Cornerstone Research Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (CRG) is a leading Aerospace and Defense company that focuses on delivering innovative, customer-centric technology solutions.

The Research Scientist role at Cornerstone Research is pivotal in advancing technical knowledge and delivering solutions to complex customer challenges. This position entails collaborating with multidisciplinary teams comprising scientists, engineers, and business leaders to conceptualize and optimize systems across various applied research and development projects. Key responsibilities include planning, managing, and reporting on research activities, developing design criteria, and communicating technical results to both internal and external stakeholders. A successful Research Scientist at CRG will possess a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative spirit while demonstrating an ability to take the initiative and solve problems effectively. A solid educational background in engineering or a related field, along with relevant experience in an applied R&D environment, is essential. This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the competencies valued by CRG and the skills necessary to excel in this role.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Cornerstone Research is designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative and innovative environment of the company. The process typically unfolds in several structured stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place via a virtual platform. This round typically lasts about 30 minutes and is conducted by a recruiter. During this conversation, the recruiter will discuss your background, motivations for applying, and your understanding of the role. They will also gauge your fit within the company culture and your interest in economic consulting.

2. Case Study Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates will participate in one or more case study interviews. These interviews are often back-to-back and can last around an hour. The focus here is on your analytical and problem-solving abilities, as you will be presented with qualitative cases that require you to demonstrate your thought process and communication skills. Interviewers will be looking for clarity in your reasoning and your ability to articulate your approach to solving complex problems.

3. Technical and Behavioral Interviews

The next stage typically involves a combination of technical and behavioral interviews. These interviews may be conducted virtually or in person, depending on the stage of the process. You can expect to answer questions that assess your technical knowledge, particularly in economics, as well as your past research experiences. Behavioral questions will explore your motivations for choosing economic consulting and your ability to work collaboratively within a team.

4. Final Round Interviews

The final round usually consists of in-person interviews with multiple team members. This stage may include additional case studies and a deeper dive into your technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Interviewers will assess your fit within the team and your ability to contribute to ongoing projects. Expect to discuss your previous work, how you handle challenges, and your approach to collaboration and communication.

As you prepare for your interviews, it’s essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will test both your technical knowledge and your ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Emphasize Analytical and Communication Skills

Given that the interview process at Cornerstone Research often includes case studies, it's crucial to showcase your analytical thinking and communication abilities. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely while solving problems. Be prepared to explain your reasoning and the steps you take to arrive at a solution. This will not only demonstrate your analytical skills but also your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to encounter case studies during your interviews, as they are a significant part of the evaluation process. Familiarize yourself with common case study frameworks and practice with sample cases relevant to economic consulting. Focus on structuring your responses logically and backing your conclusions with data. Remember, the interviewers are looking for your approach to problem-solving, so think aloud and engage them in your thought process.

Brush Up on Economic Concepts

Since the role involves economic research, ensure you have a solid understanding of key economic principles, particularly microeconomics. Review concepts such as elasticities, market structures, and consumer behavior. Be ready to discuss any relevant research or projects you've undertaken in the field, as this will demonstrate your expertise and passion for economic consulting.

Showcase Team Collaboration

Cornerstone Research values collaboration and teamwork. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in multidisciplinary teams and how you contributed to achieving common goals. Highlight instances where you successfully collaborated with others, resolved conflicts, or facilitated communication among team members. This will align with the company’s emphasis on a team-oriented mentality.

Align with Company Values

Familiarize yourself with Cornerstone Research's core values, such as honesty, integrity, and innovation. During the interview, reflect these values in your responses and demonstrate how they resonate with your personal work ethic. Share examples from your past experiences that illustrate your commitment to these principles, as this will help you connect with the interviewers on a cultural level.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

While the initial rounds may focus more on case studies, expect behavioral questions in the final rounds. Prepare to discuss your motivations for pursuing a career in economic consulting and why you are interested in Cornerstone Research specifically. Articulate your long-term career goals and how they align with the company’s mission and objectives.

