Centurion Consulting Group, LLC Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Centurion Consulting Group, LLC is at the forefront of advancing connected and autonomous vehicle technology, leveraging innovative research to enhance transportation systems.

The Software Engineer role at Centurion involves designing, developing, and maintaining sophisticated software systems primarily using C and C++. The key responsibilities include building open-source solutions for vehicle automation, V2X communication, and data collection and analysis as part of the Federal Highway Administration's research initiatives. A successful candidate will possess strong expertise in C/C++ programming, experience with schema-based messaging protocols, and proficiency in creating and executing comprehensive test cases. This role is situated within an agile research team, emphasizing collaboration and continuous improvement, where qualities such as effective communication, adaptability, and a commitment to quality are essential. Understanding the nuances of vehicle communication systems and having a proactive approach to problem-solving will align well with the company's mission of enhancing intelligent transportation systems.

This guide will equip you with targeted insights to prepare for your interview, helping you articulate your fit for the role and resonate with the company’s values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Centurion Consulting Group is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, typically conducted via a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Centurion. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you understand the expectations and environment you would be entering.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates will undergo a technical assessment, which may be conducted through a video call. This assessment is designed to evaluate your proficiency in C and/or C++, as well as your understanding of relevant software development practices. You may be asked to solve coding problems in real-time, discuss your previous projects, and demonstrate your familiarity with schema-based messaging protocols and tools like Flex/Bison or ANTLR.

3. Onsite Interviews

The final stage of the interview process consists of onsite interviews, which typically involve multiple rounds with different team members. Each round lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers a mix of technical and behavioral questions. You will be assessed on your ability to design, develop, and troubleshoot software, as well as your teamwork and communication skills. Expect to engage in discussions about your approach to problem-solving, your experience with testing and documentation, and how you handle feedback and collaboration within a team setting.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for technology and their commitment to contributing to the success of the team and the projects at Centurion.

Now, let’s delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Technical Landscape

Familiarize yourself with the specific technologies and programming languages mentioned in the job description, particularly C and C++. Brush up on your knowledge of schema-based messaging protocols like ASN.1 and Protobuf, as well as tools for syntax analysis such as Flex/Bison or ANTLR. Being able to discuss your experience with these technologies in detail will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

Emphasize Team Collaboration

Centurion Consulting Group values teamwork and collaboration. Be prepared to share examples of how you have successfully worked in a team environment, especially in agile settings. Highlight your ability to give and receive constructive feedback, as well as your commitment to the team's success. This will resonate well with the company culture and show that you are a good fit for their collaborative approach.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills

The role involves troubleshooting and evaluating software tools. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you have faced in previous projects and how you approached solving them. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, focusing on your analytical skills and ability to adapt to new technologies.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Given the emphasis on clear communication in both oral and written forms, practice articulating your thoughts concisely. Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders. This skill is crucial, especially since the role may involve interaction with on-site customer representatives.

Prepare for a Relaxed Yet Professional Environment

The interview process may reflect the relaxed, laboratory-like environment at Centurion. While you should maintain professionalism, don’t hesitate to show your personality and enthusiasm for the work. This balance will help you connect with your interviewers and demonstrate that you would thrive in their unique culture.

Be Open to Learning and Growth

Centurion values candidates who are coachable and open to self-improvement. Be prepared to discuss your professional development journey, including any feedback you have received and how you have applied it. This will show that you are committed to continuous learning and growth, aligning with the company’s values.

Highlight Your Quality-Consciousness

Express your pride in your work and your commitment to quality. Discuss how you ensure that your code is well-documented, tested, and peer-reviewed. This attention to detail is crucial in a role that involves developing and maintaining systems for vehicle automation and communication.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at Centurion Consulting Group. Good luck!

Centurion Consulting Group Software Engineer Interview Questions

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Centurion Consulting Group. The interview will focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to work within a collaborative team environment. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of C/C++, data communication protocols, and your experience with software development processes.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between C and C++ and when you would use one over the other?

Understanding the distinctions between these two languages is crucial for a role that involves both.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences in terms of object-oriented programming, memory management, and use cases. Highlight scenarios where one language may be more advantageous than the other.

Example

"C is a procedural programming language that is great for system-level programming, while C++ supports object-oriented programming, making it suitable for larger applications. I would choose C for low-level programming tasks where performance is critical, and C++ for applications that require complex data structures and object-oriented features."

2. Describe your experience with schema-based messaging protocols like ASN.1 or Protobuf.

This question assesses your familiarity with essential communication protocols used in the role.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of projects where you utilized these protocols, emphasizing your understanding of their advantages and use cases.

Example

"I have worked extensively with Protobuf in a project that involved data serialization for a vehicle communication system. It allowed us to efficiently encode and decode structured data, which improved our system's performance and interoperability with other services."

3. How do you approach debugging a complex software issue?

Debugging is a critical skill for any software engineer, and your approach can reveal your problem-solving capabilities.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to debugging, including tools you use and how you isolate issues.

Example

"When debugging, I first reproduce the issue consistently, then use logging and breakpoints to trace the execution flow. I analyze the data at each step to identify where the logic fails, and I often consult documentation or forums for similar issues to gain insights."

4. Can you explain what an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) is and how you would construct one?

This question tests your understanding of syntax analysis, which is relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Define an AST and describe the process of constructing one, mentioning any tools you have used.

Example

"An Abstract Syntax Tree represents the structure of source code in a tree format. I typically use tools like ANTLR to parse the code and generate the AST, which helps in further analysis or transformation of the code."

5. What strategies do you use to ensure your code is maintainable and well-documented?

Maintainability is key in collaborative environments, and your strategies can reflect your professionalism.

How to Answer

Discuss coding standards, documentation practices, and peer review processes you follow.

Example

"I adhere to coding standards and best practices, ensuring my code is modular and well-commented. I also maintain up-to-date documentation and participate in peer reviews to ensure clarity and maintainability across the team."

Team Collaboration

1. Describe a time when you had to give or receive critical feedback on a project. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your ability to work in a team and handle feedback constructively.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance, focusing on your communication skills and how you used the feedback to improve.

Example

"During a project review, I received feedback that my code was overly complex. I took it positively, sought clarification, and worked with my peers to refactor the code for better readability. This experience taught me the value of collaboration and open communication."

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

Time management is essential in a fast-paced environment, and your approach can demonstrate your organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization method, whether it’s based on deadlines, project importance, or team needs.

Example

"I use a combination of urgency and impact to prioritize tasks. I maintain a task list and regularly review it, adjusting priorities based on project deadlines and team goals to ensure that I am contributing effectively to our objectives."

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

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Highlight a specific contribution you made that positively impacted the team or project outcome.

Example

"In a recent project, I took the initiative to organize daily stand-up meetings, which improved our communication and helped us identify blockers early. This led to a more efficient workflow and ultimately allowed us to deliver the project ahead of schedule."

4. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is vital for maintaining a productive work environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing communication and understanding.

Example

"When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly but diplomatically. I encourage open discussions to understand different perspectives and work towards a compromise that aligns with our project goals."

5. What role do you typically take on in a team setting?

Understanding your role can help assess your fit within the team dynamics.

How to Answer

Describe your preferred role and how it contributes to team success.

Example

"I often take on the role of a facilitator, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and that we stay on track with our objectives. I enjoy bringing people together to brainstorm solutions and foster a collaborative environment."