AEC-Q100
AEC-Q100 is a quality standard that ensures electronic components are tough enough to work reliably in cars. Think of it as a "stamp of approval" that shows these parts can handle extreme temperatures, vibration, and other harsh conditions found in vehicles. When you see this on a resume, it means the person has experience working with automotive-grade electronic components that meet these strict quality requirements. It's similar to having a "military-grade" certification, but specifically for car parts. This standard was created by the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC) to make sure car electronics are safe and reliable.
Examples in Resumes
Led qualification testing of microcontrollers to meet AEC-Q100 standards
Managed testing lab for AEC-Q100 certification of automotive semiconductors
Developed testing procedures compliant with AEC-Q100 requirements
Typical job title: "Automotive Electronics Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Automotive Electronics Engineers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement an AEC-Q100 qualification program from scratch?
Expected Answer: A senior engineer should explain the process of setting up testing facilities, establishing documentation procedures, coordinating with suppliers, and managing the overall qualification timeline. They should mention temperature cycling, stress testing, and reliability monitoring.
Q: What strategies would you use to reduce qualification testing time while maintaining compliance?
Expected Answer: Should discuss parallel testing methods, efficient test planning, use of historical data, and risk assessment techniques while ensuring all AEC-Q100 requirements are met.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key stress tests required by AEC-Q100?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe main testing categories like temperature cycling, humidity testing, mechanical shock, and electrical stress testing in simple terms.
Q: How do you handle a component that fails during AEC-Q100 testing?
Expected Answer: Should explain the failure analysis process, documentation requirements, supplier communication, and corrective action procedures.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is AEC-Q100 and why is it important in automotive electronics?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a quality standard for automotive electronics that ensures components can withstand vehicle conditions and why this is crucial for safety and reliability.
Q: What are the different temperature grades in AEC-Q100?
Expected Answer: Should know the basic temperature grades (Grade 0 through 4) and understand that different grades are used for different locations in the vehicle.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of AEC-Q100 requirements
- Assisting with qualification testing
- Test data collection and reporting
- Understanding automotive quality basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing qualification projects
- Detailed knowledge of testing procedures
- Supplier quality management
- Test program development
Senior (5+ years)
- Complete qualification program management
- Advanced failure analysis
- Quality system development
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic automotive quality requirements
- Lack of hands-on testing experience
- No knowledge of documentation requirements
- Unfamiliarity with temperature and stress testing concepts
