Engineering Interview Experience - Palo Alto, California
Process
I applied for a business development position. They handed me off to an engineering position.
I would have preferred they just turned me away, but I have to respect the attention and effort on their part.
They were after a very specific QA-related skillset, which was entirely foreign to me. I fell in love with the company but knew that position was not right for me.
I had a second phone interview, which was required for out-of-state hires.
As disappointing as the whole process was in the end, I definitely feel good about the company. I just hope they give me another chance if a suitable position opens up.
Questions
How would you test an elevator?
How would you test a vending machine?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 2 interview experiences for the Palantir Engineering role in Palo Alto, California.
Success Rate
Palantir's interview process for their Engineering roles in Palo Alto, California is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Palantir's Engineering interview process in Palo Alto, California.
Palantir Work Experiences
- 4.0Smart, Challenging WorkSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesApril 30, 2016Pros: Palantir is a very well-run company with incredibly high-caliber employees and products. Code reviews are rigorous, and the quality of software is stellar. Lots of interesting work, fast-paced team.Cons: The company's culture is such that you do need to be willing to commit more than just working hours to it. There is a culture of Palantir being in many aspects of life, from weekend hangouts to business trips, etc.
- 5.0Great growth opportunitiesSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesDecember 10, 2024Pros: Very grateful this is where I started my career, with plenty of amazing mentors and opportunities to grow beyond my comfort zone.Cons: It's unclear how transferable the backend tech stack is to other engineering jobs.
- 4.0One of the best (and most intense) jobs you'll ever haveSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesJanuary 14, 2014Pros: Amazingly smart coworkers and managers -- a much denser concentration of brilliant people than anywhere else I've worked. Great office perks (food, dogs, etc). Fun culture.Cons: If you're looking for anything close to a 40-hour work-week, then Palantir probably isn't the right place for you. They expect a substantial, continuing commitment of time and energy. Expect to spend most of your waking life in the office.
Palantir Interview Questions
