Franklin Templeton Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Franklin Templeton is a leading global investment management organization dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals through innovative solutions in asset management, wealth management, and fintech.

As a Software Engineer at Franklin Templeton, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining cutting-edge applications that support various investment systems. Your primary responsibilities will include front-end debugging, application deployment using Python and Angular, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into effective technical solutions. You will leverage your expertise in AWS and DevOps to ensure seamless integration and deployment pipelines while conducting full-stack software development and maintenance.

Key skills essential for this role include proficiency in Python, familiarity with modern frameworks and tools such as Docker, Angular, and Git, as well as strong database management skills across SQL and NoSQL environments. The ideal candidate will also possess excellent problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and a collaborative mindset to thrive in Franklin Templeton's inclusive and diverse culture.

This guide will provide you with tailored insights and questions commonly asked during the interview process, helping you prepare effectively and stand out as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Franklin Templeton.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Franklin Templeton can be lengthy, often spanning over a month with multiple rounds. Be prepared for straightforward behavioral questions that focus on your previous experiences and motivations for applying. Familiarize yourself with the company's values and how they align with your career goals, as this will help you articulate your fit for the role.

Highlight Relevant Experience

During the interview, be ready to discuss your technical skills and previous projects in detail. The interviewers may ask about your proficiency in tools like Python, SQL, and AWS, as well as your experience with API design and deployment. Tailor your responses to showcase how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, particularly in developing scalable applications and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as scenarios that assess your problem-solving and teamwork abilities. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers, providing clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and adaptability.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Franklin Templeton values a collaborative work environment. Be prepared to discuss how you have worked effectively in teams, mentored junior engineers, or communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will resonate well with the interviewers.

Research the MosaiQ Platform

If you're applying for a role related to the MosaiQ platform, familiarize yourself with its features and functionalities. Understanding how the platform supports financial professionals and enhances portfolio management will allow you to engage in more meaningful discussions during the interview.

Be Ready for Technical Assessments

While the interview process may not include in-depth technical questions, you should still be prepared to discuss your technical expertise. Brush up on your knowledge of backend development, database management, and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

Show Enthusiasm for the Company Culture

Franklin Templeton prides itself on its inclusive and supportive culture. Express your enthusiasm for joining a company that values diversity and employee well-being. Share how you align with their mission to drive innovation in the asset management industry and how you can contribute to their goals.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and to mention any key points from the interview that you found particularly engaging.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Franklin Templeton. Good luck!

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Franklin Templeton is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening conducted by a recruiter, which may take place over the phone. This conversation focuses on your background, experience, and motivations for applying to Franklin Templeton. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that candidates understand what to expect.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may undergo a technical assessment. This could involve a coding test or a technical interview where you will be asked to solve problems relevant to the role. The focus will likely be on your proficiency in programming languages such as Python, as well as your understanding of database management and API design principles. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and technical knowledge in a practical context.

3. Behavioral Interviews

After the technical assessment, candidates typically participate in one or more behavioral interviews. These interviews are conducted by team members and focus on your past experiences, strengths, and weaknesses. Expect questions that explore your teamwork, communication skills, and how you handle challenges. The interviewers will be interested in understanding how your values align with Franklin Templeton's culture and how you can contribute to the team.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process often includes an in-person or video interview with senior team members or management. This round may delve deeper into your technical expertise and your approach to software development. You may be asked to discuss specific projects you've worked on, your role in those projects, and how you overcame any obstacles. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics and the company's future direction.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If you successfully navigate the interview rounds, you will receive an offer. The offer stage may involve discussions about salary, benefits, and other compensation details. Franklin Templeton is known for its competitive compensation packages, so be prepared to negotiate based on your experience and the market standards.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise during each stage of the process.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Franklin Templeton. The interview process will likely focus on both technical skills and behavioral aspects, given the company's emphasis on collaboration and problem-solving within a diverse team environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their previous experiences, technical proficiencies, and how they align with the company's values.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain your experience with Python and how you have used it in your previous projects?

This question assesses your technical proficiency in Python, which is crucial for the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized Python, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight any frameworks or libraries you used.

Example

“In my last role, I developed a data processing application using Python, which involved integrating various APIs to fetch financial data. I utilized libraries like Pandas for data manipulation and Flask for creating a RESTful API, which improved our data retrieval time by 30%.”

2. Describe your experience with RESTful API design and implementation.

This question evaluates your understanding of API architecture, which is essential for the role.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to designing APIs, including any best practices you follow. Mention specific projects where you implemented RESTful services.

Example

“I designed a RESTful API for a financial application that allowed users to access their investment portfolios. I focused on creating clear endpoints and ensuring proper authentication and error handling, which enhanced user experience and security.”

3. How do you optimize database performance in SQL and NoSQL databases?

This question tests your knowledge of database management, a key responsibility in the role.

How to Answer

Discuss techniques you use for optimizing queries, indexing, and data modeling. Provide examples of how these optimizations improved application performance.

Example

“In a previous project, I optimized our SQL database by indexing frequently queried columns, which reduced query response times by 50%. For NoSQL, I implemented sharding to distribute the load across multiple servers, enhancing scalability.”

4. Can you explain your experience with containerization technologies like Docker?

This question assesses your familiarity with modern deployment practices.

How to Answer

Describe how you have used Docker in your projects, including any challenges you faced and how you resolved them.

Example

“I used Docker to containerize our microservices architecture, which simplified deployment and scaling. By creating Docker images for each service, we ensured consistency across development and production environments, reducing deployment issues significantly.”

5. What is your approach to conducting code reviews?

This question evaluates your collaboration and mentoring skills, which are important in a team setting.

How to Answer

Discuss your philosophy on code reviews, including how you provide constructive feedback and ensure code quality.

Example

“I believe code reviews are an opportunity for learning and improvement. I focus on providing constructive feedback, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. I also encourage open discussions to foster a collaborative environment.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the challenge, your actions, and the outcome. Emphasize your thought process and any lessons learned.

Example

“During a critical project, we faced unexpected delays due to a third-party API failure. I organized a team meeting to brainstorm alternatives and we decided to implement a temporary solution while we worked on a long-term fix. This approach kept the project on track and taught us the importance of contingency planning.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks, including any tools or frameworks you use.

Example

“I use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps me focus on high-impact activities while ensuring that I meet deadlines across multiple projects.”

3. Can you give an example of how you contributed to a team’s success?

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where your contributions positively impacted the team or project.

Example

“I led a team initiative to improve our CI/CD pipeline, which reduced deployment times by 40%. By collaborating closely with team members and gathering their input, we created a more efficient process that everyone could support.”

4. What motivates you to work in the software engineering field?

This question helps the interviewer understand your passion and commitment to the role.

How to Answer

Discuss your motivations, such as problem-solving, innovation, or the impact of technology on business.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create solutions that can significantly impact users’ lives. The ever-evolving nature of technology keeps me excited about continuous learning and growth in this field.”

5. How do you stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends?

This question evaluates your commitment to professional development.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to stay informed, such as blogs, podcasts, or online courses.

Example

“I regularly follow tech blogs, participate in online forums, and attend webinars to stay updated on industry trends. I also take online courses to learn new technologies, ensuring that my skills remain relevant in this fast-paced field.”