Hey everyone, I have an upcoming interview for Apple’s Product Design Engineer (PDE) role (entry-level). I’ve researched the process, but wanted to crowdsource insights from those who’ve been through it.

What I Know So Far:

1. Technical Screening:

   • Fundamentals (statics, materials, DFM, tolerancing).

   • Layered problem-solving (“Calculate stress on X, then optimize for cost”).

2. Onsite Loops:

   • Whiteboard design challenges (e.g., “Design a hinge for foldable device”).

   • Cross-functional collaboration scenarios.

Questions for Those Who’ve Interviewed:

1. Design Challenge:

   • How detailed do sketches need to be? Is it more about approach than perfect CAD-level visuals?

   • Any examples of prompts you’ve seen?

2. Technical Deep Dives:

   • Are questions closer to textbook problems (e.g., beam bending calcs) or applied tradeoffs (e.g., “Aluminum vs. titanium for this part”)?

3. Hands-On Tests:

   • Does Apple do lab exercises (e.g., measuring parts, mock-ups)?

4. CAD/Simulation:

   • Is live CAD modeling expected, or just high-level discussion?

5. Apple-Specific Nuances:

   • Any “gotcha” topics (e.g., design language, manufacturing patents)?

Anything else? Correct me if I’m wrong. Thank you in advance

So I recently heard back from both Apple and Amazon regarding my PDE applications.

I talked to a few Apple engineers at our school's career fair the other day, and one team gave me a design challenge while the other team is scheduling a call with the hiring manager.

Amazon is scheduling 4 rounds of interviews, 45 minutes each, with me on Friday for the product design engineer new grad position.

This is the first time I've interviewed with Amazon and Apple, and I'm wondering if there's anything I should specifically prepare for? I know that Amazon likes to ask questions about the leadership skills listed on their website.

Any help/input will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.