Caris Life Sciences Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Caris Life Sciences is a leading innovator in molecular science and artificial intelligence, dedicated to advancing precision medicine through quality and innovation.

As a Software Engineer at Caris Life Sciences, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining complex software solutions, particularly within the ServiceNow platform. Your responsibilities will encompass the creation and implementation of ITSM, ITOM, CMDB, and ITAM modules, ensuring their reliability and security in compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA and GDPR. The position requires a deep understanding of software architecture, along with hands-on experience in programming languages like JavaScript and Angular. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, utilizing strong analytical and problem-solving skills to enhance system efficiencies and streamline automation processes.

To thrive in this role, a self-starter mentality, exceptional communication capabilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential. Your contributions will directly impact the quality of care delivered to patients, positioning you as a key player in the future of healthcare technology at Caris Life Sciences.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that are most valued by the company, ensuring you present yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Caris Life Sciences is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and experience.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter. This initial screen focuses on understanding your background, skills, and motivations for applying to Caris Life Sciences. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Phone Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates will have a one-hour technical phone interview with the hiring VP or a senior team member. This interview dives deeper into your technical expertise, particularly in areas relevant to the role, such as software development practices, problem-solving abilities, and past project experiences. Expect to discuss specific technical projects you've worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities of the position.

3. Virtual Onsite Interviews

The final stage of the interview process is a virtual onsite, which typically involves multiple interviewers. Candidates can expect to engage in a series of technical and behavioral interviews. These sessions will cover a range of topics, including your experience with ServiceNow, programming languages like JavaScript and Angular, and your understanding of ITIL/ITSM best practices. Additionally, you may be asked to present a past project or research findings, showcasing your ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to answer questions that assess their analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise based on the experiences of previous candidates.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Caris Life Sciences typically involves multiple stages, starting with a phone screen with a recruiter, followed by a technical interview with the hiring manager or team lead, and potentially a final round with multiple interviewers. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, as interviewers often ask about specific experiences and challenges you've faced.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the technical nature of the Software Engineer role, you should be well-versed in relevant technologies such as ServiceNow, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Angular. Brush up on your understanding of ITIL/ITSM best practices, as these are crucial for the role. Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and your ability to troubleshoot complex issues. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your analytical abilities.

Showcase Your Project Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous projects in depth. Interviewers may ask you to describe a technical project you’ve worked on, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your role in the project, the technologies you used, and the impact your work had on the team or organization. This is your opportunity to demonstrate not just your technical skills, but also your ability to collaborate and lead.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication Skills

Caris Life Sciences values teamwork and effective communication. Be ready to discuss how you have worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight instances where you successfully communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This will show that you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical team members, which is essential in a collaborative environment.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within the company culture. Questions like "Why do you want to work here?" or "What was the most challenging problem you solved and why?" are common. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that reflect your skills and values.

Prepare for a Presentation

Some candidates have reported being asked to present their work or findings during the final interview round. If this applies to you, choose a project that showcases your skills and aligns with the role. Practice your presentation to ensure you can communicate your ideas effectively and confidently. Be prepared to answer questions and engage in discussions about your work.

Stay Informed About the Company

Research Caris Life Sciences and its mission in precision medicine. Understanding the company’s goals and recent developments will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role. This knowledge can also help you assess whether the company aligns with your career aspirations.

Be Yourself

Finally, while it’s important to prepare thoroughly, don’t forget to be yourself during the interview. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates. Show your passion for technology and innovation, and let your personality shine through. This will help you connect with your interviewers and leave a lasting impression.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the interview process at Caris Life Sciences and showcase your qualifications for the Software Engineer role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Caris Life Sciences. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your fit within the company culture. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, technical knowledge, and how you approach challenges in a collaborative environment.

Technical Skills

1. Describe a technical project you worked on and the challenges you faced.

This question aims to understand your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Focus on a specific project, detailing your role, the technologies used, and the challenges encountered. Highlight how you overcame these challenges and what you learned from the experience.

