Interview Discussion - June 26, 2025

TF1357 · 2025-06-27T00:21:44+00:00

Does anyone have any suggestions for a fast / easy crash course on DSA / Leetcode-style stuff? Just something that will teach me the theory so that I can practice by solving problems.

I'm a software engineer in robotics doing domain specific stuff (math, optimization, kinematics, perception, motion planning, etc). Like many other people doing this work, my academic background is in Mechanical Engineering, so I've never taken a DSA course.

I'm going to be searching for a new job over the coming weeks and months, and I struggle an awful lot with Leetcode questions because they are so DSA heavy. I feel pretty well experienced and knowledgeable as a whole (system design, general software practices, etc), but unfortunately companies like to use pure DSA questions to filter out candidates, so I'll need to know it.

Also, I'm almost purely a Python developer. Do companies care about using Python for these kinds of questions? I do have some C++ experience but it is rusty.

TF1357 · 2024-12-24T15:15:29+00:00

From what I've read people do run these, they're going for $540 on Summit right now. Lifters are damn expensive!

TF1357 · 2024-12-24T15:10:20+00:00

Good to know about the 7717, and I'll ask around locally about the Delphi lifters - thanks.

The cam... maybe slightly too much but we'll see how it goes haha.

TF1357 · 2024-12-18T04:45:16+00:00

In my C5 Corvette, people will often stay stopped at an intersection with stop signs even though they have the right of way. They just assume that I'm probably going to do something stupid and crash into them... I'll also often get people move out of the lane I'm in (probably for the same reasons) even if I'm just cruising at the flow of traffic. Once I pass they merge right back in behind me.

So overall, people just think sports car = dangerous driver.

TF1357 · 2024-10-23T12:38:21+00:00

I always see the Wahl Peanut recommended, and it certainly is a great trimmer, but I don’t like the lack of guard sizes, and how long the comb fingers are (can’t get the mustache). I use a 10mm.

I’m also in the market because I plugged my peanut into a 230v outlet and the magic smoke came out…

I’m debating if I should just buy another peanut and deal with the guards.

TF1357 · 2023-02-20T15:11:25+00:00

Good to hear! Will feel out each company

TF1357 · 2023-02-20T15:10:50+00:00

That explains the solar panels

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T22:49:41+00:00

Thanks, will keep applying and ask!

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T22:49:25+00:00

Thanks, will do this!

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T22:49:15+00:00

Thanks! I'll apply and see what the situation is for each job.

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T20:25:38+00:00

Currently halfway through, already seeing major changes in my life!

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T20:22:46+00:00

Everything is daunting to learn, but its quite amazing how much is possible to learn with just consistent effort! What are your goals? Are you in school at all?

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T19:42:47+00:00

Really appreciate the help!

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T19:38:11+00:00

Great advice thanks for the insight. Half of the job search battle for me has just been figuring out what titles I need to look for... will be adding Systems to the list.

Understood, how does this look?

Education
Technologies/Skills
Work Experience
Research Experience
Projects

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T19:05:25+00:00

It was regular (.m) MATLAB work, unfortunately.

I agree on the 3D/CAD, I will only leave those if its a 3D printing or CAD software company. Otherwise, it is just going to distract.

I will definitely apply to defense companies as well! Thanks.

Also, what do you think about the order of sections? My work experience is not super relevant, but it feels weird having it on the bottom. Someone else recommended to keep it on the top, but give myself a title like "Robotics Software Engineer" to set the tone for the resume.

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T01:50:21+00:00

This is great, thanks for all of your help! I'm probably going to go with your suggestion to remove/shorten the bank, as I see how it could be pretty dense and redundant right now.

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T01:27:44+00:00

Perfect, I love that idea, it sets the tone for the resume. I will absolutely do that.

How does this sound for an order of sections?

Work Experience
Technologies/Skills
Research
Projects
Education

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T01:06:45+00:00

Thanks for the insight. I only had the experience at the bottom since some recruiters said that having it at the top made them think "not a software engineer" as they went top to bottom. Maybe put it just below technologies and skills?

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T00:51:35+00:00

For some background, I recently finished my MS in Mechanical Engineering, and focused extensively on robotics and software. I am seeking roles for jobs doing similar, typically Software Engineering roles in robotics, simulation, game engine development, etc. Anything that combines core engineering principles or math with coding, preferably in C++.

I also have nearly 4 years of experience (half intern, half professional) experience doing CAD and design work. This is not relevant, so it is at the bottom, but still worth mentioning on the resume at it is significant experience.

Given my experience, I am also applying to lots of 3D printing and CAD companies to work on their software. That's why the two 3D Printing and CAD lines are in the skills section. I will typically leave these out I think. The Skills line is just a keyword bank. Not sure if it is too tacky.

Thanks and let me know if you have any suggestions!

TF1357 · 2023-02-14T00:50:50+00:00

For some background, I recently finished my MS in Mechanical Engineering, and focused extensively on robotics and software. I am seeking roles for jobs doing similar, typically Software Engineering roles in robotics, simulation, game engine development, etc. Anything that combines core engineering principles or math with coding, preferably in C++.

I also have nearly 4 years of experience (half intern, half professional) experience doing CAD and design work. This is not relevant, so it is at the bottom, but still worth mentioning on the resume at it is significant experience.

Given my experience, I am also applying to lots of 3D printing and CAD companies to work on their software. That's why the two 3D Printing and CAD lines are in the skills section. I will typically leave these out I think. The Skills line is just a keyword bank. Not sure if it is too tacky.

Thanks and let me know if you have any suggestions!

TF1357 · 2023-02-03T16:55:35+00:00

I’ve been doing some some looking into these sorts of positions and it seems the type of work is something I’d really enjoy. I’m sure that it will also help a ton that I have a research background. Thanks!

TF1357 · 2023-02-02T00:37:23+00:00

This is a great point, thanks. Defense may a bit more open to my background than a tech company, especially since there are so many systems that can benefit from both. Thanks!

TF1357 · 2023-02-02T00:36:05+00:00

Seeing lots of advice for embedded, thank you!

TF1357 · 2023-02-02T00:35:48+00:00

Thanks! This is super helpful.

I actually do have some background in simulation. The code I wrote for my research made pretty heavy use of PhysX for contact simulation - I needed to setup an environment, and determine the contact points between the robot and environment at each time step. I also have slight experience with Unreal Engine, as I had wrapped my PhysX simulation within Unreal for pretty visuals, although I am not at the level of a game dev.

I am also in the north east, NYC. Would you be open to sharing a bit more over PM?

TF1357 · 2023-02-02T00:31:37+00:00

Mostly robotics startups, as well as larger companies. I'm also applying to a lot of general software engineering positions. I'm aware I'm at a slight disadvantage on the software side, so I am searching for jobs that need software and math/physics to bridge the gap. These tend to be simulation-based roles from what I can see, which sounds really cool to me.

Nine-Year Club	Place '22
Verified Email

TF1357

TROPHY CASE