CDC Foundation Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The CDC Foundation partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance public health initiatives by mobilizing resources and expertise across various sectors.

In the role of Software Engineer, you will be instrumental in advancing the CDC Foundation's mission through the development and maintenance of software applications designed to support local, tribal, and territorial public health organizations. This position focuses on the Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI), which aims to enhance the capabilities of public health agencies by providing technological and data-driven solutions.

Key responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing best practices in software development. You will need to demonstrate strong programming skills, particularly in languages such as Python and SQL, while showcasing your ability to work within agile methodologies. Ideal candidates should possess a solid understanding of software development principles and a knack for communicating technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical partners.

This guide will help you prepare by highlighting the essential skills and knowledge required for the role, as well as providing insights into what to expect during the interview process, ensuring you present yourself as a strong candidate aligned with the CDC Foundation's mission.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at the CDC Foundation is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages designed to evaluate your experience, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the mission-driven nature of the CDC Foundation.

1. Initial Phone Screening

The process begins with a phone screening, usually lasting around 30 minutes. During this call, a recruiter will discuss your background, interest in the role, and understanding of the CDC Foundation's mission. Expect questions about your previous experiences, projects you've worked on, and your motivations for applying. This is also an opportunity for you to ask about the organization and the specific role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing and focuses on your programming skills, particularly in languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript. You may be asked to solve coding problems or discuss your approach to software development principles, including best practices in coding, testing, and deployment. Be prepared to explain your thought process and how you approach problem-solving.

3. Panel Interview

The next step often involves a panel interview with multiple team members, including potential managers and colleagues. This round assesses both your technical expertise and your ability to collaborate within a team. Questions may cover your experience with software development frameworks, database management, and your familiarity with agile methodologies. Additionally, expect inquiries about how you communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.

4. Practical Assessment

In some cases, candidates may be required to complete a practical assessment or coding challenge. This could involve writing code to solve a specific problem or developing a small application. The goal is to evaluate your coding skills, attention to detail, and ability to deliver functional software solutions under time constraints.

5. Final Interview

The final stage usually consists of a more informal interview with senior leadership or key stakeholders. This is an opportunity for them to gauge your fit within the organizational culture and your alignment with the CDC Foundation's mission. Expect discussions around your long-term career goals, how you handle feedback, and your approach to teamwork and collaboration.

Throughout the interview process, communication and interpersonal skills are highly valued, as the role requires working closely with cross-functional teams.

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

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

Understand the Mission and Values

The CDC Foundation is deeply committed to public health and collaboration. Familiarize yourself with their mission, recent initiatives, and the specific programs they support. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals, particularly in advancing public health through technology. This understanding will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. The interviewers will likely want to know how you handle challenges, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, focusing on specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your adaptability and interpersonal skills.

Showcase Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on programming languages like Python and SQL, be ready to discuss your technical expertise in these areas. Prepare to explain your experience with software development principles, including coding standards, automated testing, and version control. If you have experience with web development frameworks or cloud services, be sure to highlight that as well, as it aligns with the role's requirements.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

The role requires working closely with various teams, so demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in multidisciplinary teams, particularly in remote or hybrid environments. Highlight your communication skills, especially in conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences, as this is crucial for the role.

Be Ready for a Writing Assessment

Some candidates have reported a writing assessment as part of the interview process. Brush up on your technical writing skills and be prepared to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. This could involve explaining a technical concept or summarizing a project you’ve worked on. Practice writing about your past projects, focusing on clarity and structure.

Stay Flexible and Open-Minded

The CDC Foundation operates in a dynamic environment, and roles may evolve based on public health needs. Show your willingness to adapt to changing requirements and priorities. Discuss instances where you've successfully navigated change or uncertainty in your previous roles, emphasizing your proactive approach to problem-solving.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the organization. If there were any topics discussed during the interview that you feel you could elaborate on, include those points to reinforce your fit for the position.

By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your alignment with the CDC Foundation's mission and values, you will position yourself as a strong candidate 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 the CDC Foundation. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your understanding of software development principles, particularly in the context of public health applications. Be prepared to discuss your experience with programming languages, software frameworks, and your approach to collaboration within cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

1. What programming languages are you most proficient in, and how have you applied them in your previous projects?

This question assesses your technical expertise and practical experience with programming languages relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Highlight your proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, or C#. Discuss specific projects where you utilized these languages to solve problems or develop applications.

Example

“I am most proficient in Python and Java. In my last role, I developed a web application using Python’s Flask framework, which streamlined data collection for public health surveys. This project not only improved data accuracy but also reduced processing time by 30%.”

2. Can you explain the software development lifecycle and your experience with agile methodologies?

This question evaluates your understanding of software development processes and your ability to work in an agile environment.

How to Answer

Discuss the stages of the software development lifecycle and your experience in each phase, particularly in agile settings.

Example

“I follow the software development lifecycle closely, which includes planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. In my previous job, I participated in agile sprints, where we prioritized tasks in daily stand-ups and iterated on feedback to enhance our product continuously.”

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

This question aims to understand your problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical thinking and technical skills. Explain the problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome.

Example

“While working on a data integration project, I encountered performance issues due to inefficient database queries. I analyzed the queries, optimized them by adding indexes, and restructured the data model, which improved the application’s performance by 50%.”

4. How do you ensure the quality and security of your code?

This question assesses your knowledge of best practices in software development, particularly regarding code quality and security.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to writing clean, maintainable code and the tools or practices you use to ensure security.

Example

“I adhere to coding standards and conduct regular code reviews with my team. I also utilize automated testing frameworks to catch bugs early. For security, I follow OWASP guidelines and regularly update dependencies to mitigate vulnerabilities.”

5. What experience do you have with relational databases and SQL?

This question evaluates your familiarity with database management and your ability to work with data.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with specific database systems and how you have used SQL in your projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly with PostgreSQL and MySQL. In my last project, I designed the database schema and wrote complex queries to extract insights from health data, which helped inform our program strategies.”

Collaboration and Communication

1. How do you approach collaboration with non-technical stakeholders?

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to work with diverse teams.

How to Answer

Explain your strategy for translating technical concepts into understandable terms for non-technical partners.

Example

“I prioritize clear communication by using analogies and visual aids to explain technical concepts. For instance, when discussing a new software feature with stakeholders, I create mockups to illustrate how it will function, ensuring everyone is aligned on expectations.”

2. Describe a time when you had to work with a team to meet a tight deadline.

This question evaluates your teamwork and time management skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your ability to collaborate under pressure and deliver results.

Example

“During a critical project, our team faced a tight deadline to launch a public health application. We organized daily check-ins to track progress and quickly address any blockers. By dividing tasks based on each member’s strengths, we successfully launched the application on time.”

3. How do you handle feedback and criticism from peers?

This question assesses your receptiveness to feedback and your ability to grow from it.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you’ve used it constructively.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving constructive criticism on my code structure, I took the time to learn best practices and applied them in future projects, which significantly improved my coding efficiency.”

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

This question evaluates your ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to team dynamics.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where your contributions made a significant impact on the team’s success.

Example

“In my previous role, I initiated a knowledge-sharing session where team members could present their projects and challenges. This fostered collaboration and led to innovative solutions, ultimately improving our project delivery timelines.”

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

This question assesses your organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization and provide an example of how you’ve managed multiple projects effectively.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to manage my tasks. For example, while working on two projects simultaneously, I identified critical tasks that aligned with project deadlines and focused on those first, ensuring timely delivery for both.”