BD Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies, dedicated to advancing health through innovative solutions that transform possibilities into realities.

As a Software Engineer at BD, you will play a pivotal role in the Software Technology Solutions (STS) division, which serves as the company’s global software innovation engine. This position involves designing and developing cloud-native solutions that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include participating in agile software development processes, architecting scalable systems, and ensuring high standards for code quality and application design. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create services that enable smart connectivity and data-driven insights. Required skills include significant experience in cloud SaaS development, proficiency in programming languages such as Go, Java, and JavaScript, and expertise in AWS services. A strong candidate will possess a growth mindset, a passion for learning, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment focused on improving patient outcomes.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations, the skills that will be evaluated, and the company culture, enabling you to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at BD is structured and thorough, reflecting the company's commitment to finding the right fit for their innovative teams. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that assesses both technical skills and cultural fit.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening, which may be conducted via a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 20-30 minutes and focuses on your background, skills, and motivations for applying to BD. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates who pass will be invited to a technical interview. This interview is often conducted via video conferencing tools like Zoom and lasts approximately 30-45 minutes. During this session, you will be asked to demonstrate your technical expertise, particularly in areas relevant to the role, such as cloud-native development, programming languages (like Go, Java, and JavaScript), and your experience with AWS services. Expect to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical interview, candidates may undergo a behavioral interview. This round typically involves questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a work environment. Interviewers will be interested in your past experiences and how they align with BD's values and culture. This interview may include multiple interviewers, providing a well-rounded perspective on your fit for the team.

4. Team Interviews

In some cases, candidates will participate in team interviews, where you will meet with potential colleagues and managers. This stage is designed to evaluate how well you collaborate with others and your ability to contribute to a team-oriented environment. Expect discussions around your approach to agile methodologies, code quality, and your experience with DevOps practices.

5. Final Interview

The final interview may involve a presentation or a case study relevant to the role. Candidates might be asked to present a solution to a problem or discuss a project they have worked on in detail. This is an opportunity to showcase your technical knowledge and communication skills, as well as your ability to think critically and strategically.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for potential delays and follow-ups, as some candidates have reported extended timelines between interviews.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let's delve into the specific questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at BD.

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

Understand the Company Culture

BD emphasizes a collaborative and supportive environment where associates are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. Familiarize yourself with the company's core values and mission, particularly their commitment to advancing health and improving patient outcomes. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with BD's culture and how you can contribute to their mission.

Prepare for a Multi-Stage Interview Process

The interview process at BD can be lengthy and may involve multiple rounds, including technical and behavioral interviews. Be ready to discuss your experience in detail, particularly your technical skills and how they relate to the role. Practice articulating your past projects and the impact they had, as well as your approach to problem-solving and collaboration.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Given the technical nature of the role, ensure you are well-versed in the required technologies, such as AWS, Go, Java, and cloud-native development. Be prepared to answer questions that assess your hands-on experience with these technologies, including specific examples of how you've applied them in previous roles. Additionally, demonstrate your understanding of best practices in software development, such as clean code principles and agile methodologies.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

BD values candidates who can demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team. Expect behavioral questions that explore your past experiences, such as how you handle conflict, work under pressure, or contribute to team success. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, providing clear examples that highlight your skills and adaptability.

Communicate Effectively

Strong communication skills are essential for this role, especially since you may be collaborating with global teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to discuss how you ensure effective communication in a remote or cross-functional environment. Highlight any experience you have with tools like MS Teams or GitHub, as these are commonly used for collaboration at BD.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position. This not only demonstrates professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewers' radar, especially in a process where candidates have reported feeling "ghosted" after interviews.

Stay Positive and Resilient

Given the feedback from candidates about the interview process being lengthy and at times disorganized, it's important to maintain a positive attitude throughout. Show resilience and adaptability, and be prepared to discuss how you handle uncertainty and change in a professional setting.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at BD. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud technologies, software development methodologies, and your approach to teamwork and collaboration.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between REST and SOAP APIs?

Understanding the distinctions between these two API architectures is crucial for a software engineer, especially in a cloud-based environment.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences in terms of protocol, data format, and use cases. Highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Example

"REST is an architectural style that uses standard HTTP methods and is typically more lightweight than SOAP, which is a protocol that relies on XML messaging. REST is often preferred for web services due to its simplicity and scalability, while SOAP is used in enterprise-level applications requiring high security and ACID compliance."

2. Describe your experience with AWS services. Which services have you used, and for what purposes?

Given the emphasis on cloud-native solutions, familiarity with AWS is essential.

How to Answer

Mention specific AWS services you have worked with, detailing how you utilized them in your projects.

Example

"I have extensive experience with AWS, particularly with EC2 for hosting applications, S3 for storage, and Lambda for serverless computing. In my last project, I used Lambda to process data in real-time, which significantly reduced our operational costs."

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

This question assesses your coding practices and commitment to quality.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to writing clean code, conducting code reviews, and using testing frameworks.

Example

"I adhere to the SOLID principles and utilize code reviews to maintain high standards. I also implement unit and integration tests to ensure that my code is reliable and maintainable. Additionally, I document my code thoroughly to facilitate easier onboarding for new team members."

4. Can you walk us through a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Example

"In a previous project, we faced performance issues with our database queries. I analyzed the queries and identified several that could be optimized. I refactored them and implemented indexing, which improved our response time by 40%, significantly enhancing user experience."

5. What is your experience with Agile methodologies?

Understanding Agile is crucial for collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Share your experience with Agile practices, such as Scrum or Kanban, and how they have influenced your work.

Example

"I have worked in Agile environments for over five years, primarily using Scrum. I appreciate the iterative approach, which allows for continuous feedback and improvement. In my last role, I facilitated daily stand-ups and sprint retrospectives, which helped the team stay aligned and address issues promptly."

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate conflict.

How to Answer

Focus on your communication skills and ability to find common ground.

Example

"I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our project goals and listened to their concerns. By acknowledging their perspective and finding a compromise, we improved our collaboration and successfully completed the project."

2. Why do you want to work at BD?

This question gauges your motivation and alignment with the company's values.

How to Answer

Express your interest in the company's mission and how your skills align with their goals.

Example

"I admire BD's commitment to advancing healthcare technology and improving patient outcomes. I believe my experience in developing cloud-based solutions aligns well with your mission, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference in people's lives."

3. Tell me about a time you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully learned a new technology under pressure.

Example

"When I needed to learn React for a project, I dedicated time each day to online courses and built a small application to practice. I also reached out to colleagues for guidance. Within a few weeks, I was able to contribute effectively to the project, and my team appreciated my proactive approach."

4. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines.

Example

"I use a combination of task management tools and the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize my work. I assess tasks based on urgency and importance, which helps me focus on high-impact activities while ensuring that deadlines are met."

5. Can you give an example of how you contributed to a team’s success?

This question looks for evidence of teamwork and collaboration.

How to Answer

Highlight your role in a successful project and the impact of your contributions.

Example

"In my last role, I led a team project to develop a new feature for our application. I organized brainstorming sessions, encouraged input from all team members, and ensured everyone was aligned on our goals. As a result, we delivered the feature ahead of schedule, which increased user engagement by 25%."