Example

“I worked on a project to develop a custom ServiceNow application for asset management. One major challenge was integrating the application with existing systems. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify the best integration methods, which involved using REST APIs. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and thorough testing.”

2. What programming languages are you proficient in, and how have you applied them in your work?

This question assesses your technical proficiency and practical application of programming languages.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you are most comfortable with, providing examples of how you have used them in past projects. Emphasize any relevant frameworks or technologies.

Example

“I am proficient in JavaScript and have used it extensively in developing ServiceNow applications. For instance, I created custom workflows using JavaScript to automate processes, which significantly reduced manual effort and improved efficiency.”

3. How do you ensure the security and reliability of the applications you develop?

This question evaluates your understanding of best practices in software development, particularly regarding security.

How to Answer

Discuss specific practices you follow, such as code reviews, testing, and compliance with security standards. Mention any relevant frameworks or tools you use.

Example

“I prioritize security by conducting regular code reviews and using automated testing tools to identify vulnerabilities. I also ensure compliance with standards like HIPAA and GDPR by staying updated on best practices and incorporating them into my development process.”

4. Can you explain the importance of ITIL/ITSM in software development?

This question tests your knowledge of IT service management frameworks and their relevance to software engineering.

How to Answer

Explain the principles of ITIL/ITSM and how they contribute to effective service delivery and management. Provide examples of how you have applied these principles in your work.

Example

“ITIL provides a structured approach to IT service management, ensuring that services are aligned with business needs. In my previous role, I implemented ITIL practices to streamline incident management, which improved response times and customer satisfaction.”

5. Describe your experience with ServiceNow and its various modules.

This question assesses your familiarity with the ServiceNow platform and its functionalities.

How to Answer

Detail your experience with specific ServiceNow modules, including any projects where you utilized them. Highlight your understanding of their features and benefits.

Example

“I have extensive experience with ServiceNow, particularly in ITSM and ITAM modules. I led a project to implement ITAM, which involved configuring asset tracking and reporting functionalities. This project not only improved asset visibility but also helped in optimizing resource allocation.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

1. What is the most challenging problem you have solved in your career?

This question aims to gauge your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific problem, describe the context, and explain the steps you took to resolve it. Highlight the outcome and any lessons learned.

Example

“One of the most challenging problems I faced was a critical system outage due to a misconfiguration in our ServiceNow instance. I quickly assembled a team to diagnose the issue, and we identified the root cause within hours. We implemented a fix and established new protocols to prevent similar issues in the future.”

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

This question evaluates your debugging skills and systematic approach to problem-solving.

How to Answer

Describe your debugging process, including tools and techniques you use. Emphasize your analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Example

“When debugging complex issues, I start by replicating the problem to understand its scope. I then use logging and debugging tools to trace the code execution. If necessary, I consult documentation and collaborate with team members to gain different perspectives on the issue.”

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

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or tools you use. Provide examples of how you have successfully managed competing deadlines.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use project management tools to track progress and deadlines. For instance, during a recent project, I had to balance multiple deliverables, so I created a detailed timeline and communicated regularly with stakeholders to ensure alignment.”

4. Can you give an example of how you improved a process in your previous role?

This question looks for evidence of your initiative and ability to drive improvements.

How to Answer

Describe a specific process you improved, the steps you took, and the results of your efforts. Highlight any metrics that demonstrate the impact of your improvement.

Example

“I noticed that our incident resolution times were longer than industry standards. I analyzed the workflow and identified bottlenecks. By implementing a new triage process and training the team on best practices, we reduced resolution times by 30% within three months.”

5. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed, such as online courses, webinars, or industry publications. Mention any specific areas of interest that are relevant to the role.

Example

“I stay updated by following industry blogs, participating in webinars, and taking online courses on platforms like Coursera. Recently, I completed a course on advanced ServiceNow features, which has helped me implement more efficient solutions in my projects.”