Formlabs Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Formlabs strives to revolutionize the 3D printing industry, empowering designers, engineers, researchers, and artists with groundbreaking desktop 3D printers.

As a Software Engineer at Formlabs, you will play a vital role in developing software that drives the functionality of innovative 3D printing products. Your responsibilities will encompass designing, building, and maintaining software applications that integrate seamlessly with hardware components. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, product managers, and UI/UX designers, to ensure that the software enhances the user experience and meets the technical requirements of 3D printing technology. Additionally, you'll be involved in the entire software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements to deploying features, while also addressing challenges related to performance and reliability.

To thrive in this role, you should possess strong programming skills, particularly in languages such as C++ or Python. A solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and experience with software architecture is essential. Familiarity with 3D printing concepts and technologies, as well as a passion for problem-solving and innovation, will set you apart. Formlabs values collaboration and creativity, so a willingness to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, along with the ability to communicate effectively across teams, is crucial.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations for the role and the type of questions you may encounter, allowing you to showcase your skills and alignment with Formlabs' mission.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Formlabs is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically consists of several rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 20-30 minute phone interview with a recruiter. This initial conversation focuses on your interest in the role, your relevant experience, and your understanding of Formlabs' products and culture. Expect to discuss your background, motivations, and any projects that have prepared you for this position.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment. This may take the form of a timed coding challenge on platforms like HackerRank, where you will solve algorithmic problems that test your programming skills and understanding of data structures. The assessment typically lasts around 120 minutes and includes multiple questions that require a solid grasp of coding principles.

3. Technical Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates will participate in a technical interview, usually conducted via video call. This interview lasts approximately 45 minutes and focuses on your previous projects, technical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Interviewers may ask you to explain your thought process while solving coding problems, as well as delve into specific technologies and methodologies relevant to the role.

4. Case Study and Review

Candidates may also be asked to complete a case study or homework assignment that involves a practical problem related to software engineering. This task can take several hours to complete and is followed by a review session with the hiring manager and possibly other team members. During this review, you will present your solution and discuss your approach, allowing interviewers to gauge your analytical skills and ability to communicate technical concepts.

5. Onsite Interviews

The final stage of the interview process typically involves onsite interviews, which can last several hours. Candidates will meet with various team members, including engineers and product managers, to discuss their experiences and technical expertise in more depth. These interviews may include both technical questions and behavioral assessments, focusing on how you handle challenges and collaborate with others in a team setting.

As you prepare for your interview, be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the challenges you might face in this role. Next, let's explore some of the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during the process.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Formlabs typically involves multiple rounds, including a recruiter call, technical assessments, and interviews with team members. Familiarize yourself with the structure and prepare accordingly. Expect to discuss your previous projects in detail, as interviewers often focus on your hands-on experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in your past roles. Be ready to articulate your thought process and decision-making in these scenarios.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Technical assessments, such as coding tests on platforms like HackerRank, are a common part of the interview process. Brush up on your coding skills, particularly in languages relevant to the role, such as C++. Practice solving algorithmic problems and be prepared to explain your solutions clearly. Given the emphasis on 3D printing technology, having a foundational understanding of algorithms related to geometric computations can be beneficial.

Showcase Your Projects

During the interviews, you will likely be asked to discuss your previous projects extensively. Choose projects that highlight your technical skills and your ability to collaborate across disciplines. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the impact your work had on the project or team. If you have a portfolio, ensure it is accessible and well-organized, as it may be referenced during your discussions.

Emphasize Collaboration and Leadership

Formlabs values collaboration across various technical disciplines, including software, hardware, and design. Be ready to discuss your experience working in cross-functional teams and how you’ve contributed to team dynamics. If you have leadership experience, highlight how you’ve managed teams, mentored junior engineers, or driven projects to completion. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in Formlabs' innovative and fast-paced environment.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit within the company. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated resilience, creativity, or leadership, and be prepared to share these stories.

Research Company Culture

Understanding Formlabs' culture is crucial. The company values diversity and inclusivity, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this environment. Familiarize yourself with their products and recent developments in the 3D printing industry. Showing genuine interest in the company’s mission and values will resonate well with your interviewers.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is also a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. If you have any additional thoughts or questions that arose during the interview, feel free to include them in your follow-up.

