Entry-Level Systems Engineer

[Joseph]

Hello,

I have an interview coming up for an entry-level systems engineer at a nuclear power plant.  I was wondering if anyone might be able to provide some insight as to what to expect in this interview.  Do engineering hiring managers typically focus on background/experience or is it more likely to be a lot of behavioral interview questions? I know this will vary between companies/hiring managers, but was hoping someone could share their experience.

Also, as far as Fitness for Duty goes, would a prescription for anti-depressants be a disqualifying factor?

Thanks!

[Higgs]

They will do a bunch of behavioral questions using the STAR technique, but they will also mine your background a bit.

As for your FFD question, PM Graphic, he is the resident expert.

Good luck!

[tr]

You should expect some knowledge/experience questions, especially if you were an intern or co-op anywhere.   As an interviewer, I would expect you to be somewhat knowledgeable about the plant and it's current performance as rated by the NRC (see the most NRC inspection report on the NRC website).  If your background is not nuclear, I would expect you to have at least a basic understanding of how that particular plant works (BWR vs PWR).  Be open about what you know and don't know, as nothing turns off an interviewer like someone spouting BS instead of just saying that's not an area they're familiar with.  Be able to articulate a good reason why they should hire you, rather than one of the others in the interview pool (work ethic, experience, obvious desire to work at this particular plant, ties to the area, etc.).

[Higgs]

In that regard, here is some basic info from the NRC describing how each type of plant works.

BWR: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/teachers/03.pdf

PWR: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/teachers/04.pdf

The fission process and heat production: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/teachers/02.pdf

And the overall lesson plan for that stuff; http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/teachers/unit3.html

Also, if you poke around the NRC site, you can find lots of specific info on the particular plant you are interviewing at. Here is one example: http://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactor/ano1.html

Finally, if you haven't behaviorally interviewed before, here is a good source of info for that: http://web.mit.edu/career/www/guide/star.html

Good luck and keep us posted!

[Bigchris]

Thank you tr and TheHiggs for your responses: they were positive, professional and helpful.

[Joseph]

Thanks a lot guys! Also, thanks to Graphic.  I did PM him regarding the FFD question.  I'll definitely look at the NRC links; that's something I hadn't thought of.  Again, thanks for the info and hopefully I'll be joining you guys in the nuke industry soon.

[Higgs]

You're welcome! Keep us posted!