Pra Health Sciences Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Pra Health Sciences is a leading global provider of outsourced clinical development and data solution services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.

As a Software Engineer at Pra Health Sciences, you will play a critical role in designing and developing innovative software solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support clinical trials. Key responsibilities include developing control architectures for real-time systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, maintainable code. You will be expected to program and debug complex control logic and lead the selection of control components for current and future systems.

A successful candidate will possess strong proficiency in object-oriented programming, particularly in C++ and Structured Text, as well as experience in embedded systems development. Familiarity with industrial automation systems and control platforms, along with a solid understanding of networking principles, will be essential. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to challenges, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

This guide will equip you with tailored insights to prepare for your interview at Pra Health Sciences, enhancing your ability to showcase your relevant skills and experiences.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Pra Health Sciences is structured yet flexible, designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. Candidates can expect a series of interviews that focus on their experience, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process typically begins with a phone screen conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and serves to gauge the candidate's interest in the role, discuss their background, and assess their alignment with the company’s values. The recruiter may ask about the candidate's career aspirations and relevant experiences, setting the stage for the subsequent interviews.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates will participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing. This interview focuses on the candidate's technical skills, particularly in programming languages such as C++ and Structured Text, as well as their understanding of real-time control systems. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their previous projects, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and possibly tackle coding challenges or case studies relevant to embedded systems.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step often involves a behavioral interview, where candidates meet with hiring managers or team leads. This round emphasizes the candidate's soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution. Interviewers may use situational questions to understand how candidates have handled challenges in the past, often employing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure responses.

4. Final Interview

The final interview typically includes a panel of interviewers, which may consist of senior management and cross-functional team members. This round is more comprehensive, allowing candidates to showcase their technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Candidates may be asked to present their approach to specific scenarios or projects, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Additionally, this is an opportunity for candidates to ask questions about the team dynamics and company culture.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If successful, candidates will receive an offer, which may be followed by discussions regarding salary and benefits. It’s advisable for candidates to come prepared with knowledge of their market value and to negotiate terms that reflect their skills and experience.

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

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

Understand the Company Culture

Familiarize yourself with ICON's values and work environment. The interview process is described as friendly and conversational, so approach your interviews with a personable demeanor. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with the company's mission and culture. This will not only help you connect with your interviewers but also demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their team.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions, particularly those that utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Given the emphasis on situational questions, think about scenarios where you resolved conflicts or overcame challenges, especially in a collaborative setting.

Highlight Technical Proficiency

As a Software Engineer, you will need to demonstrate your technical skills, particularly in embedded systems and programming languages like C++ and Structured Text. Be ready to discuss your experience with real-time control systems and any relevant projects you've worked on. If you have experience with TwinCAT or similar platforms, make sure to highlight that, as it is particularly relevant to the role.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Effective communication is crucial, especially since the role involves liaising with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible to non-technical team members. This will showcase your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences.

Be Ready for a Multi-Stage Process

The interview process may involve multiple rounds, including phone screens and video interviews with various team members. Stay organized and be prepared to discuss your resume and past projects in detail. Each interviewer may focus on different aspects of your experience, so be adaptable and ready to pivot your responses based on the interviewer's focus.

Show Enthusiasm for Learning and Adaptability

Given the dynamic nature of the work environment at ICON, express your willingness to learn and adapt. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes or challenges in previous roles. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving and your ability to thrive in fast-paced settings.

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 interest in the position and briefly mention any key points you may not have had the opportunity to discuss during the interview. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Pra Health Sciences. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience in software development, particularly in embedded systems and real-time control systems. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to coding, and how you handle challenges in a collaborative environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between real-time and soft real-time systems?

Understanding the distinction between these two types of systems is crucial for embedded software engineers, especially in a company focused on control systems.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of both systems, emphasizing the importance of timing constraints in real-time systems and how soft real-time systems can tolerate some delays.

Example

"Real-time systems require strict timing constraints where tasks must be completed within a defined time frame, such as in medical devices. In contrast, soft real-time systems can tolerate some delays, making them suitable for applications like video streaming where occasional lag is acceptable."

2. Describe your experience with object-oriented programming in C++.

C++ is a key language for embedded systems, and your proficiency will be assessed.

How to Answer

Highlight specific projects where you utilized C++ and discuss your understanding of object-oriented principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

Example

"I have developed several embedded applications using C++, focusing on modular design. For instance, I created a control system for a robotic arm where I implemented classes for different components, allowing for easier maintenance and scalability."

3. How do you approach debugging complex control logic?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers, especially in embedded systems where issues can be difficult to trace.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to debugging, including tools you use and how you isolate issues.

Example

"I start by replicating the issue in a controlled environment, then use debugging tools like GDB to step through the code. I also employ logging to track variable states, which helps me identify where the logic fails."

4. Can you discuss your experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing?

HIL testing is essential in validating embedded systems against real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Share your experience with HIL testing, including the setup process and any challenges you faced.

Example

"In my previous role, I set up a HIL testing environment for a control system in a manufacturing robot. This involved simulating the robot's sensors and actuators, allowing us to test the software in real-time without risking hardware damage."

5. What strategies do you use to ensure code quality and maintainability?

Code quality is vital in software development, especially in safety-critical systems.

How to Answer

Discuss best practices you follow, such as code reviews, unit testing, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

"I prioritize code quality by conducting regular code reviews and implementing unit tests for all new features. I also follow established coding standards to ensure consistency and maintainability across the codebase."

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities in a project.

This question assesses your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Example

"In a previous project, I was tasked with developing a new feature while also addressing critical bugs. I prioritized the bugs first, as they impacted user experience, and communicated with my team to adjust timelines for the new feature, ultimately delivering both on time."

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

Your ability to accept and act on feedback is crucial in a collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Discuss 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 structure, I took the initiative to learn more about design patterns, which significantly improved my subsequent projects."

3. Can you give an example of a challenging technical problem you solved?

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

How to Answer

Describe the problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome.

Example

"I once faced a challenge with a control system that was experiencing latency issues. I analyzed the code and identified bottlenecks in the communication protocol. By optimizing the data handling and implementing a more efficient protocol, I reduced latency by 30%."

4. How do you ensure effective communication with cross-functional teams?

Collaboration is key in software development, especially in a multidisciplinary environment.

How to Answer

Explain your communication strategies and provide examples of successful collaboration.

Example

"I ensure effective communication by scheduling regular check-ins and using collaborative tools like Slack and JIRA. For example, during a recent project, I coordinated with the UX team to align on design requirements, which helped us meet our deadlines without compromising quality."

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question assesses your career goals and alignment with the company’s direction.

How to Answer

Discuss your aspirations and how they relate to the role and company.

Example

"In five years, I see myself in a leadership role, guiding a team of engineers in developing innovative embedded systems. I am particularly interested in advancing my skills in robotics and contributing to projects that push the boundaries of technology."