Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Formfactor, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After I talked to a recruiter over the phone, the process moved quickly into a single final online interview about a week later. That last round was a standard half-hour format with the hiring manager, and it centered mostly on walking through past projects and what I had done in those roles. It felt pretty straightforward compared to other hiring processes I’d seen—less of a puzzle and more of a real conversation grounded in my experience.
My process felt comparatively light from the start. After initial scheduling, I went through a multi-round interview that included a Java coding task, plus a lot of discussion of my current role and how it mapped to what they needed. I also got some simple coding questions that were more in the LeetCode style than anything deeply open-ended.
The interview process typically consists of multiple rounds, starting with an HR screening followed by interviews with the hiring manager and technical team members. Candidates can expect a mix of phone and video interviews, often culminating in a panel format or in-person discussions.
Many interviews emphasize discussing past projects and experiences rather than purely technical assessments, with a strong focus on how candidates' backgrounds align with the company's needs. This conversational approach is prevalent across multiple rounds.
While some candidates experienced coding tasks and technical questions, the depth and focus varied; some rounds included practical engineering topics like Java and SQL, while others were more about discussing technical concepts without heavy coding requirements.
Overall, candidates described the interview difficulty as average, with some rounds feeling more intense due to live coding or technical depth requirements. However, the process was generally described as approachable rather than overwhelming.
Candidates reported varying experiences with communication throughout the process, with some noting delays or lack of follow-through after interviews, which contributed to a sense of unprofessionalism in certain cases.
Candidates suggested being ready to discuss specific technical skills and experiences in detail, as well as preparing for a conversational style of questioning that focuses on fit and alignment with the company's goals.