Amgen Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Amgen is a leading biotechnology company, dedicated to unlocking the potential of biology for patients worldwide through innovative medicines.

The Software Engineer role at Amgen focuses on developing software solutions that enhance various aspects of the company’s operations, from research and development to manufacturing and commercial processes. Key responsibilities include designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand their needs. Ideal candidates will possess strong programming skills, particularly in languages such as JavaScript, and exhibit a deep understanding of software development principles, including algorithms and data structures. Additionally, experience with coding platforms like HackerRank and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently are crucial. Candidates should also demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and effective communication skills, as they will be expected to work in team environments and manage project timelines.

This guide will help you prepare for the interview by providing insights into the specific skills and experiences Amgen values, as well as the types of questions you may encounter.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Amgen is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. The process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Initial HR Screening

The first step is a phone interview with an HR representative. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Amgen. The HR interviewer will also gauge your alignment with the company culture and values, asking about your teamwork experiences and how you manage workloads.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the HR screening, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment, which may be conducted on platforms like HackerRank. This assessment typically includes 3-5 coding questions that test your proficiency in relevant programming languages, such as JavaScript. The questions are designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and coding skills.

3. Technical Interview with Leadership

The next round usually involves a technical interview with a senior leader, such as the CTO. This interview lasts about 30 minutes and covers your technical background, relevant experiences, and behavioral questions. Expect to discuss your past projects and how you approach technical challenges.

4. Onsite Interviews

The final stage consists of multiple onsite interviews, often structured as a series of one-on-one sessions with various team members. Each interview typically lasts around 30 minutes and includes a mix of technical and behavioral questions. You may be asked to solve coding challenges, discuss your resume in detail, and answer situational questions that reflect your problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a range of questions that assess both their technical expertise and their ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in these discussions.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Amgen typically involves multiple rounds, starting with an HR phone interview, followed by a technical assessment, and then several rounds of interviews with team members and leadership. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and energy throughout the process.

Prepare for Situation-Based Questions

Amgen interviewers often focus on situation-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios from your past experiences, particularly how you handled workloads, managed time, and resolved conflicts. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Technical proficiency is crucial for a Software Engineer role at Amgen. Expect to face coding challenges, particularly in languages like JavaScript. Practice coding problems on platforms like HackerRank to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you may encounter. Additionally, be prepared to discuss fundamental concepts such as abstraction and other core programming principles.

Showcase Your Teamwork and Communication Skills

Given the collaborative nature of the role, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in team environments. Highlight instances where you contributed to team success, navigated disagreements, or communicated effectively with colleagues. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in Amgen’s team-oriented culture.

Stay Professional and Engaged

Throughout the interview process, maintain a professional demeanor, even if you encounter challenging interviewers. Your ability to stay composed and engaged, regardless of the situation, will reflect positively on your character. If you experience any unprofessional behavior, focus on your responses and avoid letting it affect your performance.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, consider sending a follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewers’ radar. However, be mindful of the timeline; if you haven’t heard back after a reasonable period, it’s acceptable to send a gentle inquiry about your application status.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Amgen. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Amgen. The interview process will likely assess both your technical skills and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Be prepared to discuss your experiences, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle various situations in a professional setting.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the concept of abstraction in software development?

Understanding abstraction is crucial for software engineers, as it helps in managing complexity in systems.

How to Answer

Discuss how abstraction allows developers to hide complex implementation details and expose only the necessary parts of a system. Provide examples of how you’ve applied this concept in your projects.

Example

“Abstraction is a fundamental principle in software development that allows us to simplify complex systems by exposing only the necessary components. For instance, in a recent project, I used abstract classes in Java to define a common interface for different types of user notifications, allowing me to implement various notification methods without exposing the underlying logic to the users.”

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

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your ability to navigate technical challenges.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and the steps you took to resolve the issue. Emphasize the thought process and any collaboration involved.

