Automation Engineer Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Automation Engineer job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Automation Engineer question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at mid-level level.

Eight Automation Engineer interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What does a typical week look like for an automation engineer, and what attracted you to the field?

Why they ask: To check you understand the blend of design, commissioning and support in the role.

2. How do Profinet, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP differ, and how would you choose between them for a new machine?

Why they ask: Industrial networks are central to automation work and choices affect integration, cost and diagnostics.

3. Talk me through how you take an automation project from user requirement to handover.

Why they ask: They want to see whether you follow a structured lifecycle rather than jumping straight to coding.

4. How do you select sensors and actuators for a new machine, and what practical issues do you consider?

Why they ask: Sensor choice affects reliability and maintenance for the whole life of the machine.

5. How would you size and commission a servo axis, and what is the inertia ratio and why does it matter?

Why they ask: Motion control is a core automation skill and sizing errors cause poor performance or instability.

6. How do you select and set up a variable speed drive for a conveyor, and what installation issues can cause trouble?

Why they ask: Drives are everywhere in automation, and good practice affects reliability and EMC compliance.

7. A production line stops randomly a few times a shift with no clear fault on the PLC, and you suspect a network problem. How would you investigate?

Why they ask: Intermittent faults are a daily challenge and test a methodical approach.

8. Tell me about a time you automated a manual process. What was the outcome?

Why they ask: They want proof you can deliver measurable improvements through automation.

A sample answer to question 1

What does a typical week look like for an automation engineer, and what attracted you to the field?

My week would usually mix project work and support. On a live project I might be writing and testing PLC and HMI code, designing electrical drawings or configuring drives, networks and sensors. Then there are meetings with mechanical designers and production teams to confirm how the machine should behave, and time on the shop floor tracking down faults or commissioning changes. I also document everything, because functional design specifications, I/O lists and test records are what make a system maintainable. What attracted me to automation is that it brings together electrical, software and mechanical thinking and the results are tangible. When a line runs faster, scrap falls or operators no longer have to do repetitive lifting, you can see the benefit. I also like that technology keeps moving, from vision systems to industrial data, so there is always something new to learn. It suits someone who likes problem solving and is happy to work on site.

Common mistake to avoid: Describing only programming; No specific motivation

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Automation Engineer interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.