By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and alignment with Formlabs' values, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Formlabs. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in software development, particularly in relation to 3D printing technologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to software architecture, and your ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the software development lifecycle and your experience with it?

Understanding the software development lifecycle is crucial for any software engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with the various stages of the lifecycle, including planning, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Highlight specific projects where you applied these principles.

Example

“I have worked extensively through the software development lifecycle in my previous roles. For instance, in a recent project, I led the planning phase by gathering requirements from stakeholders, followed by developing the software using Agile methodologies, which allowed for iterative testing and feedback. This approach ensured that we delivered a product that met user needs effectively.”

2. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.

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

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical skills and technical knowledge. Explain the problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome.

Example

“In one project, we faced performance issues with our application due to inefficient database queries. I conducted a thorough analysis and identified the bottlenecks. By optimizing the queries and implementing caching strategies, we improved the application’s response time by over 50%, significantly enhancing user experience.”

3. What programming languages are you proficient in, and how have you applied them in your projects?

This question gauges your technical proficiency and versatility.

How to Answer

List the programming languages you are comfortable with and provide examples of how you have used them in your work.

Example

“I am proficient in C++, Python, and JavaScript. In my last role, I used C++ to develop performance-critical components of our 3D printing software, while Python was utilized for scripting and automation tasks. JavaScript was essential for building interactive web interfaces that enhanced user engagement.”

4. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

This question evaluates your approach to software quality.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for writing clean, maintainable code, such as code reviews, unit testing, and following coding standards.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by adhering to best practices such as writing unit tests and conducting regular code reviews with my team. I also utilize static code analysis tools to catch potential issues early. This not only improves maintainability but also fosters a culture of collaboration and learning within the team.”

5. Can you describe your experience with version control systems?

Version control is essential for collaborative software development.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with version control systems, particularly Git, and how you have used them in team projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience using Git for version control in my projects. I regularly use branching strategies to manage features and bug fixes, ensuring that the main branch remains stable. I also conduct pull requests to facilitate code reviews, which helps maintain high code quality across the team.”

3D Printing and Algorithms

1. What is your understanding of 3D printing technologies, and how have you applied this knowledge in your work?

This question assesses your familiarity with the industry and its technologies.

How to Answer

Discuss your knowledge of 3D printing processes and any relevant projects you have worked on.

Example

“I have a solid understanding of various 3D printing technologies, including FDM and SLA. In my previous role, I worked on developing software that optimized print paths for SLA printers, which involved understanding the intricacies of layer slicing and support structure generation to minimize print failures.”

2. How would you approach designing an API for a 3D printing application?

This question tests your design and architectural skills.

How to Answer

Outline your thought process for designing an API, considering aspects like usability, scalability, and security.

Example

“When designing an API for a 3D printing application, I would start by identifying the key functionalities required by users, such as model upload, print job management, and status tracking. I would ensure the API is RESTful for ease of use and implement authentication mechanisms to secure user data. Additionally, I would focus on providing clear documentation to facilitate integration with other systems.”

3. Can you explain the importance of algorithms in 3D printing software?

This question evaluates your understanding of algorithms in the context of software development.

How to Answer

Discuss the role of algorithms in optimizing processes and improving user experience in 3D printing.

Example

“Algorithms play a critical role in 3D printing software, particularly in areas like path planning and print success estimation. For instance, efficient algorithms can significantly reduce print time by optimizing the tool path, while predictive algorithms can analyze past print data to estimate the likelihood of print failures, allowing users to make informed decisions before starting a print job.”

4. Describe your experience with geometric algorithms and their application in software development.

This question assesses your technical expertise in geometric algorithms.

How to Answer

Provide examples of geometric algorithms you have worked with and their relevance to your projects.

Example

“I have worked with various geometric algorithms, including mesh slicing and polygon arithmetic, which are essential for preparing models for 3D printing. In a recent project, I implemented a mesh repair algorithm that automatically corrected common issues in STL files, ensuring that users could print their models without manual intervention.”

5. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in software development and 3D printing?

This question gauges your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for keeping up with industry trends, such as attending conferences, reading journals, or participating in online communities.

Example

“I stay updated with the latest trends in software development and 3D printing by regularly attending industry conferences and webinars. I also subscribe to relevant journals and participate in online forums where professionals share insights and advancements. This helps me bring fresh ideas and best practices to my work.”