Ten K Solar interview questions

Company: is a pure start-up and is pinning its entire future on introducing innovative and premium photovoltaic array panels into a commodity market. There current challenge is getting their costs down. They have gathered a rather talented team of PHD's with patent portfolios and a CEO with start-up experience. However, most of them are somewhat newer to the solar technology industry, which can be good for innovation. Company appears very cash strapped at this stage in its lifecycle curve and is trying to attract angel investment. They are currently pursuing regulatory approval for their solar panels to be eligible for the 30% tax credit that is driving this industry. Due to it start-up nature, their office is located in a building that is an absolute dump, to the point that I would take any prospective customers to a hotel or some other accommodations. The offices have chairs but no desks (I was told they are coming), it is a very dirty environment, and everyone provides their own computers. They do have a wireless network up and running. (Microsoft probably did not have better digs in its beginning.) Not much else. The interview process consisted of 1:1â??s with the executive team. They were very open an honest about their situation and the risks. I was told their pay rates were about half of market, but with significant equity potential. Since most of the leadership group are PHDâ??s they were very direct and deeply detailed in their interview questions. Most of their questioning related to understanding your individual decision process and the task at hand. Although one interviewer did exhibit lateral thinking for future fit as the company grows. Obviously, all new hires are very critical at this stage. Culture: Probably too new and is developing with only generalizations typical of a start-up nature. They definitely exhibited a single-minded focus on their product development activities. Most of the PHDâ??s had previously worked with each other at a company that went through a significant corporate restructuring. I got the general impression that they have something to prove. I hope that attitude doesnâ??t get in the way of making good growth decisions. Prospective candidates: If youâ??re use to posh corporate environment or higher compensation ranges, you might have to wait awhile to see if they succeed. I remain very interested in this technology and company and wish them the best of success in their endeavors.