CHS Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness that empowers agriculture by delivering grain, food, and energy resources to businesses and consumers across the globe.

The Software Engineer role at CHS is pivotal in designing, developing, and deploying scalable and secure software solutions tailored for the agribusiness sector. This position entails utilizing a diverse set of technologies, including AWS services, Terraform for infrastructure management, and database systems like SQL Server and Snowflake. A successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of API development using GraphQL, as well as experience in creating CI/CD pipelines with Azure DevOps. Collaboration is key, as the role requires working closely with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into effective technical solutions while implementing best practices for code quality and performance.

Ideal traits for this role include strong problem-solving abilities, a proactive approach to troubleshooting complex technical issues, and a genuine passion for leveraging technology to enhance agricultural processes. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with a minimum of five years of relevant experience, is essential.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and culture at CHS, allowing you to confidently demonstrate your fit for the Software Engineer position.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at CHS is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-rounded and fit for the collaborative environment. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial HR Screening

The first step involves a phone interview with a member of the HR team. This conversation is generally straightforward and focuses on your background, motivations for applying to CHS, and an overview of the role. Expect to discuss your resume and any relevant experiences that align with the job requirements. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the HR screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing tools and often includes a mix of coding challenges and problem-solving questions. You might be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in programming languages such as Python, as well as your understanding of database management and SQL queries. Be prepared to tackle real-world scenarios that reflect the types of challenges you would face in the role.

3. Behavioral Interview

The behavioral interview is a critical component of the process, where you will meet with team members or managers. This interview focuses on your past experiences, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills. Expect questions that explore how you handle challenges, collaborate with others, and communicate effectively. It’s essential to provide specific examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a team setting.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may face a panel interview, which involves multiple interviewers from different departments. This format can be more intense, as you will be asked a variety of questions in a round-robin style. The panel will assess not only your technical skills but also your ability to engage with different stakeholders and your fit within the team dynamics.

5. Final Interview

The final stage may involve a more in-depth discussion with senior leadership or key stakeholders. This interview often focuses on your long-term career goals, alignment with CHS’s mission, and how you can contribute to the company’s objectives. It’s a chance for you to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organization.

As you prepare for these interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise, particularly those that assess your technical expertise and interpersonal skills.

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

Emphasize Your Technical Proficiency

Given the technical nature of the Software Engineer role at CHS, it's crucial to demonstrate your expertise in relevant technologies. Be prepared to discuss your experience with AWS services, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps. Highlight specific projects where you utilized these technologies, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will not only showcase your technical skills but also your problem-solving abilities.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

CHS values teamwork and collaboration, as indicated by the behavioral questions commonly asked during interviews. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've navigated conflicts with teammates, led projects, or communicated effectively with stakeholders. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your actions on the team and project outcomes.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews at CHS often allow ample time for candidates to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, the technologies they are currently exploring, or how they measure success in their projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if CHS is the right fit for you.

Showcase Your Adaptability

The role requires working with a diverse set of technologies and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss instances where you had to adapt to new tools or processes quickly. Highlight your willingness to learn and how you approach challenges in a fast-paced environment, as this aligns with CHS's culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During the interview, aim for clear and concise communication. Practice articulating your thoughts on technical topics, as well as your past experiences. Remember that the interviewers are looking for not just your technical skills but also your ability to convey complex ideas effectively. A relaxed and confident demeanor will help you connect better with your interviewers.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Mention specific points from the conversation that resonated with you, reinforcing your interest in the role. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

By focusing on these areas, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at CHS. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at CHS. The interview process will likely focus on both technical and behavioral aspects, assessing your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to communicate effectively. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical knowledge, and how you approach challenges in a collaborative environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the process you follow for designing and deploying a scalable software solution?

This question assesses your understanding of software architecture and deployment strategies.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to software design, including considerations for scalability, security, and performance. Mention any specific methodologies or frameworks you use.

Example

“I typically start by gathering requirements and understanding the user needs. I then design the architecture using microservices to ensure scalability. For deployment, I utilize CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps to automate the process, ensuring that each release is tested and secure.”

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

This question evaluates your familiarity with cloud technologies, particularly AWS.

How to Answer

Highlight specific AWS services you have worked with, explaining how you utilized them in your projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS services such as Lambda for serverless computing, S3 for storage, and CloudWatch for monitoring. In my last project, I used Lambda to run backend processes without managing servers, which significantly reduced costs and improved scalability.”

3. How do you approach writing and analyzing complex SQL queries?

This question tests your database management skills and understanding of SQL.

How to Answer

Explain your process for writing SQL queries, including how you ensure efficiency and accuracy.

Example

“When writing complex SQL queries, I first outline the data requirements and then break down the query into smaller parts. I use JOINs to combine data from multiple tables and ensure to use indexes to optimize performance. I also test the queries with sample data to validate their accuracy.”

4. Can you describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex technical issue? What steps did you take?

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

How to Answer

Detail a specific instance where you faced a technical challenge, outlining the steps you took to resolve it.

Example

“In a previous role, I encountered a performance issue with a database query that was slowing down the application. I analyzed the query execution plan, identified missing indexes, and optimized the query structure. After implementing these changes, the performance improved significantly, reducing load times by 50%.”

5. What is your experience with CI/CD pipelines, and how have you implemented them in your projects?

This question evaluates your understanding of continuous integration and deployment practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with CI/CD tools and how you have used them to streamline the development process.

Example

“I have implemented CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, which allowed for automated testing and deployment of our applications. By integrating unit tests into the pipeline, we ensured that only code that passed all tests was deployed, which greatly reduced the number of bugs in production.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time you had a conflict with a teammate. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

How to Answer

Focus on the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the outcome.

Example

“I had a conflict with a teammate regarding the direction of a project. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our differing views openly. By actively listening to their concerns and presenting my perspective, we were able to find common ground and ultimately improved the project outcome.”

2. Tell me about a time when you had to communicate a technical issue to non-technical stakeholders.

This question evaluates your communication skills and ability to bridge technical and non-technical gaps.

How to Answer

Explain how you simplified complex information for a non-technical audience.

Example

“I once had to explain a database outage to our marketing team. I used analogies to describe the issue in simple terms and outlined the steps we were taking to resolve it. This helped them understand the situation without overwhelming them with technical jargon.”

3. Can you give an example of a project where you went above and beyond your assigned responsibilities?

This question assesses your initiative and commitment to your work.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your willingness to take on additional responsibilities.

Example

“In my last project, I noticed that our testing process was lacking. I took the initiative to develop a comprehensive testing framework that not only improved our code quality but also reduced the time spent on manual testing. This effort was recognized by my manager and led to a more efficient workflow for the entire team.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I prioritize my tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use tools like Trello to organize my tasks and set clear milestones. This helps me stay focused and ensures that I allocate my time effectively across multiple projects.”

5. What motivates you to work in software engineering, and why do you want to work at CHS?

This question assesses your passion for the field and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Share your motivations for pursuing a career in software engineering and what specifically attracts you to CHS.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create impactful software solutions. I admire CHS’s commitment to empowering agriculture and believe that my skills can contribute to innovative solutions that support farmers and communities.”