Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Archer, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My process started with a recruiter screen and then moved into a technical video interview with an engineering team member. The first part felt almost like a warm-up, where I was asked about battery chemistry and design knowledge, including the kind of fundamentals you’d use to reason through electrical behavior. After that, the conversation shifted into more standard systems-level questions where I had to explain how I’d approached complex work before.
My first step was pretty straightforward: an initial phone screening where the recruiter went over my employment history and how it lined up with the role, and we talked about what the job would actually entail and what the hiring manager was looking for. There weren’t any trick questions—more like a fit check and a chance to clarify expectations.
The interview process typically begins with a recruiter screen, followed by technical interviews with engineering stakeholders, and often culminates in a case-study presentation to a panel. Candidates should expect a progression from informal discussions to more structured technical evaluations.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong technical knowledge, particularly in systems-level concepts and specific past experiences, with an emphasis on clarity and reasoning rather than just buzzwords. The interviews often require detailed explanations of complex systems the candidate has worked on.
A case-study presentation is a common part of the process, where candidates must present their thought process and solutions to a technical prompt, often in front of a panel. This segment is crucial for assessing how candidates structure their thinking and apply their experience.
While initial interactions are generally friendly, candidates have reported issues with communication and follow-up after interviews, including lack of clarity on next steps and delays in feedback. This can leave a negative impression despite a positive interview experience.
Candidates describe the interview process as demanding, requiring not only technical expertise but also the ability to handle pressure and align with the company's expectations. The difficulty often stems from the breadth of topics covered and the need for alignment with the role.
Overall, candidates report a generally warm and engaging atmosphere during interviews, with interviewers appearing invested in the discussions. However, this positive experience can be overshadowed by the lack of follow-through post-interview.
