I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 months.

Multiple rounds. Initial screening with manager for Gen AI solutions. Then moved to coding and Tech Deep-Dive round with presentation. I did very well on all three. Then went to final round which was System Design, Coding with AI and Staff Soft Skill level.

The recruiter spent a lot of time on Soft Skills saying do STAR method and all but none of that was asked. The recruiter said make sure you are a thought leader. The interviewing manager was like "there is no thought leader aspect of this role". ok

The system design was suppose to be standard like Rate Limiter, Build a Music Sharing App or Build a Restaurant Recommendation System. Instead it was built Chat GPT, I was like ok. Did not get offer after final round replied via email in 3 days :-(

• Coding without AI: Multi-level part that included coding application out.
• Coding with AI: Build Subscription Management system
• System Design: Build Backend system for ChatGPT
• Deep Dive: Demonstrate a full AI system you have built.
• Soft Skills: How do you prioritize work? How do you mentor people? What is your priority these days? Why do you want to work at Plaid?