Harris Computer Systems Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Harris Computer Systems is a prominent provider of mission-critical software solutions to the public sector across North America, focusing on utilities, local government, and healthcare sectors.

As a Software Engineer at Harris, you will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining software applications that drive efficiency and innovation within the utility sector. Your key responsibilities will include providing technical leadership to team members, conducting design reviews, and collaborating with various departments to address escalated issues. You will also be expected to manage code reviews, promote best practices for quality assurance, and apply your expertise in accounting and billing applications to create robust reporting tools. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, particularly in mathematical contexts, and possess a solid understanding of both Unix/Linux environments and database management systems like Oracle or MS SQL Server.

Harris values initiative, effective communication, and a continuous learning mindset, making those traits essential for thriving in this role. Experience in programming languages such as COBOL or Visual Basic, as well as familiarity with the utility sector, will provide you with an edge during the interview process.

This guide will prepare you to articulate your experiences confidently, engage with interviewers effectively, and showcase how your skills align with Harris's mission and culture.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Harris Computer Systems is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically unfolds in several stages, allowing candidates to showcase their expertise and experience while also getting a feel for the company’s environment.

1. Initial Phone Interview

The first step in the interview process is a phone interview conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation usually lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and focuses on your background, skills, and experiences. Expect to discuss your previous projects, what you are looking for in a new role, and your interest in Harris. This stage is crucial for determining if you align with the company’s values and culture.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via video call and can include coding challenges or problem-solving questions relevant to software development. You might be asked to demonstrate your coding skills in a programming language of your choice, as well as answer questions related to debugging, system architecture, and specific technologies like SQL or APIs. This stage is designed to evaluate your technical proficiency and ability to tackle real-world software engineering challenges.

3. Onsite or Panel Interview

The next phase often involves an onsite or panel interview, which may be conducted remotely. This round usually includes multiple interviewers, such as team leads, managers, and possibly peers. The focus here is on both technical and behavioral questions. You will likely be asked to elaborate on your past experiences, discuss how you approach problem-solving, and demonstrate your understanding of best practices in software development. This stage is also an opportunity for you to engage in discussions about the company’s projects and your potential contributions.

4. Final Interview and Offer

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted to further assess your fit within the team and the organization. This could involve more in-depth discussions about your technical skills, as well as your approach to collaboration and leadership. If successful, you will receive an offer, often accompanied by a discussion about compensation, benefits, and your potential start date.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will help the interviewers gauge your technical abilities and cultural fit.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Harris can involve multiple stages, including phone interviews, technical assessments, and panel interviews. Be prepared for a mix of behavioral and technical questions. Familiarize yourself with the typical structure, as this will help you manage your time and responses effectively. Given the feedback from previous candidates, it’s essential to be ready for both general HR questions and specific technical inquiries related to your experience and skills.

Highlight Relevant Experience

When discussing your past projects, focus on those that align with the role's requirements, particularly in billing and accounting applications. Be ready to explain your contributions in detail, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to deliver results in a relevant context. Remember, the interviewers are looking for candidates who can provide technical leadership and mentoring, so emphasize any experience you have in guiding others or leading projects.

Prepare for Technical Questions

While some candidates have reported a lack of technical depth in interviews, it’s wise to prepare for a range of technical questions. Brush up on your knowledge of programming languages relevant to the role, such as SQL, and be ready to discuss your experience with Unix/Linux systems. You may also encounter questions about debugging and troubleshooting, so practice articulating your thought process clearly.

Emphasize Soft Skills

Harris values interpersonal skills and effective communication. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with team members and interact with clients. Share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in team settings or how you’ve communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This will showcase your ability to work well within a team and your commitment to fostering a positive work environment.

Research the Company Culture

Understanding Harris's company culture is crucial. Candidates have noted a supportive environment that values employee growth and development. Reflect on how your values align with this culture and be ready to discuss why you want to work for Harris specifically. This could include mentioning their commitment to quality customer information systems and how you can contribute to that mission.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that explore how you handle challenges and work within a team. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. This approach will help you provide clear and concise answers that highlight your skills and experiences effectively.

