kimi k amazon

Question 1

Tell me about a time you invented a new system.

Answer 1

“Invented a DC-DC converter → 25 % space efficiency ↑, 50 % cost ↓, saved $100 k NRE.”
STAR
S Each onboard computer carried four DC-DC bricks, driving $4k cost and 200 grams mass per unit
T Design a single DC-DC Power Converter (UDPC) that outputs 5 V, 24 V rails at ≥90 % efficiency.
A Selected flyback topology, sized custom magnetics using RidleyWorks, ran LT-spice Monte-Carlo (500 corners), laid out 4-layer PCB got it manufactured then tested three prototypes in-house
R UDPC hit 92 % efficiency, 50 % cost reduction, 75 % area shrink; default on all on board computers.
LPs
Invent & Simplify | Dive Deep | Deliver Results | Frugality

Question 2

Tell me about a time you simplified a complex design.

Answer 2

“Invented a DC-DC converter → 25 % space efficiency ↑, 50 % cost ↓, saved $100 k NRE.”
STAR
S Each onboard computer carried four DC-DC bricks, driving $4k cost and 200 grams mass per unit
T Design a single DC-DC Power Converter (UDPC) that outputs 5 V, 24 V rails at ≥90 % efficiency.
A Selected flyback topology, sized custom magnetics using RidleyWorks, ran LT-spice Monte-Carlo (500 corners), laid out 4-layer PCB got it manufactured then tested three prototypes in-house
R UDPC hit 92 % efficiency, 50 % cost reduction, 75 % area shrink; default on all on board computers.
LPs
Invent & Simplify | Dive Deep | Deliver Results | Frugality

Question 3

Tell me about a time you improved a process.

Answer 3

“Wrote 20-line Python script → identified 8 reaction wheels in 5 min, cut integration time 25 %, now in official Docker image.”

STAR
S Flat-SAT integration blocked because reaction-wheel CAN addresses unknown; manual brute-force >2 days.
T Keep schedule (launch campaign fixed).
A Scripted incremental CAN sweep 0x01-0xFF, spun each wheel 5s at 5 % max torque, once the wheel was identified, the address was reconfigured to the correct address
R 8 wheels identified in 5 min, integration finished 1 day early;

Question 4

Tell me about a time you automated a manual task.

Answer 4

“Wrote 20-line Python script → identified 8 reaction wheels in 5 min, cut integration time 25 %, now in official Docker image.”

STAR
S Flat-SAT integration blocked because reaction-wheel CAN addresses unknown; manual brute-force >2 days.
T Keep schedule (launch campaign fixed).
A Scripted incremental CAN sweep 0x01-0xFF, spun each wheel 5s at 5 % max torque, once the wheel was identified, the address was reconfigured to the correct address
R 8 wheels identified in 5 min, integration finished 1 day early;

LPs
Dive Deep | Are Right, A Lot | Earn Trust | Knowledge Sharing

Question 5

Tell me about a time you solved a complex integration issue.

Answer 5

“Single star-ground connection → comms restored instantly, zero hardware changes, saved 3 month delay”

S – While testing the PCDU and OBC together, communication failed initially even though everything was set up how the test plan had it.
T – I needed to restore communication so testing could proceed.
A – I reviewed the PCDU specification and noticed a star-grounding requirement. I connected the chassis of the power supply, PCDU, and OBC according to the grounding diagram.
R – Communication immediately began working, testing resumed, I updated the test procedure, and the issue was resolved without hardware changes, saved 3 months by not changing out the units.

LPs
Dive Deep | Are Right, A Lot | Earn Trust | Knowledge Sharing

Question 6

Tell me about a time you found a hidden design flaw.

Answer 6

“Single star-ground connection → comms restored instantly, zero hardware changes, saved 3 month delay”

S – While testing the PCDU and OBC together, communication failed initially even though everything was set up how the test plan had it.
T – I needed to restore communication so testing could proceed.
A – I reviewed the PCDU specification and noticed a star-grounding requirement. I connected the chassis of the power supply, PCDU, and OBC according to the grounding diagram.
R – Communication immediately began working, testing resumed, I updated the test procedure, and the issue was resolved without hardware changes, saved 3 months by not changing out the units.

LPs
Dive Deep | Are Right, A Lot | Earn Trust | Knowledge Sharing

Question 7

Tell me about a time you refused to accept “good enough.”