National Renewable Energy Lab Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

The recruiters and the team were nice, but the interview process is so painfully long. First was a phone screening and then quickly after a technical interview, then nothing. I interviewed for two positions and had to wait more than a month after the interview to hear anything for both. First took five weeks to hear anything. The second I gave up after four weeks and accepted another offer.

I applied online in August 2009. HR contacted me in early September. The on-site interview was in October 2009 with 5 people, including the hiring manager and their boss. They seemed to ask open-ended questions probing different skills. I had lunch with a recent hire and discussed their experience and onboarding. I gave a research presentation, got a plant tour, and was interviewed in a group. The group interview was the hardest part; it really tested my experience and I was exhausted by the end. I really liked the group and the facilities, they seemed focused and enthusiastic. I felt good about my chances. I sent thank you notes and followed up with HR every two weeks. I heard I was one of three candidates, but funding was uncertain and might affect the decision. In December, I was told I wouldn't get the job. Later I found out it was filled by an entry-level person.

The hiring process was very slow, taking about 1-2 months between each step. There was a panel interview that focused on behavioral questions and included follow-up questions about a technical presentation. The panel interview was 1.5 hours long, which felt a bit short for both the interviewer and interviewee to get a complete understanding.