I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Rolls-Royce (Derby, England) in Nov 2017
Interview
There were 12 people on the same day and they were really friendly. The interviewers were very nice or at least some of them tried really hard to be.
The first interview is a motivation interview. You have to prepare a 5min presentation before you come. They also ask you basic questions based on your CV. e.g. Why did you choose manufacturing for MSc? Why did you choose your university? The interviewer came from the country I used to study in so we also had a bit casual chat about that country in the middle of the interview.
Second part is the technical part which I did really well in. It lasted for an hour. They asked you about machining, how do you make this and that part. You must know how a gas engine works, what major parts are in a gas engine because all of the questions were based on that.
One big piece of advice: DO ASK for more information if you struggle with any question. My first language isn't English so I asked for a lot of explanation/clarification. My interviewer was more than happy to explain and even gave hints to me which I really appreciate. Another importance advice: THINK OUT LOUD! TELL them what you are thinking . The logic in your thinking process is much more important than the conclusion, as I was told by the interviewer.
The last bit was a group project, same as everyone else here has posted. DO participate as much as you can even though you think anyone else is better than you. Also, follow the instructions strictly! Our group missed out one small rule and was questioned about it in the end.
They get back to you in two days and I am on the waiting list. Its my dream to get into RR so anyone who gets or will get an offer but don't want to get in please turn them down asap! By doing this you could literally save me from going to labour camps back home.
Thank you!
I applied online. I interviewed at Rolls-Royce in Jun 2017
Interview
Invited to an assessment day in June 2017. RR sorted a hotel for the night before and reimbursed train fares, so despite the long day, had a pleasant experience.
Started with a 10 min presentation on myself, then into the usual competency questions which lasted another 30-45 minutes.
2nd activity was a repeat of the mathematical online test, but on paper - presumably to check you didn't cheat online!
After a break was a group activity, paper plane building exercise, which lasted half an hour and was quite enjoyable.
Then followed lunch and an hour or so long technical interview which was pretty tough! Few props - in my case a turbine stator blade - which required explanations on everything from the materials, manufacturing method through to its use. Tonnes of stuff, just know your materials and general aerodynamic theory and you should be okay. I had a fantastic interviewer who was kind enough to offer some level of hints when I got a little lost!
Both interviews were 1 to 1 and I could have zero complaints about the assessors present on the day, very easy to talk to during breaks and very honest during interviews and in providing feedback.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Explain the distribution on a load level vs components graph. Showing two bell curve distributions, one in service and one measured on the test bed.
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Rolls-Royce (Derby, England) in Oct 2014
Interview
Applied online was then invited to take some online tests (Verbal, Numerical, Logical and competency questionnaire). After meeting there pass requirements I was invited to the assessment centre in Derby. They booked and paid for the hotel and reimbursed any travel expenses. Assesment centre lasted from 9am to around 4pm. It included a verbal presentation with no power point slides only you talking to one of the directors/mangers. Then a resit on paper of the numerical psychometric test (very easy). this was then followed by a lunch break where you mingled with the managers/directors and other staff who where assessing you. After lunch we had a group exercise and and an interview. The interview was mainly technical.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe how a jet engine works, what engine is this, gave me a piece of an engine and i had to identify which part is was from and how it is made, gave me a list of topics and i had to chose one and explain it to them (in my case I chose the forces that act on a wing), questions regarding stress and strain, centrifugal force, testing for failure etc.