraft need to be successful? What kind of steps should be put in place to guarantee quality assurance?

   Example Answer:

   I believe quality, especially in the context of aerospace engineering, is all about knowing your equipment, communicating effectively with your team, and triple-checking every part we make before it’s applied to an aircraft. Using these methods, we can ensure that everything we manufacture is safe and high quality.

7. Tell me about a time you needed to meet a tight work deadline. How did you prioritize your work to meet the deadline?

   Deadlines are an important part of many positions, including those you’ll find for Boeing. The company wants to ensure that you’re punctual and can follow instructions.

   This is a behavioral interview question, so use the STAR method to give an effective response.

   Example Answer:

   Deadlines were always an important part of my work at my last job. I believe scheduling myself and knowing what I’m working with inside and out is an important part of achieving tight deadlines. One time, I had been tasked with creating the new rudder blueprint for one of their older plane models.

   This was meant to improve the model’s efficiency. I was on a tight schedule, so I quickly prioritized my task in scheduled steps. First, I took the time to analyze the old plane’s structure to see what kind of rudder design would best fit the plane’s design. This would save me time going forward, as I would always have a reference point for my design. Then, I used that knowledge to draft a few different blueprints, keeping to a daily schedule as I did so.

8. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

   Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and the hiring manager will want to learn more about you. Overall, it’s all about knowing whether or not you’ll be a good fit for the company.

   Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, but also try to use them to your advantage. Think about how your strengths will make you a better engineer or manager, as well as what weaknesses you can improve on.

   The weakness side is especially important because you need to highlight an actual weakness without that weakness being a liability for the company.

   Example Answer:

   I’d say my greatest strength would be my five years of managerial experience. My experience allows me to effectively communicate with my team members and ensure that tasks are completed on time and safely. Honestly, my greatest weakness would be my extreme attention to detail. While I know this is good in some circumstances, especially where safety is concerned, I also know that it has cost me unnecessary time and resources. However, I continue to balance my mindset, ensuring that I pay attention to the details without going overboard.

9. How do you handle constructive criticism?

   Employers want to learn more about your communication skills, as well as your ability to grow and improve. How you handle constructive criticism offers insights into both of these abilities.

   Always answer this question positively. Say that you take constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow and be willing to listen to what others have to say. If you can provide an example, that’s even better.

   Example Answer:

   I’ve always found constructive criticism to be a positive thing. After all, when I listen to the feedback, it can provide me with a great opportunity to grow and improve my work. For example, at my previous job, my manager mentioned that I can be too self-reliant and that I should put more effort into communicating with my team instead of taking on too many tasks by myself. Listening to this feedback allowed me to become a more effective communicator and complete tasks more efficiently.

10. Tell me about a time you made a mistake on the job. How did you react?

    We’re all human, and mistakes happen. Hiring managers know this and want to learn more about your decision-making and problem-solving processes.

    You don’t have to lie and claim that you have no faults. Instead, don’t be afraid to own your mistakes, and highlight how you’ve used those mistakes to improve going forward. Of course, don’t mention something catastrophic either. Boeing doesn’t want to think that you might blow up a plane or two by accident.

    Example Answer:

    During my first week working at my previous aerospace company, I had an idea for a new blueprint and wanted to show my manager a 3D printed model of it. While my manager did like the model, he also told me that it was protocol to submit the blueprint to him first before using the 3D printer. Though, he appreciated my drive and innovative ideas. I promptly apologized and then followed protocol going forward.

Other Boeing Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.

• Describe a time when you used logic to solve a problem.

• What does your schedule look like?

• What inspired you to pursue your field?

• How well do you work under pressure?

• Why did you leave your last job?

• Would you consider yourself an effective decision-maker?

• How would you handle a disagreement with a team member?

• What do you know about Boeing?

• Do you have any questions for me?

Additional Tips for Interviewing at Boeing

Now that you know some of the most common questions you might be asked in a Boeing interview, here are some additional tips to help you be as successful as possible:

• Show your experience. Boeing will want engineers and managers that know what they’re doing. For this reason, try to prepare a few stories related to your experience before you go into your interview, so you’ll come across as knowledgeable in your field.

• Do research. Again, knowledge is important. If you don’t already know about Boeing as a company, do some research before your interview. The hiring manager will note this, and you’ll come across as a more thoughtful and passionate candidate.

On top of these tips, be sure to ask a few questions at the end of your interview. Not only can these questions give you a better idea of the position, but they’ll also show that you’re a competent and caring worker.

Examples of good end of interview questions include: