Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at PG&E, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My technical screen was fairly direct: I answered normal questions about my resume, and then I got a few technical questions where I ended up needing a calculator for the problems. There were only three technical questions total, but that unexpected requirement threw me for a moment.
Because I was going through contracting, my process started with a call with the recruiter at the contracting agency. After that, if I was still interested, they scheduled the hiring-manager conversation with PG&E.
The interview process typically starts with a recruiter call followed by a panel interview, often structured around behavioral and technical questions. Many candidates noted a STAR format for responses, emphasizing structured storytelling.
Candidates reported a mix of technical questions, often focused on analytical and domain knowledge rather than pure coding, with some mentioning a written test prior to interviews. The technical discussions aimed to connect past experiences to practical engineering tasks.
There is a strong emphasis on behavioral questions, particularly around teamwork, judgment, and safety culture, with many candidates feeling that their responses needed to align with the company's values. Safety-related questions often appeared early in the interviews.
Candidates experienced varying timelines, with some reporting long waits for feedback and a lack of communication after interviews, which contributed to a feeling of uncertainty about their application status.
The overall tone of interviews was described as formal and sometimes rigid, with some candidates feeling a lack of warmth or personal engagement. This contributed to a perception of a tightly controlled process.
Candidates expressed the importance of preparing for both technical and behavioral components, with some wishing they had practiced more on specific technical topics relevant to the role. Understanding the company's focus on safety and teamwork was also highlighted as crucial.