Software Engineer Interview Experience - Palo Alto, California
Process
The interview process began with a two-level phone screen, primarily based on Java programming.
The on-site interview involved a brief meeting with the CEO (literally 30 seconds), followed by a series of 30-minute interviews that lasted essentially all day.
There were about 10-15 other candidates present simultaneously, so we were essentially shuttled between different "stations" and asked to perform Java exercises on whiteboards.
The company has a traditional startup feel, so interest in that environment is crucial for a good fit.
I anticipated working 60 hours a week and receiving a reasonable share in the company. At the time of my interview, they stated they had approximately 100 software engineers on staff.
Long story short, they expect employees to work about 60 hours a week, but the compensation package does not reflect this expectation.
The interview process itself was quite intense (expect 8-10 half-hour interview sessions), but it was friendly and not overly difficult.
Questions
How would you find the shortest path between two nodes in a graph?
Write code in Java to do this.
Was this helpful?
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
- 5.0Best place to work, everSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesNovember 4, 2012Pros: Important work that creates new technology and solves important problems – work with real meaning. Talented coworkers always have something to teach and to learn – collaboration is amazing. Equity packages with little risk and still lots of upside (even for new employees). Upper management is filled with super sharp and hard-working people who care deeply about the success of the organization and its people. They're not perfect, but they are the best I've ever seen. A great culture where people who want to take initiative are rewarded and lauded. The culture is protected and cared for to make sure this place doesn't lose its magic. A management team that's very introspective and transparent, always trying to learn and do better. A true meritocracy, where the best idea wins and seniority and titles are not important, just good work.Cons: Some managers are sharp individuals but poor managers. Despite best efforts to train them, some folks suffer due to this. Company is growing fast, and growing pains abound. The company is working hard to offset these issues, but new ways of doing things need to be implemented. Another growth issue: upper management is overworked more than anyone, leading to some pressing issues slipping through the cracks. They get fixed eventually, but there's pain in the meantime. People work hard, and some groups try to maintain an unsustainable pace that leads to burnout and jealousy of people perceived to have "cushier" jobs. Overall compensation is high (due to stock options that are/will be worth real money), but cash compensation is lower than industry (not ridiculously so, but low, yeah).
- 5.0Great experience overallSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesAugust 30, 2020Pros: I had a great team with really competent teammates.Cons: You really do need to work hard. I've seen people work really late into the night.
- 5.0Great culture, great techSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesFebruary 17, 2017Pros: Palantir's products help with life and death decisions on a daily basis. The work is incredibly meaningful.Cons: This is not a "rest and vest" company--people are expected to contribute significantly.
Palantir Interview Questions
