Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at DEKA Research & Development, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After a recruiter-stage conversation, I later had a direct technical phone call with my hiring manager. It wasn’t a generic intro chat—it went straight into technical fundamentals like pass-by-reference vs pass-by-value, stack vs heap memory, and object-oriented programming. I remember feeling like I was being tested for real fluency rather than familiarity.
The process started normally: a website application followed by a phone screen, then a virtual interview with the hiring manager on Teams. During the early rounds, including the hiring manager and junior engineers, things went pretty well.
The interview process typically begins with an HR screen, followed by a technical phone interview, and culminates in an onsite interview that can involve multiple team members. Candidates noted that the structure was generally clear, but experiences varied regarding the pacing and organization of the process.
Candidates faced a range of technical questions, including coding problems, object-oriented programming concepts, and specific technologies related to their background. The technical depth varied, with some candidates feeling adequately challenged while others found the questions to be straightforward or lacking in rigor.
Interviews often included behavioral questions focused on past experiences, teamwork, and problem-solving approaches, with interviewers looking for coherence and relevance to the role. The tone was generally friendly, although some candidates reported feeling dismissed or unengaged by certain interviewers.
Overall, candidates described the interview atmosphere as welcoming and supportive, though some reported instances of disengaged interviewers or chaotic environments that negatively impacted their experience. The level of engagement from interviewers varied significantly across different rounds.
Candidates expressed mixed feelings about communication throughout the process, with some experiencing delays and vague updates, leading to frustration. Clear communication was noted as a positive aspect when present, while disorganization in follow-ups detracted from the overall experience.
Most candidates did not receive offers, and feedback varied from constructive to unsettling, with some feeling that their performance was unfairly judged or that they were not treated with respect. The outcome often left candidates feeling disappointed, regardless of their technical performance.