Echo Global Logistics Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Echo Global Logistics is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation management services.

As a Software Engineer at Echo Global Logistics, you will play a critical role in engineering large-scale web-based applications that support the company's mission of simplifying transportation for clients and carriers. Your responsibilities will include collaborating closely with Senior Engineers, Business Analysts, and Business Owners to produce high-quality code and manage technical debt. You will be accountable for timely releases and will prepare and execute test cases, isolating and tracking defects to ensure software reliability. The ideal candidate will possess strong Microsoft .NET and C# skills, experience with API development (REST/SOAP), and a solid understanding of database design and development, particularly with MS SQL Server.

In this position, you will also need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies, and ideally have experience with Microsoft BizTalk Server and EDI communication protocols. Mentorship and teamwork are highly valued in Echo's culture, so being able to provide guidance to peers while also contributing to a positive team environment will be crucial. Ultimately, this role is not just about technical expertise, but also about fostering collaboration and innovation within your team.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insight into the expectations for the role, as well as the skills and traits that will set you apart as a candidate at Echo Global Logistics.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Echo Global Logistics is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically consists of several stages designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, technical knowledge, and collaborative skills.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process begins with a brief phone call with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and serves as an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge your interest in the role, discuss your background, and provide insights into the company culture. They may also touch on your technical experience and career aspirations to determine if you align with the company's needs.

2. Technical Screening

Following the initial call, candidates typically undergo a technical screening. This may involve a live coding exercise conducted via video call, where you will be asked to solve programming challenges in real-time. The focus is on your problem-solving approach, coding proficiency, and ability to articulate your thought process. You might be asked to work on tasks such as implementing algorithms or debugging code, showcasing your technical skills and teamwork abilities.

3. In-Depth Technical Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical screening will move on to a series of in-depth technical interviews. These interviews usually consist of multiple rounds, each lasting about an hour. You will meet with various team members, including engineers and the Engineering Manager. The discussions will cover a range of topics, including backend development, database design, and integration interfaces using APIs (REST/SOAP). Expect to engage in live coding exercises and answer questions related to your past projects and experiences.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical assessments, there is typically a behavioral interview. This session focuses on your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a work environment. You may be asked to describe past experiences where you demonstrated leadership, resolved conflicts, or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.

5. Final Interview with Leadership

The final step in the interview process often involves a conversation with senior leadership, such as the Director of Software Engineering. This interview is an opportunity for you to discuss your long-term career goals, your vision for contributing to the team, and how you can align with the company's strategic objectives. It also allows leadership to assess your fit within the company culture and your potential for growth within the organization.

As you prepare for your interviews, be ready to discuss your technical expertise and provide examples of your work, as well as your approach to problem-solving and collaboration. Next, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during the process.

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

Embrace Collaborative Problem-Solving

During the interview process, you will likely face a programming challenge that requires you to solve problems in real-time while collaborating with the interviewers. Approach this with a mindset of teamwork; communicate your thought process clearly and ask questions when needed. This not only demonstrates your technical skills but also showcases your ability to work well with others, which is highly valued at Echo Global Logistics.

Prepare for Technical Depth

Given the technical requirements of the role, ensure you are well-versed in Microsoft .NET, C#, and API development (REST/SOAP). Brush up on your knowledge of SQL Server, including writing complex queries and understanding database design. Familiarize yourself with BizTalk Server and EDI standards, as these are crucial for the position. Practicing coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank can help you refine your skills and prepare for the technical assessments.

Understand the Company’s Mission

Echo Global Logistics focuses on simplifying transportation management for clients and carriers. Familiarize yourself with their proprietary software and how it serves as a competitive advantage in the logistics industry. Understanding the company's mission will allow you to align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to their success.

Showcase Your Mentorship Skills

As a Software Engineer, you are expected to not only produce high-quality work but also mentor your peers. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in mentoring or leading projects. Highlight how you have helped others grow in their roles, as this reflects the collaborative culture at Echo and your potential to contribute positively to the team dynamic.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle conflicts or disagreements in a team setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. This will help you articulate your experiences clearly and demonstrate your soft skills, which are just as important as technical expertise.

