I interviewed with Intuitive on two occasions for two Software Engineer Positions: 1 in May 2022 that took 3 months and 1 in August 2022 that took 1 month.
Similar to another Intuitive candidate's interview experience, I have never felt more disrespected and frustrated as a candidate.
1. The hiring manager reached out to me on LinkedIn and set up a screening interview with me. I then got moved to a 6-hour on-site technical interview (6 people, 45 minutes each), 30 minute recruiter interview (usually the recruiter interview is the very first interview..), and a 4-hour on-site behavioral interview (4 people, 45 minutes each). After that, the hiring manager went on vacation so I had to wait 3 weeks for an update. I then found out the hiring manager unexpectedly left the company which delayed the hiring process another 4 weeks. I was ultimately told they went with someone more junior level.
The first time around was extremely nerve-racking and such an emotional let-down that I thought that surely the process is not normally like that, right? Unfortunately, my second experience interviewing for Intuitive was not any better..
2. I applied online and interviewed with the recruiter who moved me to the screening interview with the hiring manager. I then did a take-home coding challenge and got moved to a presentation for a panel (around 10 people) and seven 1-on-1 technical/behavioral interviews (45 minutes each). During the last 1-on-1 interview with the hiring manager, I was invited to come on-site for a tour of the surgical robots which I was really excited about. Before the tour was scheduled, I received an offer from another company and asked the recruiter and hiring manager how soon I can receive an update regarding my application for the position at Intuitive. The recruiter called me and told me that it will be a while because the higher-ups are still trying to figure out justification to hire for the role. I was extremely baffled by the response because why would you waste so many candidates and your own employees' time. I then called the hiring manager to confirm this and he told me because this is a really specific role so they wanted someone with a specific skillset (so more software and robotics skills).
I had always wanted to work for Intuitive Surgical since my undergraduate years. When I was asked to interview for my dream role at my dream company, I was extremely excited and emotionally and mentally invested throughout. However, seeing how they treat their candidates makes me question how they treat their employees. I will not recommend applying for the sake of your mental well-being.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions regarding Software-hardware experience (specifically with robotics)
6 interviews with the hiring Manager (2), HR, Finance Director, Global Purshasing Director, Operations VP.
The best experience I had in terms of hiring process, super follow up of the HR.
They say what they do and do what they say.
Super happy and excited to join Intuitive Surgical
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Intuitive
Interview
Qualifying interview with recruiter, hiring manager 1:1, 3 panel interviews, in-person panel presentation, 1:1 with Sr. Director. Everyone was extremely communicative throughout process and clear on expectations. Challenging but one of the best interview experiences I’ve been a part of.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you had to say no to an idea or project while you were still new to a position or organization.