Starburst Application Support Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

It started with a technical test to get familiar with Trino, the company's core open-source tech. They were upfront about pay and shifts. Then, a recruiter chat about my background and career goals. After that, two technical interviews: one focused on explaining complex topics simply, and another more in-depth technical discussion. The final two interviews were with the hiring manager and senior director, focusing on personality and cultural fit. Despite seeming like a lot (4-6 rounds), it felt like a thorough and well-balanced assessment. All interviews were conversational, and surprisingly enjoyable, with smart, non-toxic colleagues. No overlap in questions, and the recruiter was helpful with communication.

The recruiter, Rich L., kept me in the loop until the very end. I was told I'd move to the next round after the first interview, and my availability was confirmed. However, I didn't hear back for about two weeks, even after I reached out first. Ultimately, I was informed that the position had been filled by someone else. I was really enthusiastic about the company and its work, but I wish the interview process had been smoother.

So, they're actually looking for someone with more than just support skills; they need someone who can also do database optimization with every ticket. This was something emphasized by the person who stepped up as team lead after some layoffs. I started with a technical assessment using their Starburst Galaxy software. After that, I had a recruiter interview, then a review from a colleague in the same role. The final interview was with the team lead, who took charge after two rounds of layoffs and seems keen on adding unnecessary tasks to the team. It took about two months and several interviews, but ultimately, I didn't get the job. I'd suggest looking elsewhere.