Definitely, but when is the last time you interviewed a PhD? If so, did you give them technical questions? The comparison is between practitioners, not academics.
Beyond that, other industries DO use technical interviews. My entry-level interview in finance was extremely technical, but no subsequent interviews were technical. I just think the comparisons being drawn aren't realistic.
I work in med-tech, specifically orthopedics. I recently interviewed for a side job to help build an application related to genomic research. The most technical question I received (related to programming) was "do you have experience in python", and the answer didn't even matter. Why? My boss worked with their lead engineer, and all their researchers know my father. The human element changes things dramatically, and that seems significantly less prevalent in programming.
Beyond that, other industries DO use technical interviews. My entry-level interview in finance was extremely technical, but no subsequent interviews were technical. I just think the comparisons being drawn aren't realistic.
I work in med-tech, specifically orthopedics. I recently interviewed for a side job to help build an application related to genomic research. The most technical question I received (related to programming) was "do you have experience in python", and the answer didn't even matter. Why? My boss worked with their lead engineer, and all their researchers know my father. The human element changes things dramatically, and that seems significantly less prevalent in programming.