Stay Calm and Engaged

The interviewers at Cornerstone Research are known for their friendly demeanor, which can help create a comfortable atmosphere. Use this to your advantage by staying calm and engaged throughout the interview. Show enthusiasm for the role and the company, and don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions that reflect your interest in their work and culture.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Research Scientist role at Cornerstone Research. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Research Scientist interview at Cornerstone Research. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, technical knowledge, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Be prepared to discuss your experience in research and development, as well as your understanding of economic principles and their application in consulting.

Case Studies and Problem Solving

1. Describe a case study you worked on that required innovative problem-solving. What was your approach?

This question assesses your analytical thinking and creativity in addressing complex challenges.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific case where you identified a problem, formulated a hypothesis, and implemented a solution. Highlight your thought process and the impact of your solution.

Example

“In a project focused on optimizing a manufacturing process, I identified inefficiencies in the workflow. I proposed a new layout that reduced bottlenecks, which resulted in a 20% increase in productivity. I collaborated with the team to implement this change and monitored the results closely.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.

How to Answer

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks, such as using a matrix to assess urgency and importance, and how you communicate with stakeholders to align on priorities.

Example

“I use a priority matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. I regularly check in with my team to ensure we’re aligned on priorities, which helps us stay focused on high-impact projects while managing deadlines effectively.”

3. Can you walk us through your process for conducting economic research?

This question aims to understand your research methodology and analytical skills.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you take in your research process, from defining the research question to data collection and analysis, and finally to presenting your findings.

Example

“I start by defining a clear research question and then conduct a literature review to understand existing work. I gather data through surveys and secondary sources, analyze it using statistical methods, and present my findings in a comprehensive report that includes actionable insights.”

4. Describe a time when you had to communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience.

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to bridge gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

How to Answer

Provide an example where you simplified complex information and ensured understanding among your audience.

Example

“I once presented a technical report on a new material to a group of marketing professionals. I used analogies and visual aids to explain the material's properties and potential applications, which helped them grasp the concept and effectively communicate it to clients.”

5. What methods do you use to evaluate the success of a research project?

This question evaluates your ability to measure outcomes and learn from experiences.

How to Answer

Discuss the metrics you consider important for evaluating success and how you apply those metrics to future projects.

Example

“I evaluate success based on predefined KPIs, such as project completion time, budget adherence, and the impact of the findings on decision-making. After each project, I conduct a retrospective analysis to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Why are you interested in economic consulting over other types of consulting?

This question seeks to understand your motivation and alignment with the company's focus.

How to Answer

Articulate your passion for economic consulting and how it aligns with your skills and career goals.

Example

“I am drawn to economic consulting because it allows me to apply my analytical skills to real-world problems that impact businesses and society. I find it rewarding to help clients make data-driven decisions that lead to positive outcomes.”

2. Describe a situation where you had to work collaboratively in a team. What role did you play?

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a team project, your contributions, and how you facilitated collaboration.

Example

“In a cross-functional team project, I took on the role of coordinator, ensuring that everyone’s input was valued. I organized regular meetings to discuss progress and challenges, which fostered a collaborative environment and led to a successful project outcome.”

3. How do you handle constructive criticism?

This question evaluates your openness to feedback and personal growth.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and how you use it to improve your work.

Example

“I view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. When I receive feedback, I take time to reflect on it and identify actionable steps to improve. This approach has helped me enhance my skills and deliver better results in my projects.”

4. Give an example of a time you took the initiative to improve a process.

This question assesses your proactivity and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Describe a situation where you identified an area for improvement and took steps to implement a solution.

Example

“I noticed that our data collection process was inefficient, leading to delays. I proposed a new digital tool that streamlined data entry and analysis. After implementing it, we reduced data processing time by 30%, which significantly improved our project timelines.”

5. What do you believe are the key qualities of a successful research scientist?

This question seeks to understand your perspective on the role and its requirements.

How to Answer

Discuss the qualities you believe are essential, such as analytical skills, communication, and collaboration.

Example

“I believe successful research scientists must possess strong analytical skills to interpret data effectively, excellent communication skills to convey findings, and a collaborative mindset to work well in multidisciplinary teams. These qualities enable us to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.”