HMI
HMI, which stands for Human Machine Interface, is like a digital control panel that lets people interact with machines and industrial equipment. Think of it as the screen and controls that operators use to monitor and control industrial processes - similar to how you use a smartphone's screen to control your phone. In manufacturing and industrial settings, HMIs can range from simple touchscreens that show temperature readings to complex control stations that manage entire production lines. Other common names for this technology include "operator interface" or "operator panel."
Examples in Resumes
Designed and implemented HMI screens for manufacturing equipment control
Upgraded existing Human Machine Interface systems to improve operator efficiency
Programmed HMI displays and Operator Interface terminals for production line monitoring
Typical job title: "HMI Developers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find HMI Developers
Online Communities
Professional Organizations
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach designing an HMI system for a complex manufacturing process?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss user-friendly design principles, safety considerations, operator feedback, alarm management, and how they would organize information for efficient monitoring and control.
Q: Tell me about a challenging HMI project you've managed and how you solved problems that came up.
Expected Answer: Look for examples of leadership, problem-solving, and understanding of both technical and user needs. They should explain how they handled project obstacles and worked with different teams.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when designing HMI screens?
Expected Answer: Candidate should mention user-friendly layouts, color schemes for visibility, alarm priorities, proper data organization, and ensuring operator safety through clear information display.
Q: How do you ensure HMI systems are reliable and safe to use?
Expected Answer: Should discuss testing procedures, backup systems, security measures, and following industry safety standards for industrial control systems.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is an HMI and what is its main purpose?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that an HMI is an interface for operators to monitor and control machines, and describe basic components like displays, buttons, and alarms.
Q: What basic elements would you include in an HMI screen?
Expected Answer: Should mention essential elements like status indicators, emergency stops, basic controls, and machine status displays.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic HMI screen design
- Understanding of safety requirements
- Simple interface programming
- Basic troubleshooting
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced screen design and layout
- Integration with control systems
- Alarm management
- Project implementation
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex system architecture
- Team leadership
- Project management
- Advanced safety system design
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of industrial safety standards
- Lack of experience with common HMI software platforms
- Poor understanding of operator needs and usability
- No experience with industrial automation systems
