Hackensack Meridian Health Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading healthcare provider dedicated to transforming patient care through innovative technology and collaborative teamwork.

The Software Engineer role at Hackensack Meridian Health involves building and maintaining software applications that support healthcare data processing, automation, and analysis. Key responsibilities include developing scalable and secure services, creating maintainable code that adheres to industry best practices, and automating data flows through robust pipeline code. A successful candidate will possess strong programming skills in languages like Python, Ruby, or C#, and demonstrate an advanced understanding of cloud-based architectures, particularly within Google Cloud Platform. Ideal traits include critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This role is essential in fulfilling the company’s mission to enhance healthcare delivery for patients and practitioners alike.

This guide will equip you with tailored insights that can help you articulate your experiences and align them with the expectations Hackensack Meridian Health has for their software engineers, ultimately enhancing your interview preparation.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Hackensack Meridian Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step is a phone screening, usually lasting around 30 minutes. This interview is typically conducted by a recruiter or a hiring manager. During this call, candidates can expect to discuss their previous projects, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying to Hackensack Meridian Health. The interviewer may also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates may undergo a technical assessment. This could be a coding challenge or a technical interview conducted via video call. The focus here is on evaluating the candidate's proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Ruby, C#, or JavaScript, as well as their understanding of software development principles, including SOLID principles and unit testing. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and coding abilities in real-time.

3. Onsite Interviews

The onsite interview process generally consists of multiple rounds, often including both one-on-one and panel interviews. Candidates may meet with various team members, including engineers, data scientists, and managers. This stage typically involves discussions about past projects, technical challenges faced, and the candidate's approach to software development. Additionally, candidates may be asked to present their previous work or projects to the panel, showcasing their technical expertise and communication skills.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In conjunction with technical assessments, candidates will also participate in behavioral interviews. These interviews aim to gauge how well candidates align with the organization's values and culture. Questions may focus on teamwork, collaboration, and how candidates handle challenges or conflicts in a work environment. It’s essential to convey a strong understanding of the healthcare industry and express a genuine interest in contributing to Hackensack Meridian Health's mission.

5. Final Steps

After the onsite interviews, candidates can expect a follow-up regarding their application status. While the interview process is generally swift, candidates have reported that receiving an offer may take some time, so patience is key.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during this process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Hackensack Meridian Health emphasizes a culture of connection and collaboration. Familiarize yourself with their mission to transform healthcare and how your role as a Software Engineer contributes to that mission. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with their commitment to community and teamwork. This understanding will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions during your interview. Given the emphasis on collaboration, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams, resolved conflicts, or contributed to a positive team environment. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Software Engineer, you will be expected to demonstrate your proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Ruby, C#, and JavaScript. Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud-based platforms, containerization, and CI/CD processes. Highlight specific projects where you applied these skills, focusing on the impact your contributions had on the project’s success.

Be Ready for Technical Assessments

You may encounter technical assessments or coding challenges during the interview process. Brush up on your coding skills and be familiar with algorithms and data structures, as these are crucial for developing scalable and efficient applications. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to build your confidence.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Excellent communication skills are essential for this role, especially when translating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects and technical decisions in a clear and concise manner. This will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your ability to collaborate with diverse teams.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a lasting impression and may set you apart from other candidates.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your skills and experiences with the values and expectations of Hackensack Meridian Health, 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 an interview for a Software Engineer position at Hackensack Meridian Health. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with software development, and your ability to work collaboratively in a healthcare environment. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, coding practices, and how you approach problem-solving.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with developing scalable and secure applications?

This question aims to assess your understanding of application architecture and security practices.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you implemented scalable solutions and the security measures you took to protect user data.

Example

“In my previous role, I developed a web application that handled thousands of concurrent users. I utilized microservices architecture to ensure scalability and implemented OAuth for secure user authentication, which significantly reduced security vulnerabilities.”

2. What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and why?

This question evaluates your proficiency in relevant programming languages.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you have experience with, particularly those listed in the job description, and explain your preference based on project requirements or personal interest.

Example

“I am most comfortable with Python and JavaScript. I prefer Python for backend development due to its simplicity and extensive libraries, while I use JavaScript for creating dynamic front-end applications.”

3. How do you ensure your code is maintainable and adheres to best practices?

This question tests your knowledge of coding standards and practices.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to writing clean code, including adherence to SOLID principles and the importance of unit testing.

Example

“I follow SOLID principles to ensure my code is modular and easy to maintain. Additionally, I write comprehensive unit tests and conduct code reviews with my peers to catch potential issues early.”

4. Can you explain your experience with CI/CD pipelines?

This question assesses your familiarity with continuous integration and deployment processes.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I have implemented CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, which automated our testing and deployment processes. This reduced our release time by 30% and improved code quality through automated testing.”

5. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

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

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a technical challenge, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome.

Example

“While working on a data processing application, I encountered performance issues due to inefficient database queries. I analyzed the queries, optimized them by adding indexes, and reduced the processing time by over 50%.”

Behavioral Questions

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

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Trello to prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. This helps me stay organized and focused on high-priority items.”

2. Can you give an example of how you worked collaboratively in a team?

This question evaluates your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you collaborated with others, highlighting your role and contributions.

Example

“In a recent project, I worked closely with data scientists and UX designers to develop a healthcare application. I facilitated regular meetings to ensure everyone was aligned and contributed to the design discussions, which led to a more user-friendly product.”

3. How do you handle feedback and criticism of your work?

This question assesses your ability to accept constructive criticism and improve.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and how you use it to enhance your skills and work quality.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive criticism, I take time to reflect on it and implement changes where necessary. For instance, after a code review, I learned to better document my code, which improved team collaboration.”

4. What motivates you to work in the healthcare industry?

This question gauges your passion for the field and alignment with the company’s mission.

How to Answer

Share your personal motivations for wanting to work in healthcare and how they align with the company’s goals.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives through technology. Working in healthcare allows me to contribute to solutions that improve patient outcomes and streamline processes for healthcare professionals.”

5. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly.

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a situation where you had to quickly acquire new skills or knowledge and how you approached it.

Example

“When our team decided to migrate to Google Cloud Platform, I took the initiative to learn the platform through online courses and hands-on practice. Within a month, I was able to lead the migration process, which improved our application’s performance and scalability.”