Software Engineer Interview Experience - Palo Alto, California
Process
One phone interview, followed by an onsite interview.
Questions
One of the algorithm questions I received was genuinely difficult (probably the hardest question I've been asked in any software engineering interview, in fact), but I don't remember the details quite well enough to replicate it here.
Aside from that, the questions I was asked were all reasonable. However, I was a bit surprised when one of the interviewers spent several minutes speaking generally about my personal tastes/opinions regarding object-oriented design, asking questions like, "What is your favorite design pattern?"
Frankly, I really don't have a "favorite design pattern," and I felt a bit awkward answering these questions, which were posed with much enthusiasm.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 47 interview experiences for the Palantir Software Engineer role in Palo Alto, California.
Success Rate
Palantir's interview process for their Software Engineer 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 Software Engineer interview process in Palo Alto, California.
Palantir Work Experiences
- 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.
- 1.0Hard, stressful, with little work-life balanceSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesJanuary 29, 2014Pros: It's very hard to get in, so you know the people inside are some of the smartest algorithm students in the country.Cons: Actual work is not as challenging. A lot of unneeded stress.
- 4.0Great place for learning, but can be stressful sometimesSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesFebruary 24, 2025Pros: Learn a lot in a short period of time. Work with really great engineers. Competitive compensation (depends on when you join).Cons: Stressful sometimes. The company wants to keep it clean, and that'll exploit some people. Sometimes, you may feel disoriented, and management expects you to deliver; otherwise, they'll show you the door.
Palantir Interview Questions
