I interviewed for two separate ML positions within different incubations under Red Cell Partners.
The first position was for an ML Engineer. There was a phone screener and I was moved to a coding interview. This portion specifically, was one of the worst interview experiences. I've ever had I met with a SWE who was under Red Cell Partners where we went through an algorithms problem. However, there were red flags from the start. The interviewer did not know what position I was interviewing for. He then asked what I was looking for in my next role, and I said ML/DS. He then proceeded to ask if I even wanted to continue with the coding interview because I "Didn't mention a software engineer role", which was unbelievably unprofessional. Then throughout the coding interview he made several snide remarks about my solution as if he was the messiah of coding. "I wouldn't have used that." "That's not optimal". After this horrendous interview I had a take home ML assignment, which I met with a data scientist for the incubation company after. That interview was 10/10. He was nice, professional, and I had a great solution which he liked.
After this mixed bag experience, I then met with one of the other incubation companies for multiple interviews asking about my experience. These all went very well, and I was a perfect fit for the position, which was an Applied ML Scientist role. I was expecting to get an offer for this position as each interview was phenomenal, and we connected very well. Each interviewer was kind, professional, yet easy going. The interviews technicality only went as deep as the work I previously done. Funny enough, for this second position, they stated that their team does not believe in coding interviews, as they are a not a strong evaluator of skill in machine learning. After three interviews with great feedback I then waited for next steps from both positions.
For the first position, I never got any confirmation directly that I was not being considered further for the role. I was only told through a reply from the recruiter when I asked. For the second position, I was then told that the hiring for the position was on hold until a contract was signed for funding. Why would you possibly be actively interviewing for a position that you don't have the money for? After multiple months of checking in and going back and forth to see if they got funding, with delayed responses, I was forced to move on to other opportunities in front of me.
It is very clear that there is significant disorganization with Red Cell and its subsidiaries. There was direct conflict in visions between the two subsidiaries I spoke with. The coding interview was easily the worst interview experience I've ever gone through. There is a lack of professionality, organization, and empathy with Red Cell. I don't recommend pursuing opportunities with them.