The hiring process at Databricks takes an average of 60 days when considering 2 user submitted interviews across all job titles. Candidates applying for Big Data Architect had the quickest hiring process (on average 60 days), whereas Big Data Architect roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 60 days).
Recruiter screen to two technicals then a behavioral with an engineering manager - no OA this year. Standard technicals for SWE, just a little bit more intense with the engineers.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Explain your past projects in detail - lots of follow ups on my design choices, when was a time I got negative feedback, etc. Very difficult behavioral interview too.
1 tech screen which is just some leetcode problem -> virtual onsite (1 leetcode style problem, 1 coding / implementation, 1 architecture / system design, 1 behavioral). Overall wouldn't say it was that difficult besides system design which I haven't done for new grad
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Databricks (San Francisco, CA) in Aug 2025
Interview
I made it all the way to the final round. Lots of back channeling, inconsistent training and lines of questioning from senior-level members of the panel. In general, they say they want high performers and it is super competitive but it’s quite apparent they only want people from the same background or lineage as them (Seattle large-cap tech). Not open to different ways of thinking and use “lack of applicable experience” as general feedback when in reality they could have determined that at the recruiter screen. The take home was basically free work as it was apparently poorly written with lots of issues on the technical side.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with engineering?