PA Consulting Mechanical Engineer Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 5 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at PA Consulting.
PA Consulting
Mechanical Engineer
Entry Average Neutral experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Technical screen
Interview formats
Technical Other
The interview process started with a fun and engaging game-based assessment via Arctic Shores. This was followed by an online assessment centre, which felt a bit disjointed because it was online, but overall it was a good experience. The third stage was a technical interview with two discussion-based engineering questions. I was unfortunately rejected at this stage and they didn't provide any feedback even when I asked for it, both after Stage 3 and between Stage 2 and 3. All communication came through one-time email addresses, so I didn't have a specific contact person, just a general recruitment email. The process was good overall, but the communication was really poor.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- For a box with two pipes, can you explain mechanisms that would make one pipe move in the opposite direction when the other moves?
- Two beakers both have water with a polystyrene float. In one, a steel ball rests on the float; in the other, the steel ball has sunk into the water. Which beaker shows a higher water level?
PA Consulting
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Senior Difficult Positive experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
It was a 3.5-hour interview with 3 people. Each person asked technical questions. They were friendly and seemed more interested in understanding how I approach problems rather than just the final solution. The discussion covered my design approach, why I chose certain routes, and what other solutions I had considered. They also asked about my experience working with a team, dealing with tough decisions, failures, and learnings.
Confirmed questions8 questions
- Can you explain 'First Level Thinking'?
- Can you detail the physics mechanics involved, such as resultant forces and moment of inertia?
- How do you calculate pump power and output?
PA Consulting
Mechanical Engineer
Staff Average Positive experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Presentation
Interview formats
Presentation
The interview process was clear and easy to follow. It involved multiple questions with multiple interviewers, including a presentation on '3 engineering solutions' to a problem you experience everyday. The staff were all kind and helpful and I didn't feel under any massive pressure.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you present '3 engineering solutions' to a problem you experience everyday?
PA Consulting Mechanical Engineer Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from PA Consulting interview reports.
“Two beakers both have water with a polystyrene float. In one, a steel ball rests on the float; in the other, the steel ball has sunk into the water. Which beaker shows a higher water level?”
Read reports →“What is a gear ratio?”
Read reports →“How do you calculate pump power and output?”
Read reports →“Explain the force balance in a situation with a wheel and a wound rope.”
Read reports →“Regarding a rotating rod that needs to be converted into linear motion, what are the different methods available to achieve this?”
Read report →“How can a mechanism be designed so a platform follows a given speed curve?”
Read report →“For a box with two pipes, can you explain mechanisms that would make one pipe move in the opposite direction when the other moves?”
Read report →“Can you describe different gear mechanisms?”
Read report →“Can you detail the physics mechanics involved, such as resultant forces and moment of inertia?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 5 PA Consulting interview reports.