CERN Mechanical Engineer Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 7 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at CERN.
CERN
Mechanical Engineer
Mid Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Presentation Technical screen Technical screen Background check
Interview formats
Presentation Technical Behavioral
The interview process was really technical and structured. First, I had to give a presentation about my background and some key projects I've worked on. After that, we went deep into the specific technical choices I made during those roles. Then, there was a high-level technical chat about engineering fundamentals, focusing on thermodynamics, materials science, and mechanics of solids. Finally, they asked me some situational questions about my past experiences to see how I handle problem-solving and teamwork in a professional setting.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you identify these two equations (Von Mises and Tresca yield criteria), explain their differences, and tell me which one you would use and why?
CERN
Mechanical Engineer
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Background check
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I applied through the CERN website, sending in my CV, cover letter, motivations, and a list of my projects. It was quite a thorough background check, I spent a few days on the application. I was one of about 8 people shortlisted for an online interview. I had to use a special platform to record video answers to questions prepared by the team. There were about 6 questions, mostly focused on my motivation and approach, not super technical. About two weeks later, the HR manager told me I wasn't selected because I was overqualified, which I suspect was just a polite way of saying it, as I only have a BSc.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- What drives you?
- Describe how you would handle a specific work-related scenario.
- Have you previously worked in areas relevant to our section's interests?
CERN
Mechanical Engineer
Intern Average Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I applied and then did the SONRU interview. The questions were pretty straightforward and matched what they sent in the email. There were six questions in total. Each question had a 2-minute time limit for recording, with an extra 2-3 minutes at the end to add any general information you wanted. You also got 1 minute to think about the question before you started recording.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Why are you interested in CERN?
- Can you tell me about a project that you're proud of?
CERN Mechanical Engineer Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from CERN interview reports.
“Can you identify these two equations (Von Mises and Tresca yield criteria), explain their differences, and tell me which one you would use and why?”
Read reports →“Why are you interested in CERN?”
Read reports →“What drives you?”
Read reports →“How do you work in a team?”
Read reports →“Have you previously worked in areas relevant to our section's interests?”
Read report →“Could you describe a project you're proud of and explain your reasons for feeling that way?”
Read report →“Can you discuss your prior experience in mechanical design and project management?”
Read report →“Can you tell me about a project that you're proud of?”
Read report →“Tell me about a time you faced difficulties in your job and how you overcame them.”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 7 CERN interview reports.