Stay Professional and Respectful

While some candidates have reported unprofessional experiences during the interview process, it’s essential to maintain a positive and respectful demeanor throughout your interactions. This reflects your professionalism and can set you apart from other candidates. Remember, the interview is a two-way street; you are also assessing if Echo is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Mention specific topics discussed during the interview to reinforce your interest in the role and the company. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Echo Global Logistics. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Echo Global Logistics. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to work collaboratively within a team. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of software development principles, coding practices, and your experience with relevant technologies.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between REST and SOAP APIs?

Understanding the distinctions between these two types of APIs is crucial for a software engineer, especially in a role that involves developing integration interfaces.

How to Answer

Discuss the architectural styles, use cases, and advantages of each API type. Highlight your experience with both if applicable.

Example

“REST is an architectural style that uses standard HTTP methods and is stateless, making it lightweight and easy to use. SOAP, on the other hand, is a protocol that relies on XML and is more rigid, providing built-in error handling and security features. In my previous projects, I have utilized REST for web services due to its simplicity and performance, while SOAP was used for more complex transactions requiring strict security.”

2. Describe your experience with Microsoft BizTalk Server.

This question assesses your familiarity with a specific technology that is important for the role.

How to Answer

Detail your experience with BizTalk, including any specific projects or tasks you have completed using it.

Example

“I have over three years of experience with Microsoft BizTalk Server, where I developed schemas and orchestrations for various integration projects. One notable project involved creating a pipeline to process EDI transactions, which improved our data exchange efficiency by 30%.”

3. How do you approach unit testing in your development process?

Unit testing is a critical aspect of software development, and interviewers want to know your methodology.

How to Answer

Explain your testing strategy, the frameworks you use, and how you ensure code quality.

Example

“I prioritize unit testing by writing tests alongside my code using frameworks like NUnit. I ensure that each function is covered by tests, which helps catch bugs early in the development cycle. This practice has significantly reduced the number of defects in production.”

4. Can you walk us through a recent project where you had to isolate and fix a defect?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and your ability to handle challenges.

How to Answer

Describe the defect, your approach to isolating it, and the steps you took to resolve it.

Example

“In a recent project, I encountered a defect that caused data inconsistencies in our application. I first replicated the issue in a test environment, then traced the problem to a faulty SQL query. After correcting the query and implementing additional unit tests, I ensured that the issue was resolved and did not recur.”

5. What is your experience with SQL Server and T-SQL?

Given the importance of database management in this role, your experience with SQL Server will be scrutinized.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with SQL Server, including any complex queries or database design tasks you have performed.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL Server, where I have designed and optimized databases for various applications. I frequently write complex T-SQL queries involving multiple joins and subqueries, and I have developed stored procedures to automate data processing tasks.”

Problem-Solving and Collaboration

1. Describe a time when you disagreed with a coworker and how you handled 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 disagreement, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, I disagreed with a colleague about the choice of technology for a new feature. I suggested we conduct a small proof of concept to evaluate both options. This approach allowed us to make an informed decision based on data rather than opinions, ultimately leading to a successful implementation.”

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

Time management is essential in a fast-paced environment, and interviewers want to know your strategy.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization method and how you communicate with your team.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and task management tools to prioritize my work. I assess the urgency and impact of each task and communicate with my team to ensure alignment on priorities. This approach helps me stay focused and deliver high-quality work on time.”

3. Can you describe your experience with Agile methodologies?

Understanding Agile practices is important for collaboration and project management.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with Agile, including specific roles you have played in Agile teams.

Example

“I have worked in Agile environments for over four years, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. As a developer, I focus on delivering incremental value and adapting to changes quickly, which has improved our team’s responsiveness to client needs.”

4. What strategies do you use to ensure code quality?

This question evaluates your commitment to producing high-quality software.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for maintaining code quality, including code reviews and testing.

Example

“I ensure code quality by adhering to coding standards, conducting regular code reviews with my peers, and writing comprehensive unit tests. I also utilize static code analysis tools to catch potential issues early in the development process.”

5. Who are your end users, and how do you consider their needs in your development process?

Understanding user needs is crucial for creating effective software solutions.

How to Answer

Explain how you gather user feedback and incorporate it into your development process.

Example

“I actively engage with end users through surveys and feedback sessions to understand their needs. I prioritize user stories based on this feedback and ensure that the features I develop align with their expectations, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction.”