Fannie Mae Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Fannie Mae is a leading player in the housing finance industry, dedicated to creating access to fair and affordable housing for millions of homeowners and renters.

As a Software Engineer at Fannie Mae, you will play a crucial role in designing, developing, testing, and implementing innovative software solutions that address complex challenges in the housing sector. Your key responsibilities will include collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and create robust IT architecture, large-scale data systems, and cloud-based applications. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript is essential, along with hands-on experience with AWS services and cloud-native technologies. A great fit for this role will possess exceptional problem-solving skills, a strong understanding of software development principles including CI/CD processes, and the ability to create seamless user experiences through front-end development frameworks like React or Angular.

This guide aims to provide you with tailored insights and strategies to excel during your interview, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to showcase your skills effectively.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Fannie Mae is structured to assess both technical and behavioral competencies, ensuring candidates are well-rounded and fit for the collaborative environment. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step usually involves a brief phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation is primarily focused on behavioral questions, allowing the recruiter to gauge your interest in the role and the company, as well as to understand your background and experiences. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their resume and articulate their motivations for applying to Fannie Mae.

2. Technical Screening

Following the initial screening, candidates may undergo a technical interview, which can be conducted via video call. This session often includes a series of technical questions that cover fundamental programming concepts, particularly in languages such as Java and Python. Expect to be tested on your understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) principles, data structures, and algorithms. Additionally, familiarity with cloud technologies, especially AWS services, may be assessed.

3. Onsite Interview

The onsite interview is a more comprehensive evaluation, typically consisting of multiple rounds with different interviewers. Candidates can expect a mix of behavioral and technical interviews, often formatted in a "speed-dating" style where you meet with several interviewers in succession. Each session may last around 30 minutes and will delve deeper into your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and past experiences. Be prepared for coding challenges, system design questions, and discussions about your previous projects.

4. Final Assessment

In some cases, there may be a final assessment or a meet-and-greet session with other team members or managers. This is an opportunity for both parties to assess cultural fit and discuss the role in more detail. Candidates should be ready to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and the projects they would be involved in.

As you prepare for your interviews, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during the process.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

Fannie Mae's interview process often includes multiple stages, typically starting with a behavioral interview followed by technical assessments. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Expect a mix of straightforward behavioral questions and technical grilling, particularly focused on your programming skills and experience with AWS technologies. Being prepared for both types of questions will help you navigate the interview smoothly.

Master Key Technical Concepts

Given the emphasis on Java, AWS, and CI/CD in the role, ensure you have a solid grasp of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles, Java fundamentals, and AWS services like Apache Airflow and AWS Step Functions. Brush up on common coding problems and algorithms, as well as Git and DevOps practices. Practice coding challenges that reflect the types of questions you might encounter, such as data structures and algorithms, to build your confidence.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Fannie Mae values collaboration and communication, so be ready to discuss your past experiences in team settings. Prepare specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and how you’ve contributed to team success. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process clearly.

Showcase Your Passion for Technology

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for technology and continuous learning. Be prepared to discuss how you stay updated with new technologies and your approach to learning new skills. This aligns with Fannie Mae's culture of innovation and adaptability, and it shows that you are proactive about your professional development.

Engage with Your Interviewers

During the interview, take the opportunity to engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, the technologies they are currently using, and the challenges they face. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.

Be Mindful of Company Culture

Fannie Mae promotes a flexible and inclusive work environment. Reflect on how your personal values align with their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team culture and support the company’s mission of providing access to affordable housing.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thoughtful thank-you email to your interviewers. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the role. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for Fannie Mae. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Fannie Mae. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and behavioral competencies. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software development, cloud technologies, and your approach to teamwork and project management.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the four principles of object-oriented programming (OOP)?

Understanding OOP is crucial for software development, and this question tests your foundational knowledge in programming.

How to Answer

Discuss each principle—encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction—providing a brief explanation and an example for each.

Example

“The four principles of OOP are encapsulation, which restricts access to certain components; inheritance, which allows a class to inherit properties from another; polymorphism, which enables methods to do different things based on the object; and abstraction, which simplifies complex systems by modeling classes based on essential properties.”

2. Describe a project where you implemented a cloud-based solution. What challenges did you face?

This question assesses your practical experience with cloud technologies, particularly AWS.

How to Answer

Outline the project, your role, the technologies used, and the specific challenges you encountered, along with how you overcame them.

Example

“I worked on a project that involved migrating a legacy application to AWS. One challenge was ensuring data integrity during the migration. I implemented a phased approach, using AWS Database Migration Service to minimize downtime and validate data at each stage.”

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

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

How to Answer

Describe your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“I start by replicating the issue to understand its context. Then, I use logging and debugging tools to trace the problem. I isolate components to identify the root cause, and once found, I implement a fix and test thoroughly to ensure the issue is resolved.”

4. What is your experience with CI/CD pipelines?

This question gauges your familiarity with modern software development practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with CI/CD tools and how you have implemented them in past projects.

Example

“I have used Jenkins and AWS CodePipeline to automate our deployment process. This included setting up automated tests to run with each build, which significantly reduced our deployment time and improved code quality.”

5. Can you explain how you would design a user-friendly interface for a software application?

This question assesses your understanding of UX design principles.

How to Answer

Discuss the importance of user-centered design and the steps you would take to ensure usability.

Example

“I would start by conducting user research to understand the needs and pain points of the target audience. Then, I would create wireframes and prototypes, followed by usability testing to gather feedback and iterate on the design to enhance user experience.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

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

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on your approach to communication and conflict resolution.

Example

“In a previous project, I worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our goals and the importance of collaboration. By actively listening to their concerns and finding common ground, we improved our working relationship and project outcomes.”

2. Tell me about a time you set a goal and achieved it.

This question assesses your goal-setting and achievement capabilities.

How to Answer

Outline the goal, the steps you took to achieve it, and the outcome.

Example

“I set a goal to improve our application’s performance by 30%. I analyzed the codebase, identified bottlenecks, and optimized algorithms. After implementing these changes, we achieved a 35% improvement in performance, which enhanced user satisfaction.”

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

This question tests your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your prioritization strategy and any tools you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and ensure I’m focusing on high-impact tasks first. Regular check-ins with my team also help me stay aligned with project goals.”

4. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance, detailing your learning process and how you applied the new knowledge.

Example

“When I needed to learn AWS for a project, I dedicated time to online courses and hands-on labs. I also joined community forums to ask questions and share knowledge. Within a month, I was able to implement AWS services effectively in our project.”

5. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

This question helps interviewers understand your passion and commitment to the field.

How to Answer

Discuss your motivations, whether they are problem-solving, innovation, or making an impact.

Example

“I’m motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create software that can improve people’s lives. The ever-evolving nature of technology excites me, and I enjoy staying updated with the latest trends and tools.”