I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Aurora Innovation
Interview
The process was fast and efficient, but the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing. Whoever they use to handle HR doesn't coordinate with management.
Initial contact with the company was very positive, i.e. "you look like a great fit" etc but the autonomous operations lead I spoke with in the phone screen sounded annoyed like I was wasting his time before I was even asked my first question. I'm not sure if he was being forced to interview candidates before he hired his friend from waymo or what... guess I'll be left speculating!
About 3 rounds of interviews with a homework assignment to start. The homework assignment was a little tricky, leaving an ambiguous answer. They are mainly looking for how you go about solving the problem, rather than providing a 100% correct answer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Recall a time you had to take charge of a project to get everyone in board and finish in time.
Worst was the COO who asked me how I would handle someone challenging me about driving a self driving car. I said I would act w precaution, not let them take pics of the technology. Instead I said I would explain we were trying to improve safety on the roads and there would be added jobs as part of a growing sector. She could not understand why I would not ecstatically jump for joy for anyone who expressed interest in self-driving cars (when they would lose their job?). They also said they wanted experience to grow and then at the same time said that they were concerned I would want to expand too fast. She is no longer with the company. Wish I applied later.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you handle it if someone who was losing their taxi job came up to your self-driving car.
