Johnson & Johnson Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Johnson & Johnson is a global leader in healthcare innovation, committed to creating a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured.

As a Software Engineer at Johnson & Johnson, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing software solutions that enhance healthcare technologies and improve patient care. This position requires a strong foundation in algorithms and programming, particularly in Python, as well as experience in software development within regulated environments. Key responsibilities include designing and building scalable software applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, and ensuring software quality through rigorous testing and validation. The ideal candidate will have a detail-oriented mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for leveraging technology to drive healthcare advancements. Familiarity with machine learning principles and experience in CI/CD practices will be valuable assets in this role.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that Johnson & Johnson values in a software engineer, allowing you to showcase your qualifications confidently.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Johnson & Johnson is structured to assess both technical and behavioral competencies, ensuring candidates align with the company's values and technical requirements. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place over a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on understanding your background, skills, and motivations for applying to Johnson & Johnson. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, allowing you to gauge if it aligns with your career aspirations.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing and involves a panel of technical interviewers. During this session, you can expect to tackle algorithmic questions and coding challenges that assess your problem-solving abilities and understanding of data structures. While the focus is on algorithms, candidates should also be prepared to discuss their previous projects and experiences in detail, using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to articulate their contributions effectively.

3. Behavioral Interview

The behavioral interview is a crucial component of the process, where interviewers evaluate your soft skills and cultural fit within the organization. This round often involves situational questions that require you to reflect on past experiences and how you handled various challenges. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, so be ready to share specific examples that highlight these qualities.

4. Final Interview

The final interview may involve a more in-depth discussion with senior management or team leads. This round is designed to assess your long-term vision and how you can contribute to the company's goals. Expect to discuss your technical expertise in areas relevant to the role, such as software development methodologies, programming languages (especially Python), and any experience with machine learning or data engineering, as these are critical for the position.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If you successfully navigate the previous rounds, you will receive an offer. This stage may involve discussions about salary, benefits, and other employment terms. Johnson & Johnson 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 interview, consider the specific questions that may arise during the process, focusing on both technical and behavioral aspects.

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

Emphasize Your Technical Expertise

As a Software Engineer at Johnson & Johnson, you will be expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of algorithms and programming languages, particularly Python. Prepare to discuss your experience with algorithm design and problem-solving techniques. Be ready to explain your thought process when tackling algorithmic challenges, such as traversing data structures or optimizing performance. Familiarize yourself with common algorithms and their time complexities, as these topics may come up during technical discussions.

Master the STAR Method for Behavioral Questions

The interview process will likely include behavioral questions that assess your past experiences and how they align with the company’s values. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Prepare specific examples from your previous work that showcase your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Highlight instances where you took initiative or overcame challenges, particularly in collaborative settings, as this aligns with the company’s emphasis on cross-functional teamwork.

Understand the Company Culture

Johnson & Johnson places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Familiarize yourself with the company’s Credo and values, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a culture of belonging. Reflect on your experiences working in diverse teams and how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment. This will demonstrate your alignment with the company’s mission and your ability to thrive in their workplace culture.

Prepare for a Panel Interview Format

Expect a panel interview format where multiple interviewers may assess your fit for the role. Practice engaging with different interviewers, maintaining eye contact, and addressing each person’s questions thoughtfully. This format may include both technical and behavioral questions, so be prepared to switch gears quickly and showcase your versatility.

Showcase Your Project Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous projects in detail, particularly those that involved AI/ML solutions or data engineering. Highlight your role in these projects, the technologies you used, and the impact your contributions had on the outcomes. This will not only demonstrate your technical skills but also your ability to lead and collaborate effectively.

Stay Current with Industry Trends

Johnson & Johnson is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest advancements in software engineering, AI, and machine learning. Be prepared to discuss recent trends or technologies that excite you and how they could be applied within the healthcare sector. This will show your passion for the field and your commitment to continuous learning.

Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot

During the interview, you may be asked to solve technical problems or case studies in real-time. Practice articulating your thought process as you work through these problems. This will not only demonstrate your technical skills but also your ability to communicate effectively under pressure.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Johnson & Johnson. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Johnson & Johnson. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, particularly in algorithms, software development practices, and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences using the STAR method to highlight your problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

Algorithms

1. How would you traverse a 2x2 matrix and what is the time complexity?

Understanding basic algorithms and their complexities is crucial for this role.

How to Answer

Explain the traversal method you would use, such as depth-first or breadth-first search, and discuss the time complexity associated with your approach.

Example

“To traverse a 2x2 matrix, I would use a nested loop to iterate through each row and column. The time complexity for this operation is O(n^2), where n is the number of rows or columns, since we are visiting each element once.”

2. Can you explain the difference between a stack and a queue?

This question tests your understanding of data structures.

How to Answer

Define both data structures and explain their key differences, including their use cases.

Example

“A stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) structure, where the last element added is the first to be removed. A queue, on the other hand, is a First In First Out (FIFO) structure, where the first element added is the first to be removed. Stacks are often used in function call management, while queues are used in scheduling tasks.”

3. Describe a situation where you optimized an algorithm. What was the outcome?

This question assesses your practical experience with algorithms.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to describe the situation, the task you were faced with, the actions you took to optimize the algorithm, and the results of your efforts.

Example

“In a previous project, I noticed that our sorting algorithm was taking too long with large datasets. I researched and implemented a quicksort algorithm instead of bubble sort, which reduced the sorting time from O(n^2) to O(n log n), significantly improving the application’s performance.”

4. What is the time complexity of searching in a binary search tree?

This question evaluates your knowledge of data structures and their efficiencies.

How to Answer

Discuss the average and worst-case scenarios for searching in a binary search tree.

Example

“The average time complexity for searching in a balanced binary search tree is O(log n), while in the worst case, it can degrade to O(n) if the tree becomes unbalanced.”

5. How would you implement a function to check if a string is a palindrome?

This question tests your coding skills and understanding of string manipulation.

How to Answer

Outline your approach to solving the problem, including any algorithms or data structures you would use.

Example

“I would implement a function that compares characters from the start and end of the string, moving towards the center. If all corresponding characters match, the string is a palindrome. The time complexity for this function is O(n), where n is the length of the string.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a challenging project you worked on. What was your role?

This question assesses your teamwork and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to describe the project, your specific contributions, and the challenges faced.

Example

“I worked on a project to develop a new software tool for data analysis. As the lead developer, I coordinated with the data science team to gather requirements. We faced challenges with data integration, but by implementing a modular design, we were able to streamline the process and deliver the project on time.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution strategies.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you successfully resolved a conflict, focusing on communication and collaboration.

Example

“In a previous project, two team members disagreed on the approach to a feature. I facilitated a meeting where each could present their perspective. By encouraging open dialogue, we found a compromise that incorporated elements from both ideas, leading to a better final product.”

3. Can you give an example of how you have mentored someone?

This question assesses your leadership and mentoring abilities.

How to Answer

Describe a specific mentoring experience, focusing on the impact you had on the individual’s development.

Example

“I mentored a junior developer who was struggling with understanding our codebase. I organized weekly sessions to walk through the code and provided resources for learning. Over time, they became more confident and eventually took on their own projects successfully.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I use a combination of task management tools and the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize my tasks. I assess the urgency and importance of each task, allowing me to focus on high-impact activities while ensuring deadlines are met.”

5. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

This question assesses your passion and commitment to the field.

How to Answer

Share your personal motivations and what aspects of software engineering you find most fulfilling.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create software that can improve people’s lives. The ever-evolving nature of technology excites me, as it allows for continuous learning and innovation.”