Cardinal Health Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Cardinal Health is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, providing performance and data solutions that enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

As a Software Engineer at Cardinal Health, you will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining applications that integrate various backend systems, predominantly using Java and related technologies. Your responsibilities will include collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement design specifications, leading technical initiatives, and mentoring junior developers. You will be expected to follow Cardinal Health's software development lifecycle, enforce best practices, and ensure the quality of enterprise solutions. A strong background in Java, J2EE, Microservices, and Agile methodologies is crucial, along with excellent problem-solving abilities and communication skills.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by outlining key skills, responsibilities, and the values that Cardinal Health emphasizes, allowing you to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who aligns well with the company's goals.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Cardinal Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several distinct stages, each designed to evaluate different competencies relevant to the role.

1. Initial Behavioral Interview

The process begins with an initial behavioral interview, usually conducted by a Human Resources representative. This interview lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on understanding your background, experiences, and motivations. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their previous work, how they handle challenges, and their approach to teamwork and collaboration. This stage is crucial for assessing alignment with Cardinal Health's values and culture.

2. Take-Home Assessment

Following the initial interview, candidates are often required to complete a take-home coding assessment. This assessment typically involves a coding challenge or a "kata" bundle that tests your problem-solving abilities and coding proficiency in relevant technologies, such as Java and JavaScript. Candidates should ensure they understand the requirements and demonstrate best practices in coding, including readability and efficiency.

3. Technical Phone Interview

The next step is a technical phone interview, which usually lasts around 30 minutes. During this interview, candidates will engage with a hiring manager and a technical lead. The focus will be on discussing the take-home assessment, as well as exploring your technical knowledge and experience with software development, particularly in Java and related frameworks. Be prepared to answer questions about your past projects and how you approach technical challenges.

4. Onsite Technical Interview

The final stage is an onsite technical interview, which can last up to two hours. This interview consists of multiple rounds, including coding exercises, system design discussions, and whiteboarding sessions. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their coding skills in real-time, solve problems collaboratively, and articulate their thought processes clearly. Questions may also delve into specific technologies relevant to the role, such as Spring Boot, Angular, and SQL. Additionally, candidates might be asked to reflect on past projects and suggest improvements, showcasing their ability to critically evaluate their work.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, focusing on both technical and behavioral aspects.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Cardinal Health for a Software Engineer typically begins with a behavioral interview with an HR representative, followed by a take-home coding challenge. Prepare for a technical phone interview with the manager and tech lead, and finally, be ready for an in-person technical interview that may include coding exercises in Java Spring Boot and JavaScript, as well as a whiteboarding session. Familiarize yourself with the structure and expectations of each stage to navigate them confidently.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on Java and J2EE applications, ensure you are well-versed in these technologies. Brush up on your knowledge of Spring Boot, Microservices, and RESTful services. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, particularly those that involved complex integrations with backend systems. Highlight your experience with SQL and any relevant tools like SOAP UI, Postman, or Angular. Demonstrating your technical proficiency will be crucial in the technical interviews.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Cardinal Health values strong problem-solving and communication skills. Be ready to articulate your thought process when faced with challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses to behavioral questions. Reflect on past experiences where you led initiatives, mentored team members, or collaborated effectively within a team. This will help you convey your ability to thrive in a matrixed project environment.

Emphasize Collaboration and Mentorship

As a Software Engineer, you will be expected to work closely with internal teams and provide mentorship to junior developers. Prepare examples that demonstrate your collaborative spirit and your ability to uplift others' skills. Discuss how you have contributed to team dynamics and fostered a positive work environment in previous roles.

Align with Company Culture

Cardinal Health promotes an inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages employees to be their authentic selves. Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show enthusiasm for contributing to a culture that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and community impact.

Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios

During the technical interview, you may be asked to solve coding problems or discuss how you would improve a project. Practice coding challenges and be prepared to explain your reasoning and approach. When discussing your capstone project or any previous work, be ready to articulate what you would change or improve, demonstrating your ability to reflect and learn from past experiences.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how success is measured within the role. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Cardinal Health. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to work collaboratively within a team. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, particularly those that demonstrate your proficiency in Java, Spring Boot, and other relevant technologies.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between J2EE and Spring Boot?

Understanding the distinctions between these frameworks is crucial for a role focused on Java development.

How to Answer

Discuss the architectural differences, such as J2EE being a specification for enterprise applications while Spring Boot simplifies the development process with convention over configuration.

Example

"J2EE is a set of specifications that provide a standard for building enterprise applications, while Spring Boot is a framework that simplifies the setup and development of new applications. Spring Boot allows for rapid development with embedded servers and auto-configuration, which can significantly reduce the time to market."

2. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and the steps you took to resolve the issue, including any tools or methodologies used.

Example

"In a previous project, we faced performance issues with a J2EE application. I conducted a thorough analysis using profiling tools, identified bottlenecks in the database queries, and optimized them by implementing indexing and query refactoring, which improved the response time by 40%."

3. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development, and this question evaluates your coding practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to writing clean, maintainable code, including unit testing, code reviews, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

"I follow best practices such as writing unit tests for all new features and conducting code reviews with my peers. I also utilize static code analysis tools to catch potential issues early in the development process."

4. What is your experience with RESTful services?

Given the emphasis on microservices, this question is likely to come up.

How to Answer

Explain your understanding of REST principles and any relevant experience you have in designing or consuming RESTful APIs.

Example

"I have designed and implemented several RESTful services using Spring Boot. I ensure that my APIs are stateless, follow proper HTTP methods, and return appropriate status codes. Additionally, I use Swagger for API documentation to facilitate easier integration for front-end developers."

5. Can you describe your experience with SQL and database management?

Database skills are essential for a software engineer, especially in a data-driven environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with SQL, any specific databases you have worked with, and how you have used SQL in your projects.

Example

"I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly with PostgreSQL. In my last project, I designed the database schema and wrote complex queries to retrieve and manipulate data efficiently, ensuring optimal performance through indexing and query optimization."

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member.

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate team dynamics.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance, focusing on how you approached the situation and what the outcome was.

Example

"I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their perspective and shared my concerns constructively. This open dialogue led to improved collaboration and a more cohesive team environment."

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

"I use Agile methodologies to prioritize my tasks, focusing on delivering the highest value features first. I also utilize tools like Jira to track progress and ensure that I am aligned with team goals and deadlines."

3. Can you give an example of how you have mentored a junior developer?

Mentorship is an important aspect of team dynamics and knowledge sharing.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific mentoring experience, highlighting the skills you helped develop and the impact it had.

Example

"I mentored a junior developer by pairing with them on a project. I guided them through the coding process, encouraged them to ask questions, and provided constructive feedback. This not only helped them improve their skills but also boosted their confidence in contributing to the team."

4. What motivates you to perform well in your job?

Understanding your motivation can help the interviewer gauge your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Share what drives you professionally, whether it's problem-solving, collaboration, or making an impact.

Example

"I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create software that improves people's lives. Knowing that my work contributes to better healthcare solutions is incredibly fulfilling."

5. Describe a project where you had to adapt to significant changes.

Flexibility is key in software development, especially in Agile environments.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project where requirements changed and how you adapted to those changes.

Example

"During a project, the client changed the requirements midway through development. I quickly organized a meeting with the team to reassess our priorities and adjusted our sprint goals accordingly. This adaptability allowed us to deliver a product that met the new expectations without compromising on quality."