The phone interview by the Hiring Manager was basic-technical. Questions to learn if you know the fundamental knowledge. like How SEM works, Difference between BF and DF. What is Bragg's law! The interviewee was very friendly and not looking for you to fail. At the end of phone, suggested a site visit at Hillsboro. Flights, hotel, and other expenses were all covered for 2 days stay in Portland.
At the day of interview, the hiring manager picked my up at the RA4 buidling, and had 12 (30 min each) interviews, one facility tour, and an hour presentation of my PhD work.
The only downside, it was exhausting, with no time to refuel or a breath. The upside, people were friendly and technical, and sure, so knowledgeable. Most common question among them all, have you ever troubleshoot an instrument? Have you worked with UHV? How vacuum pumps work? Some meaningful behavioral questions such as, how you train a careless operator?
one of the interviewees added some smart fun questions. Q was: There are 4 pills, visually identical, Two of them are type A and the other two is type B. you will not die only if you take two doses of AB every 6 housrs, what would you do? ( Hint, think how a pill usually looks like)
One week after the interview, the hiring manager emailed that a positive recommendation is forwarded to HR and need to wait 3-6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the HR called and read the offer details.
Last but not the least, PREPARE yourself. Glassdoor is a great place to start.
