Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Intuitive Surgical, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I interviewed for the Software Engineer role and, although I prepared seriously, the experience was undermined by scheduling problems and poor responsiveness over several weeks.
I interviewed for the Software Engineer role, and the process felt mid-to-somewhat standard with a timeline of a few weeks and a quick step-through once they liked me.
Candidates frequently reported issues with scheduling, slow responses, and disorganized communication from recruiters, which negatively impacted their overall experience.
The technical interviews varied in format, often including multiple segments that assessed coding skills, engineering fundamentals, and sometimes domain-specific knowledge, which candidates found rigorous.
Onsite interviews typically involved multiple back-to-back sessions, including panel discussions and presentations, which were described as intense and demanding, often leaving little room for questions or uncertainty.
Several candidates experienced behavioral interviews focused on cultural fit and past experiences, with some reporting a more relaxed atmosphere in these discussions compared to technical rounds.
Many candidates expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication regarding hiring decisions, often feeling ghosted or receiving delayed feedback after interviews.
Candidates reported a mix of experiences, with some finding the process well-structured and others feeling it was mismanaged or disrespectful, particularly regarding scheduling and follow-through.