1904Labs Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

1904Labs is a human-centered technology company dedicated to employing modern tools and technologies to tackle complex challenges faced by enterprise organizations.

As a Software Engineer at 1904Labs, you will take on a multifaceted role that involves analyzing, designing, and developing contemporary application software. You will be expected to exhibit a proactive attitude and adaptability to embrace new technologies as projects evolve. The company values "T-shaped" developers who possess deep expertise in a few core areas while also having a broad understanding across various programming and computer science disciplines. This positions you as a key player in complementary teams that leverage your strengths, fostering an environment ripe for collaborative growth.

Key responsibilities include proficiently applying Object-Oriented Programming principles and best practices to create robust solutions, utilizing standard Design Patterns to tackle common challenges. You will work with relational and document-based data stores, engaging with frameworks and server-side technologies such as Node, React, Angular, or Vue.js. As part of your role, you will also navigate distributed architectures, REST-based APIs, and full-stack, cloud-native applications.

The ideal candidate for this position will not only have strong technical skills but also exhibit a genuine curiosity and drive for learning. Experience in Agile team environments, familiarity with code quality tools, and a solid grasp of full-scope test automation will further enhance your fit for this role. A commitment to personal and professional growth, along with a collaborative spirit, aligns perfectly with 1904Labs' ethos.

By using this guide to prepare for your interview, you will gain insights into the expectations and culture of 1904Labs, allowing you to present your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with the company's values and mission.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at 1904Labs is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each aimed at evaluating different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and approach to problem-solving.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with an initial phone screen conducted by a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30-45 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, motivations, and what they are looking for in their next opportunity. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the role itself, ensuring that candidates have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates will participate in a technical interview, often conducted via video conferencing. This interview typically involves a review of the candidate's previous work and may include a coding challenge or a discussion of technical concepts relevant to the role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and their ability to think critically about software design and architecture.

3. In-Person Interview

The in-person interview is a more comprehensive assessment that usually consists of multiple rounds. Candidates may meet with various team members, including senior engineers and project leads. This stage often includes a mix of behavioral questions, technical assessments, and a presentation of a personal project or a problem statement provided in advance. Candidates should be ready to showcase their technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and adaptability to new technologies.

4. Live Coding Challenge

As part of the in-person interview, candidates will typically face a live coding challenge. This exercise is designed to evaluate their coding skills in real-time, often focusing on object-oriented programming principles and best practices. Candidates will have a set amount of time to solve a problem, and interviewers will pay close attention to the candidate's thought process, coding style, and ability to communicate their approach.

5. Final Assessment and Feedback

After the interviews, candidates may go through a final assessment phase where the interview panel discusses their performance. While feedback may not always be provided, candidates should be prepared for potential follow-up discussions regarding their fit for the role and the company.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during this process.

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

Emphasize Your Problem-Solving Approach

During the interview, focus on how you approach problems rather than just the final solution. 1904Labs values innovative thinking and a collaborative mindset, so be prepared to discuss your thought process in detail. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous projects, highlighting your adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect a mix of technical questions and coding challenges that may include analyzing and manipulating data. Familiarize yourself with common design patterns and object-oriented programming principles, as these are crucial for the role. Practice coding problems that reflect real-world scenarios, such as working with APIs or data stores, to demonstrate your practical skills.

Showcase Your T-Shaped Skills

1904Labs seeks "T-shaped" developers, so be ready to discuss both your deep expertise in specific areas and your broader knowledge across various technologies. Highlight your experience with frameworks like Node, React, or Java, and be prepared to explain how your diverse skill set can contribute to team success.

Engage with the Company Culture

Understanding and aligning with 1904Labs' human-centered approach is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you value collaboration, innovation, and community involvement. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these principles, as they are integral to the company’s culture.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional growth, and how the company fosters innovation. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions that explore your past experiences and how you've handled various situations. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that showcase your skills and adaptability.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After the interview, send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Mention specific aspects of the conversation that resonated with you, reinforcing your interest in the role and the company. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to showcase your skills and fit for the Software Engineer role at 1904Labs. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at 1904Labs. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to new technologies. Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of software development principles, frameworks, and best practices, as well as your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and how you have applied them in your projects?

