I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Tesla (Fremont, CA) in Sept 2020
Interview
1st round: with Hiring Manager, 30 minutes phone call
2nd round: Present any of your project for 30 Minutes followed by Panel interview video call for 5 hours with each individual on team, Talked with 5 people 1 on 1
waited for 1 week for decision- Job was offered verbally by recruiter.
Plot twist: After decision they ask you to describe 3 situations in written where you have solved problem or achieved something significant. This is part of your profile along with resume, Feedback of each person on panel interview, your work visa status & employment history in detail.
This your profile goes to Director & then President to approve.
My profile was approved by director but rejected by President.
President took 1.5 month to give decision and rejected at the end with illogical reason. For 1.5 months, they kept me leading on by sending documents for benefits, relocation, perks, etc. and hired someone else when they find more suitable candidate.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is your plan for next 5 years?
Why you did all this struggle?
Why Tesla?
What project Management tools you use?
Started with 2 technical rounds. First one was basic MechE questions. Second round interviewer was in a hurry and not so open to listening your thought process. There were questions on electromechanical concepts as well
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Difference in bolt torque in hot and cold conditions
The interview was extremely technical. They didn’t ask for an introduction or any background before immediately diving into solving textbook-style engineering problems. The focus was almost entirely on technical problem-solving rather than behavioral conversation or learning about my experience.
Phone screen, Technical foundations test (1 hour, 10 questions on statics, dynamics, E&M, circuits, etc. – sent as PDF and returned via email), technical interviews, on-site behavioral and technical interviews with portfolio presentation.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Determine the optimal packing efficiency of cylindrical battery cells in a rectangular battery pack.