Rolls-Royce Systems Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

So first off, there was an application to fill out, which was pretty easy. After that, if it was successful, you had to do an online test and then a text message-based situational test. This involved a code-based shape game where you had to match numbers to shapes and vice versa. If you passed that, you got invited to an assessment centre. The assessment centre had three parts. First, a 5-minute presentation about why you want to work for Rolls-Royce and your preferred programme, plus external factors affecting the company and areas for improvement. They also ask competency questions during this, so just be confident and take your time. You can ask to pause or rephrase. Next up was the 'Application of knowledge' interview, which was the toughest bit. They show you graphs and images and ask you to explain them. My main tip is to think out loud so they can follow your thought process. Finally, there was a group task where we had to code a robot to cross a bridge and actually build a bridge with given materials, with a budget of 10,000 GBP. It's important to work well with your teammates, let everyone speak, and have someone keep an eye on the time.

The interview process took about 2 hours. First, there was a 1-hour group assessment which included a 30-minute discussion and a 30-minute group presentation. After that, I had a 1-hour individual interview where they asked me personal questions, questions about my CV work experience, and one very basic technical question.

I applied for the Control Systems Graduate Programme back in November. They sent me some tests, and after I finished them, they said I passed and would be in touch. In February, I got an email inviting me to an assessment centre at RR HQ in Derby. It kicked off at 8 am and had four main parts: a competency interview, a test, a group case study, and a technical interview. Before the competency interview, I had to give a 10-minute presentation about myself – why I wanted to join RR, how I could add value, etc. – which I prepared at home. Then, during the Competency Interview, they asked me questions about the company, like its main customers, what I knew about RR, recent news, and environmental factors affecting the company. They also asked about my experiences, such as a time I influenced people or solved a tough problem. Next up was a numerical test, much like the online one (18 questions in 6 minutes). For the group case, we were split into teams of four and had to design and build a paper airplane meeting specific requirements within 30 minutes, followed by a short presentation of our work. After lunch, where we had a buffet with the assessors (great for networking!), we tackled the technical interview. This was the toughest part; they really challenge you, but the assessor tries to help. They started with general engineering questions (why study it, likes, dislikes) and then moved to a section of a turbine engine, asking increasingly difficult questions. Finally, they gave me a paper with four topics and asked me to choose one to discuss. We wrapped up at 4 pm, it was a great experience, though everyone was exhausted. A cool thing was that there were 14 of us, but we were all applying for different roles, so there was no direct competition, just a focus on doing our best. Hope this helps and good luck!