Got cold called for the initial screen, followed by an initial hiring manager call, followed by writing a required essay, followed by a long day of 45 minute 1-on-1s. Overall a very intense process, which I found surprising since the pay range was very low for years of experience/technical expertise. They very much were testing whether I had drank the kool-aid for Blue or the general space industry
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Walk me through Blue Origin's new rocket and technology.
I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Blue Origin (Kent, WA) in Feb 2020
Interview
I echo some of other interviewees experience that the technical interviewer team is inexperienced and arrogant. I applied for Fluids system engineer job and from my resume it was clear that my fluid analysis background was the main strength. However, at the end of interview, most of questions were focused on heat transfer/thermodynamics which I haven't dealt for many years. Obviously, I couldn't answer those questions satisfactory but given minimum time I am able to solve related challenges if they are part of any project.
Also, in one case, one of the interviewers asked me about the meaning of Nusselt number and I said I didn't remember it since I used it many years ago. He joking laughed and called his colleague saying we have somebody who doesn't know the meaning of Nusselt number and asked him to come and explain it to me! I felt humiliated and surprised....Does it represent the overall culture in Blue Origin?
In another case, I was asked to provide an equation which I used for designing an air track 10 years ago... of course, I didn't remember it but I was able to provide the general approach I used...Also, I offered to provide the related design document if interested. I wasn't sure if I am being interviewed for my skill/talents or for my memory! No wonder they are behind SpaceX for many years....
Two rounds. First round was a technical phone screen with the hiring manager. Second round was a half day zoom. Requires an hour long technical presentation with questions after. After presenting, there was a series of one on ones. Everyone was very pleasant. Questions were still mostly technical but more focused on experience relevant to the role.
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Blue Origin (Reston, VA) in Sep 2022
Interview
The interview was very sterile. The interviewer stuck to the script and refused to discuss anything outside of the list of questions they were asking. Not a bad thing, but didn't improve my disposition towards the company.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I was asked a variety of questions regarding how I would set up and run different types of simulations.