Johnson Controls Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Johnson Controls is a global leader in creating intelligent buildings, efficient energy solutions, and integrated infrastructure to support a sustainable future.

As a Software Engineer at Johnson Controls, you will play a crucial role in designing and developing software solutions that enhance building automation systems, specifically focusing on energy efficiency, comfort, and health. Key responsibilities include developing server and device configuration software, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and participating in agile planning and development activities. Successful candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with at least four years of software development experience, particularly in .NET/C#, React, and SQL Server. Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting and performance optimization, along with a passion for technology and a proactive approach to learning new skills, are essential traits for excelling in this position.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences valued by Johnson Controls, as well as the types of questions you may encounter.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Johnson Controls is structured to assess both technical capabilities and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a thorough and multi-step process that emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Johnson Controls. The recruiter will also gauge your fit for the company culture and discuss the role's expectations.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing. This round usually lasts around 60 to 90 minutes and involves questions related to programming languages such as C#, .NET, and SQL, as well as problem-solving scenarios. You may be asked to demonstrate your coding skills through live coding exercises or technical assessments that evaluate your understanding of software development principles.

3. Managerial Interview

If you successfully pass the technical interview, the next step is a managerial interview with the hiring manager. This round focuses on your past experiences, project management skills, and how you approach teamwork and leadership. Expect questions that explore your ability to mentor junior engineers and your experience with agile methodologies.

4. Panel Interview

Candidates who progress further will face a panel interview, which typically includes several team members and stakeholders. This round is designed to assess your interpersonal skills and how well you can communicate technical concepts to a diverse audience. The panel may ask behavioral questions that require you to provide examples of how you've handled challenges in previous roles.

5. Final HR Interview

The final step in the interview process is an HR interview, where you will discuss salary expectations, benefits, and any remaining questions you may have about the company. This round is also an opportunity for HR to ensure that you align with the company's values and culture.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their technical expertise, past projects, and how they can contribute to the team at Johnson Controls.

Next, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Johnson Controls values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. Familiarize yourself with their mission and recent projects, especially those related to building automation and energy efficiency. Demonstrating an understanding of how your values align with the company’s will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also culturally fit.

Prepare for a Rigorous Interview Process

The interview process at Johnson Controls can be comprehensive and may include multiple rounds, such as technical assessments and behavioral interviews. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in detail, particularly how they relate to the role you are applying for. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, especially for behavioral questions.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the technical nature of the Software Engineer role, ensure you are well-versed in relevant programming languages such as C#, .NET, and SQL. Be ready to solve coding problems on the spot, as technical interviews often include live coding exercises. Familiarize yourself with software development methodologies, particularly Agile, as this is a key aspect of the role.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is crucial, especially since you will be collaborating with cross-functional teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain your technical decisions and how they align with project goals. Additionally, be ready to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and project expectations, which shows your interest in collaboration.

Show Your Passion for Technology

Johnson Controls seeks candidates who are passionate about technology and eager to learn. Be prepared to discuss recent technologies or trends in software development that excite you. This could include advancements in building automation systems or new programming frameworks. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.

Be Ready for Team Dynamics Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to work in a team environment. You may be asked about how you handle conflicts, mentor junior engineers, or contribute to team success. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows professionalism but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.

By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating both your technical skills and cultural fit, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Johnson Controls. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Johnson Controls. The interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, so candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their software engineering knowledge as well as their ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between C# and C++?

Understanding the nuances between programming languages is crucial for a software engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences in syntax, memory management, and use cases for each language. Highlight your experience with both languages if applicable.

Example

"C# is a high-level language primarily used for Windows applications, while C++ is a lower-level language that provides more control over system resources. I have used C# for developing desktop applications and C++ for performance-critical applications, where I needed direct memory management."

2. What is Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and its main principles?

OOP is a fundamental concept in software engineering, and understanding it is essential.

How to Answer

Define OOP and explain its four main principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Provide examples from your experience.

Example

"Object-Oriented Programming is a paradigm that uses 'objects' to design applications. The four main principles are encapsulation, which hides the internal state of an object; inheritance, which allows a class to inherit properties from another; polymorphism, which enables methods to do different things based on the object; and abstraction, which simplifies complex systems by modeling classes based on essential properties."

3. Describe your experience with SQL and database management.

Database management is often a key component of software engineering roles.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with SQL queries, database design, and any specific database management systems you have used.

Example

"I have extensive experience with SQL Server, where I designed and optimized database schemas. I am proficient in writing complex queries, including joins and subqueries, to extract meaningful data for reporting purposes."

4. How do you approach debugging a complex software issue?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

"When debugging a complex issue, I first try to reproduce the problem consistently. I then use logging and debugging tools to trace the execution flow and identify where things go wrong. I also consult documentation and collaborate with team members to gather different perspectives."

5. What is your experience with Agile methodologies?

Agile is a common framework in software development, and familiarity with it is often expected.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience working in Agile teams, including your role in sprints, stand-ups, and retrospectives.

Example

"I have worked in Agile teams for over three years, participating in daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions. I find that Agile methodologies promote collaboration and adaptability, which are essential for delivering high-quality software."

Behavioral Questions

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

This question assesses problem-solving and resilience.

How to Answer

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

Example

"In a previous project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized a team meeting to reassess our priorities and delegated tasks based on each member's strengths. We worked overtime and successfully delivered the project on time, which resulted in positive feedback from the client."

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Team dynamics are important, and conflict resolution skills are valuable.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

"When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. I encourage open dialogue to understand different perspectives and work towards a compromise. For instance, in a recent project, two team members disagreed on the implementation approach. I facilitated a discussion where each could present their viewpoint, and we ultimately reached a consensus that combined the best elements of both ideas."

3. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

Understanding your motivation can help assess cultural fit.

How to Answer

Share your passion for technology and problem-solving, and how it aligns with the company's mission.

Example

"I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create software that improves people's lives. I am particularly drawn to Johnson Controls because of its commitment to innovation in building automation and energy efficiency."

4. If we were to ask your colleagues about your biggest strength and weakness, what would they say?

This question assesses self-awareness and honesty.

How to Answer

Identify a genuine strength and a weakness, and discuss how you are working to improve it.

Example

"My colleagues would likely say my biggest strength is my attention to detail, which helps ensure high-quality code. However, they might also mention that I can be overly critical of my work. I am actively working on this by seeking feedback from peers to gain perspective and build confidence in my decisions."

5. Why do you want to join Johnson Controls?

This question assesses your interest in the company and role.

How to Answer

Discuss your alignment with the company's values and how you can contribute to its goals.

Example

"I want to join Johnson Controls because I admire its commitment to sustainability and innovation in building technologies. I believe my skills in software development and my passion for creating efficient systems align well with the company's mission to enhance building performance and comfort."