Rivian Engineering Manager Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 12 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Rivian.
Rivian
Engineering Manager
Manager Difficult Positive experience No offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
The interview process was well-organized with good communication and appropriate interviewers, leaving a positive impression. The recruiting team was efficient. It was a good overall process. I had five interviews across three days, all conducted via video chat.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Describe a time when leadership and your team had differing opinions, and how you managed that situation.
Rivian
Engineering Manager
Manager Easy Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Group
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I applied online for a manager role, and some employees also referred me. First, the recruiter asked me why I applied for the manager job instead of the engineer job on the same team. I told him I met all the manager job requirements. He then said the manager job might not be available because someone might be promoted internally, and I would be more of a lead, but the hiring manager would have more details. I then had an interview with the hiring manager and asked about this. He explained I would start as an individual contributor because he doesn't put external hires directly into manager roles. He prefers to promote someone from the team. I get his point, but then why post the manager role at all? It seems like a bait and switch, and I've heard others had a similar experience.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What is your technical background and knowledge like?
Rivian
Engineering Manager
Manager Easy Neutral experience Decline offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Case
The interview didn't really focus on my technical skills, probably because it was for a people manager role. I had a chat with another EM, which felt pretty informal. We talked about how I organize my team and support people with various performance levels. Then, I interviewed with a product manager who asked me situational questions tied to their company's values. The last interview was with the hiring manager, discussing the position and the current team's composition.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- Can you elaborate on your team structuring approach?
- How do you provide support for employees at different performance levels?
- Tell me about a situation that aligned with our company values.
Rivian Engineering Manager Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Rivian interview reports.
“MySQL versus NoSQL, which one should I use?”
Read reports →“Is your interest in Rivian driven by the recent IPO and the resulting influx of candidates?”
Read reports →“How do you provide support for employees at different performance levels?”
Read reports →“What is your motivation for joining Rivian?”
Read reports →“What's your motivation for joining Rivian?”
Read report →“Could you offer an alternative solution for the capability you previously outlined?”
Read report →“What are your motivations for joining Rivian?”
Read report →“Can you design an eCommerce application?”
Read report →“Describe a time when leadership and your team had differing opinions, and how you managed that situation.”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 12 Rivian interview reports.