Robot Field Delivery Coordinator (Part-Time) Interview Experience at Grubhub

I recently interviewed for the Robot Field Delivery Coordinator (Part-Time) position at Grubhub, and I’d like to share a detailed overview of the interview process, as well as key insights and practical examples that can help anyone preparing for this role.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for the Robot Field Delivery Coordinator position was designed to assess both technical skills (related to robotics and delivery systems) and soft skills (such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability). The role requires coordination between robotics, logistics, and customer service, so the interviews aimed to evaluate how well candidates could handle on-the-job situations while maintaining efficiency and customer satisfaction.

1. Initial Screening (Phone Interview with Recruiter)

Duration: 20-30 minutes.
The first step was a phone screening with a recruiter. This interview was primarily focused on assessing my interest in the role, understanding my background, and determining if my experience was a good match for the position.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Motivation and Interest:
  “Why are you interested in working as a Robot Field Delivery Coordinator at Grubhub?”
• Previous Experience:
  “Do you have any experience working with robotics or in a delivery/logistics role? Can you explain?”
• Part-Time Availability:
  “How many hours are you available to work per week, and are you flexible with your schedule?”

This stage was mainly to assess if I understood the nature of the part-time role and whether my schedule aligned with Grubhub’s needs. The recruiter also emphasized the importance of being reliable and adaptable, as the job involves working with autonomous vehicles and requires dealing with unexpected issues on the ground.

2. Skills Assessment (Online or In-Person)

The next stage of the interview process was a skills assessment, which involved a practical test or simulation. The purpose was to evaluate my problem-solving abilities, as well as my comfort level with technology and robotics.

Key Tasks During the Assessment:

• Robot Troubleshooting:
  I was asked to troubleshoot a hypothetical situation in which a robot delivery was delayed or experiencing difficulties. I needed to quickly identify potential problems, such as connectivity issues, obstacles, or robot malfunctions.

  Scenario-Based Problem Solving:
  “Imagine you are on a delivery route, and the robot gets stuck due to an obstacle or a technical glitch. What steps would you take to resolve the issue while minimizing the delay for the customer?”

  In this scenario, I demonstrated my ability to stay calm under pressure, follow established protocols, and communicate effectively with customers and team members. I mentioned that I would first try to remotely resolve the issue if possible, or use the manual override if necessary to move the robot out of the obstacle’s path. If those solutions didn’t work, I would escalate the problem to the technical support team while keeping the customer informed about the delay.

• Customer Service Scenario:
  “What would you do if a customer calls in to report that their robot delivery was delayed?”

  I explained that I would calmly listen to the customer’s concerns, assure them that the issue was being addressed, and provide an estimated time of arrival for the robot. I also emphasized how important it was to manage customer expectations while ensuring they felt valued throughout the process.

3. Technical Interview (1st Round)

Duration: 45 minutes.
The next step was a technical interview, which focused on my ability to understand and troubleshoot autonomous delivery systems, as well as my technical knowledge in robotics, IoT, and GPS systems.

Key Topics and Example Questions:

• Robotics and IoT Systems:
  “How do you think autonomous delivery robots navigate urban environments? What challenges do you think Grubhub faces with these robots, and how would you address them?”

  I discussed the role of GPS and LIDAR sensors in navigation, explaining how these technologies help robots map out their surroundings. I also mentioned that one of the challenges could be dynamic obstacles, such as pedestrians or unexpected road closures, and how important it is for robots to communicate with human operators or use real-time data to reroute deliveries.

• Autonomous Delivery Process:
  “If the robot is unable to complete a delivery on time, what steps would you take to ensure the customer still receives their food?”

  I explained that I would first try to remotely assist the robot in completing the delivery. If that wasn’t possible, I would arrange for a backup delivery solution, such as coordinating with a driver or delivery partner, and make sure the customer was updated on the status.

• Basic Troubleshooting:
  “Can you walk me through the basic troubleshooting steps you would take if a robot’s delivery mechanism stopped working mid-delivery?”

  I provided an overview of basic troubleshooting steps, such as checking the battery level, ensuring the delivery mechanism (like a compartment door) wasn’t jammed, and checking the robot’s GPS coordinates to make sure it was on the correct route.

4. Behavioral Interview (2nd Round)

Duration: 30-45 minutes.
The second round of interviews was behavioral, and it focused on my soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and team collaboration. It was also a chance for the interviewers to assess how well I would fit into Grubhub’s team-oriented environment.

Example Questions:

• Communication Skills:
  “Tell me about a time when you had to explain a technical issue to someone with little technical knowledge. How did you approach the situation?”

  I shared an example from a previous job where I had to explain complex software issues to non-technical clients. I emphasized the importance of clear, simple language and using visual aids to help them understand the issue.

• Adaptability:
  “Describe a situation where you had to quickly adapt to a change in plans. How did you handle it?”

  I provided an example of a project where last-minute changes required me to quickly shift priorities. I mentioned how I remained flexible, prioritized tasks, and communicated effectively with the team to ensure we stayed on track.

• Customer Service Orientation:
  “How do you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with the service, even though the issue is outside of your control?”

  I explained that I would first empathize with the customer’s frustration, provide a clear explanation of the situation, and offer solutions (like an estimated time of arrival for the robot or a refund) to make up for the inconvenience.

5. Final Interview (Leadership and Team Dynamics)

The final interview was with the hiring manager and some members of the team. This round focused on team dynamics, leadership qualities, and how well I aligned with Grubhub’s mission and values.

Key Topics:

• Team Collaboration:
  “How do you ensure that everyone in the team is on the same page, especially when working in a fast-paced environment?”

  I discussed the importance of regular check-ins, clear communication, and using tools like task management systems (e.g., Slack, Trello) to keep track of issues and updates in real time.

• Problem Solving Under Pressure:
  “Describe a situation where you had to make a decision quickly under pressure. What was your approach?”

  I shared an example from a previous job where I had to make a quick decision regarding a customer complaint. I explained how I gathered as much information as possible quickly, prioritized solutions, and communicated the resolution to the customer promptly.

Key Areas to Focus On for Preparation

• Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Familiarize yourself with the basics of autonomous delivery technologies, including GPS, sensors, and navigation algorithms.
• Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving: Be prepared for situational questions where you may need to troubleshoot robots or assist with technical issues during deliveries.
• Customer Service: This role involves a lot of customer interaction, so be ready to discuss your experience in handling customer concerns and managing expectations.
• Flexibility: Grubhub emphasizes the ability to adapt in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable situations. Show that you’re comfortable with change and can think on your feet.