It's a strange experience. DuckDuckGo pride themselves on radical transparency, but they cannot commit to this in the interview process. I got through to the first take-home exercise, and my recruiter said that they'd set up a meeting to discuss it, but they didn't. I was advised to keep it brief and not too technical. The test was rejected, which is fine, but given how strongly they sell transparency, it's very incongruous that they can't even give a brief explanation. I know they say that this is their policy, but if you give up your transparency at the first challenge, then it's probably not a value that you hold true.

Rigorous interview process with a high bar (comparable to most FAANG roles). Two rounds of take home assignments, both paid generously. Gave a good understanding of what it would be like to work at DuckDuckGo. Recruiter was also very responsive, engaged, and supportive. Overall a very good experience.