I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Focal Systems
Interview
1: Design challenge that was supposed to take 30 minutes, 4 different configurations of a system. Presumably impressive enough to continue wasting my time.
2: Phone screen with COO that went well. Another 30 minutes.
3: Video call, which the interviewer was 15 minutes late to, in which I was asked a few generic mechanical engineering questions and how I would approach some common day to day issues. This interviewer gave good feedback. Another 45 minutes.
4: Another design challenge, this time open ended in length. Essentially a homework set this time. 1 design problem, a camera holder with very specific specifications. 1 technical problem. The technical problem took a bit to complete, never received any feedback on this.
The design problem wasn't too hard to meet their specifications. Received feedback saying it didn't pass their test. Provided 4 more specifications (that were not stated prior) and asked me to resubmit.
Provided a second embodiment of their concept. Only piece of feedback I received was it met all requirements however did so in a way that wasn't useful for them.
Complete waste of time, really terrible communication from the CTO. I should have stopped responding at the 2nd design challenge. They had all the information they needed to make a decision based on my qualifications at that point regarding an in person interview.
Definitely dodged a bullet working for the CTO, so all in all would not recommend.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1 design problem, a camera holder with very specific specifications. 1 technical problem.
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Focal Systems
Interview
They email for having a challenge solver before the interview. Exercise: Design a chair intended for use in a camping environment with multiple embodiments.
In a first embodiment, optimize for portability (i.e. for backpackers)
In a second embodiment, optimize for stability (i.e. for non-flat surfaces)
In a third embodiment, optimize for variable seat height (i.e. for different height users)
In a fourth embodiment, optimize for comfort (i.e. for sitting long hours)
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Not difficult, just a quick challenge to make sure you are a good fit for the role and to move on
Candidates applying for Junior Mechanical Engineer roles take an average of 19 days to get hired, when considering 2 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Focal Systems overall takes an average of 22 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Focal Systems as a Junior Mechanical Engineer according to 2 Glassdoor interviews include:
Presentation: 50%
One on one interview: 25%
Phone interview: 25%
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