The initial interview was with a high-level recruiter. I was upfront about my requirements for salary and they said they could make it happen if the interview with the hiring manager went well. I made it very clear I had run the numbers for the cost of living for CA and this is what was needed. I was then passed onto a talent acquisition person. They agreed to fly me out to LA (Pt Mugu) including hotel which was nice as they didn't want to do the interview remotely. I was very serious about this role and took my wife with me to tour the area that same day. I did the interview and everything was perfect, they were excited to get me onboard and I exceeded their requirements with a unique skill set that is tough to find. I then waited for two weeks trying to understand what was going on. As a previous poster noted they talked about settling the structure. What I learned is that they tried to get the offer approved up the chain and it was too high or so they said. When I asked why the initial recruiter had said the number I had in mind was doable they did not give me a straight answer. They also said that the hiring manager didn't think the cost was justified for the area. I'm not sure they ever filled that role as I looked several months later and it was still open. This experience has kept me from interviewing with NGC going forward. Whether it be a process breakdown or bad culture it worked out in the end. If you are considering a trip for an interview make sure you get something in writing about a ballpark salary range first.

Recruiter screen + 1 final round with behavioral and very limited technical questions. Did not delve deep into my experience or into any technical discussion. In the end I received a rejection a week after the interview.