Total of ~8 interviews. First interview consisted of a google hangout interview with Process Manager. It went well, he asked straightforward questions about distillation columns and relief. I was asked to an onsite interview in Branchburg, NJ at the Air Liquide Advanced Materials (formerly Voltaix) HQ. I gave a 30 minute presentation about an energy optimization project I performed. It went well and the engineers in attendance (5 or so) all had some good questions. I then interviewed with 5 different engineers one on one, and they asked the same questions over and over (using a template), which was annoying. However, it went well and I then got a plant tour and enjoyed it. I then did two interviews with a process and project engineer at the Fremont, CA site (formerly ALOHA). Both went well. I truly enjoyed the team. The recruiter then called me to discuss salary requirements and relocation and benefits. He mentioned the final interview was more of a formality and wouldn't be technical (but it was), so I assumed I had the job. The final interview was a call/interview from the Vice President. He asked some technical questions. I thought it went well even though I stumbled on a few (since I am crappy at answering technical questions during interviews). I heard nothing back for 4 days until the recruiter wrote an email saying the interview did not go well with the VP and they wouldn't give me an offer. I was truly surprised! I wrote back the recruiter politely asking what happened and he never responded. It was very unprofessional. My advice for companies thinking of hiring someone: (1) look at their resume to see the depth of work they have done, (2) have two interviews to see how motivated the person is and how they like their job. That is all you need to know to determine whether they will be a good fit for a job. In retrospect, Air Liquide Advanced Materials lost their chance at having a great asset and employee. The good news is that I won't have to work for that narrow-minded VP and that I got some valuable interviewing practice.
