Health Catalyst Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Health Catalyst is a fast-growing company dedicated to improving healthcare performance, cost, and quality through innovative software solutions.

As a Software Engineer at Health Catalyst, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining diverse Improvement Apps that serve both internal teams and external clients, including clinicians and patients. Your responsibilities will include utilizing Test-Driven Development to enhance and refactor systems, ensuring that your code is reliable, efficient, and contributes positively to healthcare outcomes. You will work collaboratively within small, mission-critical teams, driving the development of high-volume applications while adhering to best practices in coding and design. A strong understanding of .NET (C#), microservices, and SQL is essential, as well as a willingness to engage in continuous learning and knowledge sharing with your peers.

The ideal candidate will not only demonstrate technical proficiency but also possess strong communication skills to facilitate collaboration among cross-functional teams. You will need to be adaptable, thriving in a fast-paced environment, and capable of problem-solving under pressure. Additionally, familiarity with cloud technologies (Azure or AWS), Agile methodologies, and healthcare IT standards will set you apart as a strong candidate for this role.

This guide will help you prepare thoroughly for your interview, providing insights into the skills and experiences valued by Health Catalyst, and equipping you with the knowledge to demonstrate your fit for this impactful role.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Health Catalyst is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes various types of interviews and assessments.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening conducted by a recruiter. This is a 30-minute phone interview where the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. They will assess your communication skills and gauge your interest in the position. Be prepared to discuss your experience, career goals, and how they align with Health Catalyst's mission.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are required to complete a technical assessment, which often includes an online SQL test. This assessment is designed to evaluate your proficiency in SQL and your ability to solve coding problems relevant to the role. The results of this assessment will determine if you move forward in the interview process.

3. Phone Interview

If you pass the technical assessment, the next step is a phone interview that typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. This interview may involve discussions with a hiring manager or team members, focusing on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and past experiences. Expect to answer questions related to coding, system design, and how you handle challenges in a software development environment.

4. Panel Interview

The final stage of the interview process is a panel interview, which may be conducted via video conference. This interview usually involves multiple team members, including engineers and possibly a director. During this session, you will be asked to solve coding problems, discuss your approach to software design, and answer behavioral questions. You may also be presented with a case study or a hypothetical scenario to assess your critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Throughout the process, communication is key. Candidates have noted that timely feedback and clear expectations from the interviewers can significantly enhance the experience.

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

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

Understand the Interview Process

Health Catalyst typically conducts a multi-step interview process that includes an initial phone screening, a technical assessment (often focused on SQL), and a panel interview. Familiarize yourself with each stage and prepare accordingly. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease and allow you to focus on showcasing your skills.

Master SQL and Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on SQL in the interview process, ensure you are well-versed in writing complex queries, understanding database design, and data modeling. Practice common SQL functions and be prepared to explain your thought process when solving problems. Additionally, brush up on your knowledge of C#, .NET, and any relevant frameworks or tools mentioned in the job description, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Health Catalyst values collaboration and communication, so be ready to discuss your past experiences in team settings. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to work well with others, handle conflict, and contribute to a positive team environment. Questions about how you've dealt with adversity or provided feedback to colleagues may arise, so have specific anecdotes ready.

Emphasize Your Problem-Solving Skills

During the interviews, you may be presented with hypothetical scenarios or case studies. Approach these questions methodically: clarify the problem, outline your thought process, and explain how you would arrive at a solution. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to think critically under pressure.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Effective communication is crucial at Health Catalyst. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, both in technical discussions and behavioral interviews. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders, as this reflects the collaborative nature of the work environment.

Show Enthusiasm for Healthcare Technology

Demonstrate your passion for using technology to solve real-world healthcare problems. Research Health Catalyst’s mission and products, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals. Showing genuine interest in the company’s impact on healthcare can set you apart from other candidates.

Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment

Health Catalyst operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Highlight your ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively. Share examples of how you have successfully navigated tight deadlines or rapidly changing project requirements in the past.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only shows professionalism but also reinforces your interest in the position. Mention specific points from your conversation to personalize your message and leave a lasting impression.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and enthusiasm, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Health Catalyst. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Health Catalyst. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge in software development, particularly in C#, SQL, and cloud technologies, as well as your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Technical Skills

1. What is your experience with C# and .NET? Can you describe a project where you utilized these technologies?

Health Catalyst values strong .NET experience, so be specific about your projects and the technologies you used. Highlight your role in the project and any challenges you overcame.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project where you used C# and .NET, detailing your contributions and the impact of your work. Mention any frameworks or libraries you utilized.

Example

“In my last project, I developed a web application using C# and .NET Core that streamlined patient data management. I implemented RESTful APIs for data retrieval, which improved the application's performance by 30%. My role involved both backend development and collaborating with front-end developers to ensure seamless integration.”

2. Can you explain the concept of microservices and how you have implemented them in your previous work?

Microservices architecture is crucial for Health Catalyst, so demonstrate your understanding and practical experience.

How to Answer

Define microservices and explain their benefits. Provide an example of how you designed or worked with microservices in a project.

Example

“Microservices are an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services. In my previous role, I designed a microservices-based application for managing healthcare records, which allowed for independent deployment and scaling of services. This approach reduced downtime during updates and improved system reliability.”

3. Describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in your projects.

SQL skills are essential for this role, so be prepared to discuss your proficiency and specific use cases.

How to Answer

Talk about your experience with SQL, including the types of databases you’ve worked with and specific queries or optimizations you’ve implemented.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL Server and MySQL, where I designed complex queries to extract and analyze patient data. For instance, I optimized a query that previously took several minutes to run, reducing it to under 30 seconds by indexing key columns and restructuring the query logic.”

4. How do you approach debugging and troubleshooting in your code?

Demonstrating your problem-solving skills is key, especially in a fast-paced environment like Health Catalyst.

How to Answer

Explain your debugging process, including tools and techniques you use to identify and resolve issues.

Example

“When debugging, I first reproduce the issue to understand its context. I then use logging and debugging tools to trace the problem. For example, in a recent project, I encountered a performance issue that I resolved by analyzing logs and identifying a bottleneck in a database query, which I then optimized.”

5. Can you discuss a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly? How did you approach it?

Health Catalyst values continuous learning, so share an experience that highlights your adaptability.

How to Answer

Describe a specific instance where you had to learn a new technology, the steps you took, and the outcome.

Example

“While working on a project that required cloud deployment, I needed to learn Azure DevOps quickly. I dedicated time to online courses and hands-on practice, which allowed me to set up CI/CD pipelines effectively. This not only improved our deployment process but also reduced errors significantly.”

Behavioral Questions

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

This question assesses your resilience and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on the challenge, your actions, and the results.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized daily stand-up meetings to ensure clear communication and reallocated tasks based on team strengths. As a result, we delivered the project on time, and the client was very satisfied with the outcome.”

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment, so demonstrate your organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and task management tools like Jira to prioritize my work. I assess the urgency and impact of each task, focusing on high-priority items that align with project goals. This approach has helped me manage multiple projects effectively without compromising quality.”

3. How do you handle feedback and criticism from peers or supervisors?

This question evaluates your ability to accept and learn from feedback.

How to Answer

Share your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you’ve used it to improve.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving constructive criticism on my code quality during a peer review, I took the initiative to study best practices and sought mentorship. This not only improved my coding skills but also fostered a collaborative environment within the team.”

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

Highlight your teamwork and collaboration skills, which are essential for Health Catalyst.

How to Answer

Describe a specific instance where your contributions positively impacted the team.

Example

“During a critical project, I took the lead in coordinating between developers and product managers to ensure everyone was aligned on requirements. My proactive communication helped us identify potential roadblocks early, allowing us to deliver the project ahead of schedule.”

5. How would you approach a disagreement with a team member regarding a technical decision?

Conflict resolution is important in collaborative environments, so demonstrate your interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to resolving disagreements while maintaining a positive working relationship.

Example

“I believe in open communication and collaboration. If I disagree with a team member, I would first listen to their perspective and then present my viewpoint with supporting data. I would suggest a brainstorming session to explore both options and find a solution that aligns with our project goals.”