As an Engineering Manager at Oura, you play a pivotal role in shaping both the technical direction and the cultural fabric of our engineering teams. This position is crucial as it directly influences how we build and enhance our innovative health and wellness solutions, which empower users to improve their well-being through cutting-edge technology. By leading cross-functional teams, you will ensure that our products not only meet technical specifications but also resonate with our users’ needs and expectations.

In this dynamic role, you will lead teams responsible for developing features and functionalities that enhance our flagship products, such as the Oura Ring. Your impact will extend beyond mere project oversight; you will foster an environment of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. Expect to engage in complex problem-solving, where strategic decisions will affect our product roadmap and ultimately our users' health journeys.

In your interviews for the Engineering Manager position, you can expect a variety of questions that reflect both technical and behavioral aspects of management. While the specific questions may vary by team, the following categories will guide your preparation:

Technical and Domain Questions

This category assesses your understanding of relevant technologies and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

• Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.
• How do you ensure the quality of the code produced by your team?

Preparation for your interviews should be strategic and comprehensive. Focus on understanding the nuances of Oura's mission, values, and the specific dynamics of the teams you will interact with.

Role-related knowledge – You'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of the technical aspects relevant to our products and the engineering practices that drive them. Interviewers will look for evidence of your expertise in managing complex engineering tasks.

Problem-solving ability – Be prepared to articulate how you approach challenges and structure solutions. Your analytical skills will be evaluated through scenario-based questions.

Leadership – Show how you influence and communicate effectively with diverse teams. Your ability to inspire and mobilize others is critical in this role.

Culture fit / values – Understanding and embodying Oura's values will be essential. Your approach to collaboration and adaptability in a fast-paced environment will be closely monitored.

The interview process for the Engineering Manager role at Oura is designed to assess both your technical acumen and your leadership capabilities. The process typically begins with an initial screening by a recruiter, followed by multiple rounds that may include interviews with hiring managers, technical leads, and team members. Throughout these discussions, you can expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions aimed at understanding your management philosophy, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the team.

Candidates will experience a collaborative atmosphere that emphasizes open dialogue and mutual respect. You will not only discuss past experiences but also engage in meaningful conversations about future challenges and opportunities within Oura. Overall, the interview process is thorough but friendly, reflecting the company's commitment to finding the right fit.

The visual timeline illustrates the typical stages of the interview process, including both screen and onsite stages. Use this to plan your preparation adequately and manage your energy throughout the process. Remember that variations may occur based on team needs and specific interviewers.

Understanding the key evaluation areas will significantly enhance your preparation. Below are the major criteria that interviewers at Oura focus on:

Leadership and Team Management

This area is crucial as it reflects your ability to lead, motivate, and manage teams effectively.

• Strong performance includes fostering an inclusive and high-performing team culture.
• Be ready to discuss your leadership style and the methods you use to influence your team positively.

Key topics:

• Team dynamics and conflict resolution strategies.
• Techniques for mentoring and developing team members.

Example scenarios:

• "Describe a situation where you had to mediate a conflict between team members."
• "What strategies do you employ to ensure continuous learning within your team?"

Technical Proficiency

Your technical expertise is essential for guiding your team in executing their projects successfully.

• This evaluation will focus on your familiarity with relevant technologies and best practices.
• Be prepared to showcase your understanding of software development processes and architecture.

Key topics:

• Software methodologies (Agile, Scrum, etc.).
• System design principles and scalability considerations.

Example scenarios:

• "Explain how you would design an API for a new feature."
• "Discuss a technology you implemented that improved team productivity."

Problem-Solving Skills

This area assesses your analytical thinking and ability to tackle complex challenges.

• Strong candidates demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• You should illustrate your thought process clearly during discussions.

Key topics:

• Risk assessment and management.
• Prioritization of tasks in high-pressure situations.

Example scenarios:

• "How would you handle a project that is falling behind schedule?"
• "Describe a challenging technical problem you solved, including the steps you took."