First, I have experience in manufacturing processes and also software development. I worked as a process engineer, quality engineer, and had previous work experience in operations engineering and supply chain logistics. My major in college was Industrial Engineering with a focus on manufacturing and a minor in six sigma methodologies. I transitioned into software after college and I currently work as a senior software engineer.
As for the experience itself, after rescheduling with HR and asking for a webex meeting(or similar) since they are mainly located in the UK, only to be told that it would be setup later in the process, one of the interviewers called me to setup a webex meeting. Two people from the team proceeded to ask me about my experience with different material testing. I went into detail about how I did a tool life study on screw machines, my current experience working with third party vendors to create new consumer electronic devices, and various other manufacturing experience. They then asked me questions relating to a tensile test. I explained the small amount of knowledge I had from college and mentioned that I was not entirely familiar with the details of it since it was over 6 years ago and only done in one lab. After explaining my lack of expertise on the subject, they proceeded to ask additional questions related to the details of setting up the test and various things it is measuring. The job description most likely needs updated, the team members and HR were not aligned on what they needed from the position.
What they really wanted was experience related to testing material properties. We did not get to talk about anything relating to hardness, alloys, heat stress, or anything like that but I could only imagine that was to follow shortly. I ended the interview since it was not really aligned with what I was expecting from the job description. That, coupled with the poor organization, and failed attempt to setup a phone call properly from the beginning were enough red flags for me.
Overall it was a fairly negative experience, but maybe that's just comparing it to what I have come to expect from working in software lately. I forgot how abrasive people related to physical design, materials, and mechanical engineering can be so at least I had another wake up call to stay in the industry I am currently working in, or at a minimum never work at this place.