I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Reaction Engines (Oxford, England) in Aug 2023
Interview
A two stage process. Stage one was over teams and was very technical and not tailored to the role which made things awkward. I had the experience they were after however and they then offered another interview in person on site two months later.
I had read up on their more technical information after my previous interview and the next interview asked questions which were more relevant to the role and I also had to undertake a written exercise to explain how hydrogren power works. Which was fine, but some warning would have been nice as it was a very broad topic and the questions at both interveiws were not really relevant to the role itself too much.
The staff were warm and friendly. The site was lovely but I felt very out of my depth just based on the interview questions, despite having all the experiene the job description required.
I was also interviewed by my would be line manager and a graduate which did throw me a bit as well. Secondly, my would be line manager did leave the online interview half way through to talk to her child. Which although shows good work life balance, was a bit unprofessional. Interviews were due to last 1 hour and they all over ran due to discussions though the first interview felt rushed to be wrapped up towards the end.
I was also then told they were going to offer me the job by the HR lady, which I accepted, after waiting nearly 2 months to hear back only for them to rescind the offer at the last hurdle before sending over the contract which was really soul destroying to be frank. Very mixed messages and feelings throughout. Everyone was very friendly that I spoke to though.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Explain how hyrdogen power works - had to write an essay in 30 minutes.
Lots of technical questions about how heat pumps work.
Questioned me on their low carbon goals, which again were written very technically in relation to how their heat pumps and technology work over everything else.