Example

“I encountered a performance issue in a web application where the load time was significantly high. I analyzed the code and identified that inefficient database queries were the bottleneck. I optimized the queries and implemented caching, which reduced the load time by 50%. This experience taught me the importance of profiling and optimizing code early in the development process.”

3. How do you approach debugging a complex issue in your code?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers, and interviewers want to know your methodology.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to debugging, including tools you use and how you isolate problems.

Example

“When debugging complex issues, I start by reproducing the problem consistently. I then use logging and debugging tools to trace the execution flow and identify where things go wrong. For instance, in a recent project, I used breakpoints and step-through debugging to isolate a memory leak, which ultimately led to a more efficient memory management strategy.”

4. What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and why?

This question helps interviewers gauge your technical proficiency and preferences.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with specific languages, highlighting projects where you utilized them effectively.

Example

“I am most comfortable with JavaScript and Python. I have used JavaScript extensively for front-end development, particularly in building responsive web applications. Python, on the other hand, has been my go-to language for data analysis and backend services due to its simplicity and the powerful libraries available, such as Pandas and Flask.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. How did you prioritize?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully managed competing priorities, detailing your decision-making process.

Example

“In my previous role, I was tasked with leading a project while also supporting a critical bug fix. I prioritized by assessing the impact of each task on the team and the project timeline. I communicated with my team to delegate responsibilities and set clear deadlines, which allowed us to meet both objectives without compromising quality.”

2. Tell me about a disagreement you had with a colleague and how you resolved it.

Conflict resolution is key in collaborative environments, and interviewers want to see your interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Choose a situation that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and find common ground.

Example

“I had a disagreement with a colleague regarding the architecture of a new feature. Instead of letting it escalate, I suggested we sit down and discuss our perspectives. We ended up creating a pros and cons list for each approach, which helped us find a middle ground that incorporated the best elements of both ideas. This not only resolved the conflict but also strengthened our working relationship.”

3. What project are you most proud of, and what was your role in it?

This question allows you to showcase your achievements and contributions.

How to Answer

Select a project that highlights your skills and the impact of your work, explaining your specific contributions.

Example

“I am most proud of a project where I led the development of a mobile application for patient management. My role involved coordinating with cross-functional teams, designing the user interface, and implementing the backend services. The app improved patient engagement by 30%, and receiving positive feedback from users was incredibly rewarding.”

4. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

This question assesses your ability to perform under stress.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing stress and ensuring productivity during high-pressure situations.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I focus on maintaining clear communication with my team and stakeholders. I break down tasks into manageable chunks and set mini-deadlines to keep the project on track. For example, during a recent sprint, we had to deliver a feature in half the usual time. By prioritizing tasks and holding daily check-ins, we successfully met the deadline without sacrificing quality.”

What are some common interview questions for the Amgen Software Engineer role?

Candidates interviewing for a Software Engineer position at Amgen can expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions. Common technical questions include coding challenges on algorithms, data structures, and SQL, such as merging sorted lists, counting triplets, and rolling bank transactions. Behavioral questions often focus on teamwork, conflict resolution, and project prioritization, ensuring candidates can effectively collaborate in a biotech-focused engineering environment.

How can I ace my Amgen Software Engineer interview?

To succeed in the Amgen interview process, clarify the interview structure with your recruiter and prepare for technical challenges, particularly in JavaScript and SQL. Practice coding problems on platforms like Interview Query, review software engineering fundamentals, and be ready to discuss how you apply abstraction and problem-solving techniques in real-world projects. Additionally, showcase your ability to work in team environments by discussing past experiences with collaboration, time management, and handling disagreements constructively.

What job opportunities are available at Amgen for Software Engineers?

Amgen offers various software engineering roles, including positions focused on data science, digital product development, and enterprise data lakes. Locations for these roles include Thousand Oaks, CA, Cambridge, MA, and Tampa, FL. In addition to traditional software engineering roles, Amgen also hires for principal data engineers and digital product owners, highlighting opportunities in biotech-driven software development. To explore open positions, visit Amgen’s career page or industry-specific job boards.