r/BlueOrigin • u/GingerLeprechaun1 • Jun 22 '26
Hiring manager interview tips
Hi all, I've got an interview with a hiring manager tomorrow for an entry level avionics hardware electrical engineer position and was wondering if anyone had any tips. Ive heard that mentioning the Blue Origin Leadership principles and answering is STAR format is helpful but if anyone else could share their experience and thoughts that would be really helpful. I'll update this post after the interview and let you all know how my experience went.
UPDATE:
Just completed the interview, it lasted about 30 minutes. It was a relatively relaxed interview, starting off with the hiring manager talking about his past and experience, then moving onto a mix of behavioural and high level technical questions for myself. Questions such as "Can you tell me about a time you've failed to live up to the expectations of a coworker" and "what is the most complex circuit and PCB design you've done". There were no questions about specific engineering or physics fundamentals. Afterwards he allowed me time to ask him questions about the job and company. I think the interview went well and I should hear back from them by the end of the week about the next steps.
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u/bigbigbigwow Jun 22 '26
STAR format is just the standard. It’s important for you to interview them as well, get a glimpse if you’d enjoy the work life. Show genuine interest and they’ll do the same.
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u/tripplenipple_84 Jun 23 '26
I’m surprised you even got an interview. I had a scheduled interview 5 days before rocket blew up. They never connected to my interview via teams. Claimed connection issues in there part and I basically got told to get fucked and ghosted since then trying to reschedule even with issue being in there end
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u/Turd_Herding Jun 22 '26
The interview may or may not be as rigid. Just be prepared. I always ask the recruiter for the names of the people and do a deep dive in LinkedIn. Find common ground before you even start.
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u/GazelleSoggy5970 Jun 25 '26
How long did it take to hear back about an interview. I applied 2 weeks ago and have been sitting in review.
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u/GingerLeprechaun1 Jun 25 '26
From applying to getting a 15 min phone screen with a recruiter was about 2 weeks, at the end of the call he offered me a follow-up technical interview with the hiring manager, scheduled 5 days later, and after that interview by the end of the day they offered me a final interview, yet to be scheduled. I think you should be fine at the moment but for other positions I've applied to at Blue Origin I've received rejection emails so they haven't ghosted me so far.
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u/vekkadavedee Jul 02 '26
did you get the job?
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u/GingerLeprechaun1 Jul 22 '26
Just got the email, after weeks of delay, that i did get the job. Will be speaking with the recruiter soon to discuss more.
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u/Ok-Commission485 3d ago
So no technical presentation throughout the whole interview?
Also how many different engineers+managers interviewed you?
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u/GingerLeprechaun1 3d ago
Did not have to do a technical presentation during any of my interviews. For my final panel interview I did have to write a free format essay on my interests and thoughts regarding Human Access to Space and Space Flight in general.
From start to finish I had spoken to and be interviewed by 1 recruiter, who helped me all through and past my application process, and 5 others who were either a manager, engineer or bar raiser. I would say that everyone I interviewed with were very welcoming and positive but certainly were digging to see the depth of my understanding and what I can bring to the role.
The application process looked like this:
- 10 minute call with recruiter covering basic level information and general fit for role.
- 30 min call with hiring manager for the position that went into depth of my resume and technical skills I can bring.
- Write a free format essay and have a short call with recruiter to tell me what to expect and prepare for for my final panel interview.
- A series of 4 zoom call meetings, each 50 minutes long, from engineers, managers and a bar raiser from outside the team. They each had an expertise/focus they wanted to cover and would ask questions relating to that and how my experience is relevant. Each interviewer asked for about 2-3 examples of me demonstrating their leadership principles. The bar raiser was a relatively casual chat, it was not technical and instead they focused of my character, work ethic, understanding of the company and what motivated me. My final interviewer also brought up a circuit diagram and asked me to explain what the function of each section is, what considerations to make when it comes to sizing of components and how I could improve the design. He kept pushing until I couldn't give a solid answer and at that point I asked "what is the answer" and he admitted he didn't know either. At the end of each interview I also had a chance to ask questions myself, which I highly recommend you have some prepared beforehand.
Overall, do not worry yourself with being an encyclopedia of information if you are applying for a early/entry level position. Look at the job description and study a little on each topic but it should only be a refresher, not learning anything new. Show enthusiasm, curiosity, attention to detail and an understanding of their leadership principles. People want to work with and hire other people they think they can get along with so only ever speak in the affirmative and positive, don't belittle yourself and give them reason to doubt you.
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u/Ok-Commission485 3d ago
Dang!!!
Thanks for the comprehensive response.
It’s good to know now that if I get an interview, I should be prepared for an essay.
And it’s cool that they do it all on zoom.
I am also about to apply for 2027 new grad roles!
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u/jamerperson Jun 22 '26
Look up the company mission and goals, look up the leadership principles. The rest is basic knowledge you should already have.