Formation Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Formation is a tech and AI-driven pharmaceutical company focused on revolutionizing drug development to bring new treatments to patients faster and more efficiently.

As a Software Engineer at Formation, you will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of innovative software solutions that leverage emerging technologies. Your role will involve collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to align product vision and strategy, ensuring that software products are not only reliable and maintainable but also contribute to the overall efficiency of drug development processes. You will use your expertise in modern programming languages, frameworks, and best practices to optimize engineering processes and foster a culture of innovation within your team.

Key responsibilities include mentoring junior engineers, driving the execution of product roadmaps, identifying and mitigating technical risks, and continuously improving software development lifecycle practices. A great fit for this role will have strong communication skills, enabling you to translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for stakeholders across various disciplines. Additionally, experience with AI technologies, cloud infrastructure, and a passion for developing quality products will greatly enhance your contribution to Formation’s mission.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and competencies valued by Formation, as well as the types of questions you may encounter. With a deeper understanding of the role and the company’s values, you will be well-equipped to showcase your strengths and fit for the position.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Formation is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and alignment with Formation's values.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process begins with a brief phone interview with a recruiter. This initial call 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 and expectations. The recruiter will also assess your communication skills and determine if you align with Formation's mission and values.

2. Technical Phone Screen

Following the initial call, candidates typically undergo a technical phone screen with a member of the engineering team. This interview lasts about an hour and focuses on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with relevant technologies. Expect questions related to algorithms, coding challenges, and possibly system design, as well as discussions about your previous projects and experiences.

3. Take-Home Assignment

Candidates who perform well in the technical screen are often given a take-home assignment. This task is designed to evaluate your practical skills in a real-world scenario. You will be provided with a dataset or a problem statement to work on, and you will have a set amount of time to complete it. The assignment is an opportunity to showcase your coding abilities, analytical thinking, and familiarity with tools and technologies relevant to the role.

4. Onsite Interviews

Successful candidates are then invited for onsite interviews, which typically consist of multiple rounds. These interviews may include a panel of engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders. Each session will focus on different aspects, such as technical skills, collaboration, and cultural fit. You may be asked to present your take-home assignment, engage in coding exercises, and discuss your approach to problem-solving in a team environment.

5. Final Interview

The final stage often includes a conversation with senior leadership, such as the Chief Scientist or the CEO. This interview is less technical and more focused on assessing your alignment with the company's vision and values. It provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company culture, future projects, and your potential role within the team.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical skills and experiences.

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

Understand the Company’s Mission and Values

Formation is driven by a mission to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry through technology and AI. Familiarize yourself with their vision for AI in pharma and how their technology platforms aim to accelerate drug development. This understanding will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company’s mission.

Prepare for Technical Proficiency

As a Software Engineer, you will need to showcase your technical skills effectively. Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms, as they are crucial for problem-solving in software development. Be prepared to discuss your experience with programming languages, particularly Python, and any relevant frameworks or technologies you have used. Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and modern software deployment processes will also be beneficial, so be ready to discuss your experience in these areas.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication Skills

Formation values exceptional collaboration and communication skills. Be prepared to share examples of how you have effectively worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. This will demonstrate your capability to engage with stakeholders from various disciplines, which is essential for the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Experience

If you have experience leading or mentoring engineering teams, be sure to discuss it. Formation is looking for candidates who can foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning. Share specific examples of how you have helped grow engineers at different levels and contributed to a positive team environment. This will show that you are not only technically proficient but also capable of nurturing talent within the organization.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your ability to thrive in ambiguous and rapidly-changing environments. Prepare to discuss challenges you have faced in previous roles and how you navigated them. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process and the impact of your actions.

Prepare for a Take-Home Assignment

Candidates often receive a take-home assignment as part of the interview process. Approach this task with diligence and creativity. Ensure that you understand the requirements clearly and allocate your time effectively. If you have experience with tools like Apache Spark, mention it, as it aligns with the technologies used at Formation. Be prepared to discuss your findings in detail during subsequent interviews.

Stay Engaged and Ask Questions

During your interviews, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Formation is the right fit for you. Inquire about their approach to innovation and how they support their engineering teams in achieving their goals.

Follow Up Professionally

Given the feedback from previous candidates about communication delays, it’s wise to follow up after your interviews. A polite email thanking your interviewers for their time and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can help keep you on their radar. This demonstrates professionalism and a proactive attitude, which are qualities valued at Formation.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to navigate the interview process at Formation and make a strong impression as a candidate. Good luck!