Follow Up with Questions

At the end of the interview, be prepared to ask insightful questions about the team, projects, and company direction. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional development, or how the company supports work-life balance.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can present yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Harris. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Harris Computer Systems. The interview process will likely assess both your technical skills and your ability to communicate effectively about your past experiences and projects. Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approaches, technical knowledge, and how you work within a team.

Experience and Background

1. What is the most difficult project you have worked on, and what challenges did you face?

This question aims to understand your problem-solving skills and how you handle challenges in your work.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project that posed significant challenges, detailing the obstacles you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your role in the project and the impact of your contributions.

Example

“One of the most challenging projects I worked on was developing a billing application for a utility company. We faced tight deadlines and complex requirements. I organized regular team meetings to ensure everyone was aligned and implemented agile methodologies to adapt quickly to changes, which ultimately led to a successful launch.”

Technical Skills

2. How do you identify which service in a multi-layer web service architecture a bug is coming from?

This question tests your debugging skills and understanding of system architecture.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to debugging, including how you isolate components and analyze logs to trace the source of the issue.

Example

“I start by reviewing the logs to identify any error messages and then use a process of elimination to isolate the layers. I check the API responses and use tools like Postman to test individual services, which helps me pinpoint where the issue lies.”

3. How would you debug a problem where UI components are not rendering properly on the web?

This question assesses your front-end debugging skills and understanding of web technologies.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you would take to diagnose the issue, including checking the console for errors, inspecting the elements, and reviewing the code for potential issues.

Example

“I would first check the browser console for any JavaScript errors that might prevent rendering. Then, I would inspect the elements to ensure they are being generated correctly in the DOM. If everything looks good, I would review the CSS to ensure there are no styling issues affecting visibility.”

4. Can you explain the difference between call by value and call by reference?

This question evaluates your understanding of programming concepts and memory management.

How to Answer

Clearly define both concepts and provide examples of when each is used.

Example

“Call by value means that a copy of the variable is passed to the function, so changes made inside the function do not affect the original variable. In contrast, call by reference passes the address of the variable, allowing the function to modify the original variable. For instance, in C++, passing an array is typically done by reference to allow modifications.”

5. What experience do you have with SQL databases, and can you write a simple SQL query?

This question gauges your database knowledge and ability to work with SQL.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with SQL databases and provide a simple query example that demonstrates your understanding.

Example

“I have worked extensively with both Oracle and MS SQL Server. For example, to retrieve all records from a ‘customers’ table where the ‘status’ is ‘active’, I would write: SELECT * FROM customers WHERE status = 'active';”

Behavioral Questions

6. What challenges do you face every day as a software developer, and how do you tackle them?

This question seeks to understand your perspective on common challenges in software development.

How to Answer

Identify specific challenges you encounter and describe your strategies for addressing them.

Example

“One common challenge is managing tight deadlines while ensuring code quality. I tackle this by prioritizing tasks and breaking them down into manageable pieces. I also advocate for code reviews to maintain quality and share knowledge within the team.”

7. Why are you interested in working at Harris Computer Systems?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Express your interest in the company’s mission and how your skills align with their needs.

Example

“I am drawn to Harris Computer Systems because of its commitment to providing quality software solutions in the utility sector. I believe my background in developing billing applications aligns well with your focus, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects.”

8. How do you ensure quality in your code?

This question evaluates your approach to maintaining high standards in your work.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for code quality, including testing, reviews, and adherence to best practices.

Example

“I ensure quality by writing unit tests for my code and conducting thorough code reviews with my peers. I also follow coding standards and best practices to maintain consistency and readability, which helps prevent bugs and facilitates easier maintenance.”

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

This question explores your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a challenging interaction and how you navigated it to achieve a positive outcome.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I approached them privately to discuss our project goals and emphasized the importance of collaboration. By focusing on our shared objectives, we were able to improve our communication and work more effectively together.”

10. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in software development?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Mention specific resources, communities, or practices you engage with to keep your skills current.

Example

“I stay updated by following industry blogs, participating in online forums, and attending webinars. I also take online courses to learn new programming languages and frameworks, ensuring I remain competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.”