Process
First round was a screening for cultural fit, and then the second round consisted of questions on:
- Basic machine learning algorithms and concepts
- Probability
- Dynamic programming
- Python
Questions varied in difficulty, but everyone I talked to was very professional and seemed to strongly believe in the company.
Questions
Basic ML questions all the way to "explain a recent NN architecture" and a combinatorics/DP question
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 22 interview experiences for the SambaNova Software Engineer role.
Success Rate
23%
Pass Rate
SambaNova's interview process for their Software Engineer roles is very selective, failing most engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Positive73%
Neutral14%
Negative14%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for SambaNova's Software Engineer interview process.
SambaNova Work Experiences
5.0
Great leadership, but pay needs improvement
Software Engineer • Current Employee
Palo Alto, CA
September 17, 2026
Pros: Great leadership and a clear vision
Cons: Pay is not good compared to others, and there is no liquidity.
4.0
Interesting problems to solve, but tough work-life balance
Software Engineer • Current Employee
San Jose, CA
April 30, 2026
Pros: Lots of opportunities to work on hard, interesting problems.
Cons: It can be hard to balance life and work.
3.0
Engaging AI work but hardware viability is questionable
Engineer • Former Employee
Palo Alto, CA
May 30, 2026
Pros: Very fun and topical skill building to work on applied AI.
Cons: The viability of a fundamental hardware product to compete with NVIDIA is low.
- 5.0Great leadership, but pay needs improvementSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, CASeptember 17, 2026Pros: Great leadership and a clear visionCons: Pay is not good compared to others, and there is no liquidity.
- 4.0Interesting problems to solve, but tough work-life balanceSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Jose, CAApril 30, 2026Pros: Lots of opportunities to work on hard, interesting problems.Cons: It can be hard to balance life and work.
- 3.0Engaging AI work but hardware viability is questionableEngineer • Former EmployeePalo Alto, CAMay 30, 2026Pros: Very fun and topical skill building to work on applied AI.Cons: The viability of a fundamental hardware product to compete with NVIDIA is low.
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