Understanding OOP is crucial for a Software Engineer role, as it forms the foundation of many programming languages and design patterns.

How to Answer

Discuss the four main principles of OOP: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Provide examples of how you've implemented these principles in your past work.

Example

“I have utilized encapsulation by creating classes that hide their internal state and require all interaction to be performed through methods. For instance, in a recent project, I designed a user management system where user data was encapsulated within a User class, ensuring that sensitive information was not directly accessible.”

2. Describe a challenging coding problem you faced and how you approached solving it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your ability to think critically under pressure.

How to Answer

Outline the problem, your thought process, the steps you took to solve it, and the outcome. Emphasize your analytical skills and creativity.

Example

“I encountered a performance issue in a data processing application where the algorithm was taking too long to execute. I analyzed the code and identified that a nested loop was causing inefficiencies. I refactored the code to use a hash map for faster lookups, which reduced the processing time by over 50%.”

3. What design patterns are you familiar with, and can you provide an example of how you used one in a project?

Design patterns are essential for creating scalable and maintainable software.

How to Answer

Mention specific design patterns (e.g., Singleton, Factory, Observer) and describe a situation where you applied one effectively.

Example

“I frequently use the Factory pattern to create objects without specifying the exact class of the object that will be created. In a recent project, I implemented a Factory to generate different types of notifications (email, SMS) based on user preferences, which simplified the code and made it easier to extend in the future.”

4. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

This question evaluates your commitment to best practices in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with code reviews, testing, and using tools for static code analysis.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by conducting regular code reviews with my team and using tools like ESLint and Prettier to enforce coding standards. Additionally, I write unit tests for critical components to ensure that changes do not introduce new bugs.”

5. Can you explain how RESTful APIs work and how you have implemented them in your projects?

Understanding RESTful APIs is vital for modern web development.

How to Answer

Describe the principles of REST and provide an example of how you have designed or consumed a RESTful API.

Example

“RESTful APIs operate on standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. In a recent project, I designed a RESTful API for a task management application, allowing users to create, update, and delete tasks. I ensured that the API followed REST principles by using appropriate status codes and structuring the endpoints logically.”

Frameworks and Technologies

1. What experience do you have with JavaScript frameworks, and which do you prefer?

This question assesses your familiarity with front-end technologies.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with various frameworks and explain why you prefer one over the others based on specific project needs.

Example

“I have worked extensively with React and Angular. I prefer React for its component-based architecture, which allows for better reusability and easier state management. In a recent project, I used React to build a dynamic user interface that improved user engagement significantly.”

2. How do you approach learning a new technology or framework?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to grow.

How to Answer

Describe your learning process, including resources you use and how you apply new knowledge.

Example

“When learning a new technology, I start with the official documentation and follow tutorials to get hands-on experience. I also build small projects to apply what I’ve learned. For instance, when I started using Docker, I created a simple application to understand containerization better.”

3. Can you explain the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases?

Understanding database technologies is crucial for a Software Engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss the characteristics of both types of databases and when to use each.

Example

“SQL databases are relational and use structured query language for defining and manipulating data, making them suitable for complex queries and transactions. NoSQL databases, on the other hand, are non-relational and can handle unstructured data, which is ideal for applications requiring scalability and flexibility, such as real-time analytics.”

4. Describe your experience with cloud platforms like AWS or GCP.

This question assesses your familiarity with cloud technologies.

How to Answer

Mention specific services you have used and how they contributed to your projects.

Example

“I have experience using AWS services like EC2 for hosting applications and S3 for storage. In a recent project, I deployed a microservices architecture on AWS, utilizing Lambda for serverless functions, which significantly reduced operational costs and improved scalability.”

5. How do you handle version control in your projects?

Version control is essential for collaborative software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with version control systems, particularly Git, and your workflow.

Example

“I use Git for version control, following a branching strategy where I create feature branches for new developments. I regularly commit changes with clear messages and use pull requests for code reviews before merging into the main branch, ensuring that the codebase remains stable.”