The Medtronic did the interview the way full-time packaging engineering interviews SHOULD be done. They ask a couple of the STAR questions, ask a couple personality questions, then give a problem-solving question with a package they actually work with.
I expected it to be difficult because that is how I like it. The difficulty of the interview compared to others I have been through is what made me really want the job more because it showed I would work with employees who care about the packaging and their job. The set-up was four 45 minute formal interviews with Principal Packaging Engineer, two mechanical R&D engineers, and the hiring manager. Then a lunch with another packaging engineer, but the issue here was it was just out of my norm to be in a restaurant wearing my dress shirt answering questions while other people are trying to enjoy their time while we waited for our food. The team in the ENT department was amazing. They were all people who cared about their jobs, company, and what they make.
The Wednesday of Thanksgiving I had an HR manager reach out and had a Medtronic questionnaire to further elaborate on my experiences (I wish more companies did this). The next week I had the initial interview with that HR manager then later that week had a phone screen with the packaging hiring manager. Then the next week was reached out to come to Jacksonville for a formal on-site interview. Scheduled for the week before Christmas. They told me straight up they only brought in three people for an interview. I felt confident about my answers, but also understand that other candidates from the other universities may be much better candidates.
Medtronic is one of the top companies I want to work for because of their passion for the industry. This interview confirmed this. The team was formal and knowledgeable.
I turned down an offer from a food company because they didn't give me enough time before this offer came through. I hedged my bets and lost, but I will always keep trying to get employed by Medtronic in either a contracting or full-time employment.
EDIT: DOUBLE CHECK WITH THE HR CONTACT ABOUT TRAVEL. Three weeks after the email I get an email from the HR recruiter that they would only comp me for one night of hotel & car rental. It was never once mentioned in the reimbursement agreement. Good thing I already picked one of the cheaper hotels.