Log9 Materials Charging Infrastructure Lead Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

What the job involves

A Charging Infrastructure Lead at an EV or cleantech company plans, deploys, and maintains charging networks for electric vehicles, often focusing on fast-charging solutions for two- and three-wheelers or commercial fleets. Day to day, you coordinate with site hosts, electrical contractors, and internal teams to install chargers, monitor uptime, and optimize charging costs. You also work on interoperability, safety compliance, and scaling infrastructure to match growing EV adoption.

Role and Technical Knowledge

1. 1

   Explain the difference between AC and DC charging for electric vehicles, and when would you recommend each for a fleet of electric three-wheelers?

   Cover power levels, charging time, cost, and use case. AC is slower and cheaper for overnight charging; DC fast charging suits high-utilization fleets but needs grid upgrades.

2. 2

   What are the key considerations when selecting a site for a public EV charging station in an Indian city?

   Mention footfall, grid availability, parking space, accessibility, local regulations, and proximity to highways or commercial areas. Also consider future expansion.

3. 3

   How does OCPP help in managing a network of charging stations?

   Explain that OCPP is an open protocol for communication between chargers and a central management system, enabling remote monitoring, firmware updates, and payment integration.

4. 4

   What safety standards and certifications should a charging station comply with in India?

   Reference AIS-138, IEC 61851, and local electrical safety norms. Mention earthing, surge protection, and emergency shutdown features.

Practical Scenarios

1. 5

   A charging station you deployed is frequently going offline during peak hours. How would you diagnose and fix the issue?

   Check power supply fluctuations, network connectivity, charger logs, and load management settings. Propose a solution like adding a voltage stabilizer or scheduling charging.

2. 6

   You need to set up 10 charging points for a logistics company's electric delivery vans within 3 months. Outline your plan.

   Cover site survey, electrical capacity assessment, vendor selection, permits, installation timeline, testing, and training. Mention cost optimization and scalability.

3. 7

   How would you handle a situation where a site host demands a higher revenue share after the contract is signed?

   Focus on renegotiation based on data, exploring alternative sites, and maintaining good relationships. Show commercial awareness and problem-solving.

4. 8

   What metrics would you track to measure the success of a charging infrastructure deployment?

   Include uptime, utilization rate, average charging session duration, revenue per charger, customer satisfaction, and maintenance costs.

Behavioural and Situational

1. 9

   Tell me about a time you had to coordinate with multiple stakeholders to complete a project. How did you ensure everyone was aligned?

   Use STAR method. Highlight communication, setting clear milestones, and regular follow-ups. Relate to a college project or internship.

2. 10

   Describe a situation where you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

   Show curiosity and self-learning. Mention online courses, hands-on practice, or mentorship. Connect to EV charging if possible.

3. 11

   How would you handle a disagreement with a senior engineer about the choice of charging technology for a project?

   Emphasize data-driven discussion, respect for experience, and willingness to compromise. Focus on project goals.

4. 12

   Why do you want to work in EV charging infrastructure, and how do you see your career growing in this field?

   Show passion for sustainability, awareness of industry trends, and a clear path from hands-on learning to leadership.

HR and Company Fit

1. 13

   What do you know about our company's approach to EV charging, and how does it differ from competitors?

   Research the company's focus areas, such as fast-charging or battery tech. Mention specific differentiators like indigenization or thermal management.

2. 14

   Are you comfortable with frequent travel to project sites across India?

   Be honest but show enthusiasm for field work and learning. Mention adaptability and willingness to relocate if needed.

3. 15

   How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple deadlines, such as vendor follow-ups, site visits, and reporting?

   Discuss time management tools, urgency vs importance, and communication with team. Give a concrete example.

4. 16

   What are your salary expectations for this role?

   Research industry standards for freshers in EV roles. Provide a range and express flexibility based on overall compensation and growth.