Preparation at Georgia-Pacific is about demonstrating both technical competence and cultural alignment. Do not assume that technical prowess alone will carry you through; we are looking for engineers who embody our principles and can communicate their thought processes clearly.

Role-Related Knowledge – You should be prepared to discuss your technical stack in depth, including the "why" behind your tool choices. Interviewers look for a solid grasp of fundamentals and an ability to apply them to the specific constraints of our industry.

Problem-Solving Ability – We value engineers who can structure ambiguous problems. When answering, focus on your methodology: how you break down a complex issue into manageable components and how you prioritize your actions.

Culture Fit and Values – This is a primary evaluation pillar. We assess how your personal values align with Market Based Management (MBM). Be prepared to discuss how you take ownership, how you collaborate with others, and how you handle failure or setbacks.

The Georgia-Pacific interview process is designed to be thorough and collaborative. It typically begins with a recruiter screening to assess your interest and baseline qualifications, followed by a deeper technical or hiring manager screen. If you progress, you will move to a more intensive, often multi-stage, onsite or virtual interview day. You can expect to meet with various stakeholders, ranging from fellow engineers to site managers, to ensure a well-rounded evaluation of your potential.

The timeline above represents a typical progression, but it can be accelerated for urgent roles or university recruitment. Use this structure to manage your energy; the onsite portion is often long and requires sustained focus, as you will be speaking with multiple teams throughout the day.

Technical Depth and Application

We evaluate your ability to translate requirements into robust software. We look for a deep understanding of your past projects rather than just a list of languages.

• Foundational knowledge – Understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design.
• Project ownership – Your role in the architecture, implementation, and deployment phases.
• Advanced concepts – Exposure to cloud architecture, real-time data processing, or industrial IoT (IIoT) integration.

Example scenarios:

• "Explain a time you had to optimize a piece of code for performance."
• "How do you handle technical debt while still delivering new features?"

Situational Leadership

Even at the entry level, we look for leadership potential—the ability to influence, take responsibility, and drive results without being told exactly what to do.

• Initiative – Demonstrating that you don't wait for permission to solve a problem.
• Collaboration – How you work with people who may not have a technical background.
• Accountability – How you handle situations when a project doesn't go as planned.

As a Software Engineer, your daily life will involve designing, developing, and maintaining software that enables our business to operate more effectively. You will write clean, scalable code while participating in code reviews and architectural discussions.

You will frequently act as a bridge between the digital and physical worlds. This means you may need to visit plant floors to understand how your software interacts with machinery or field operations. You will be expected to document your work, mentor junior team members, and proactively suggest improvements to existing systems, always keeping the Market Based Management principles of integrity and value creation in mind.

A strong candidate for this role possesses a mix of technical rigor and the interpersonal skills required to work in a collaborative, decentralized environment.

• Must-have skills: Proficient in at least one major programming language, strong understanding of software development best practices, and a demonstrated ability to solve complex problems.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with cloud platforms, database management, or exposure to industrial control systems or automation.
• Experience level: We hire across the spectrum, from interns and entry-level engineers to experienced senior developers. Regardless of level, we value a history of continuous learning.

Q: How much should I know about Market Based Management (MBM)? A: You should have a strong working knowledge of the core principles. It is the framework through which we make decisions, so being able to relate your past experiences to these principles is a major competitive advantage.

Q: Is the interview process mostly technical or behavioral? A: It is a balanced mix, but the behavioral aspect is critical. We assume that if you are a smart, driven engineer, you can learn specific technical tools, but we are looking for a specific mindset and cultural alignment that is harder to teach.

Q: What is the typical timeline for feedback? A: Timelines vary, but we strive to be communicative. If you don't hear back within the expected timeframe, do not hesitate to reach out to your recruiter for an update.

Q: Are there coding tests? A: Some roles include a technical discussion or a coding problem, but they are generally focused on your ability to think through problems rather than memorizing complex algorithms.

• Prepare your stories: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or SBO (Situation, Behavior, Outcome) method to structure your answers. This ensures your responses are crisp and focused.
• Be curious: We appreciate candidates who ask thoughtful questions about our business, the challenges our plants face, and our long-term digital strategy.
• Be yourself: We value authenticity. The interview is a two-way street; we want to see if we are a good fit for you as much as you are a good fit for us.
• Read up: Research our business and the industries we serve. Understanding the scale of our operations will make your answers much more impactful.

A career as a Software Engineer at Georgia-Pacific offers the unique opportunity to solve large-scale, complex problems that have a tangible impact on the world. By focusing on your technical foundation, preparing your behavioral stories through the lens of our values, and demonstrating your proactive approach to problem-solving, you will be well-positioned for success.

We encourage you to take the time to deeply reflect on your experiences and how they align with our culture. Preparation is your greatest advantage—use the insights provided here to refine your narrative and approach your interviews with confidence. We look forward to seeing the value you can create with us.