Top Prescreening Questions to Ask Wireless Charging Engineer

What is your experience with wireless charging technologies?

This broad question is designed to encourage the candidate to talk about their background in wireless charging, including specific projects they've worked on, challenges they've faced, and successes they've enjoyed.

Do you have experience working on a project involving wireless charging from the concept stage to the final product?

Understanding the entire lifecycle of a wireless charging project, from ideation to execution, is crucial. This allows the potential employer to gauge whether the candidate can manage complex projects effectively.

What expertise do you have in electromagnetic fields and related engineering principles?

The candidate's proficiency in electromagnetic fields directly impacts their capabilities in designing and enhancing wireless charging technologies. Remember, the answer here should tip you off about the candidate's depth of understanding.

Could you describe a successful project you were part of where you developed or improved wireless charging technology?

In this question, the candidate is encouraged to showcase their technical acumen, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, all relevant in implementing successful wireless charging projects.

Do you have experience with basic power electronic topologies (buck, boost, buck-boost, etc.)?

Knowing basic power electronic topologies provides an understanding of power conversion principles, fundamental in designing and implementing efficient wireless charging systems.

Do you have skills in schematics capture and PCB layout tools like Orcad Capture, Cadence Allegro, or equivalent?

Specific skills, such as the ability to use PCB layout and schematics capture tools, areessential when designing and improving wireless charging systems.

Have you worked with close proximity charging (resonant or inductive) in previous positions?

Close proximity charging involves techniques that are central to the function of many wireless charging systems. Finding out if a potential hire has experience in this area could be crucial to successful project execution.

Do you possess experience in managing thermal considerations in wireless charging systems?

Heat management is a central concern in wireless charging technology design to ensure efficiency and the safety of the devices. Hence, it would be beneficial to see if a candidate has expertise in this area.

What experience do you have working with hardware testing and validation?

Quality assurance, reliability, and performance are crucial in any tech product. Therefore, experience in hardware testing and validation shows that the candidate can ensure that the wireless charging systems perform effectively and safely.

Have you ever had to make a decision for a design that you disagreed with, but had to follow and implement regardless?

This question helps in understanding a candidate's adaptability and ability to handle situations where their perspective might not align with the project needs.

Can you tell about your experience with design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA)?

Proficiency in DFM and DFA is crucial in optimizing production processes and ensuring the manufacturability of the wireless charging systems.

What knowledge do you have regarding standard protocols for wireless power such as Qi, PMA, A4WP, etc.?

A strong understanding of standard protocols for wireless power is vital as these standards constitute the backbone of the wireless charging technology.

Have you worked on power electronics design related to wireless energy transmission?

If a candidate has experience in power electronics design, it could mean they are well-suited for designing efficient, stable, and safe wireless energy transmission systems.

What kind of projects you have completed that involved power management ICs (PMICs)?

Use of power management ICs (PMICs) significantly impacts the efficiency and reliability of wireless charging systems. Thus, any experience with PMICs is a major plus.

Do you have a strong understanding of magnetics design in wireless power transfer systems?

Knowledge in magnetics design is essential as it directly affects the efficiency and effectiveness of wireless power transfer systems.

What is your familiarity level with various types of oscilloscope use cases and related test/measurement equipment?

Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes and other testing equipment is useful in ensuring proper functionality and consistency in wireless power projects.

Have you used simulation software such as SPICE, MATLAB, or Simulink in the design or testing phases of a project?

Simulation software allows for the predictive analysis and testing of a design, reducing physical prototyping costs and time to market, so this experience is highly beneficial.

Could you explain how you handle troubleshooting in wireless charging hardware?

Strong troubleshooting skills indicate the candidate's ability to identify and solve potential issues that may arise during the development and application of wireless charging systems.

Do you have experience with developing safety features for wireless charging technologies?

Experience in developing safety features is crucial as it ensures that the wireless charging systems operate safely and prevent harm to users and devices.

Can you discuss how you handle cross-functional collaboration across design, production, and testing teams?

Working cohesively across different functional areas within a team is crucial in ensuring the project's success. Therefore, understanding a candidate's communication and teamwork skills is vitally important.