Lincoln Financial Group Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Lincoln Financial Group is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses plan, protect, and retire with confidence, serving approximately 17 million customers across various financial services.

The Software Engineer role at Lincoln Financial Group is a hands-on position focused on application development within their Employer Benefits & Insurance Technology (InsurTech) team. This role involves owning and managing the full lifecycle of web applications, from initial analysis and design to coding, debugging, and testing. Engineers in this role will primarily utilize Java and Spring Boot, along with front-end frameworks like Angular or React, to develop innovative solutions that enhance connections between internal systems and external partner platforms via real-time APIs.

Candidates should possess strong communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Familiarity with DevOps practices, cloud technologies, and REST API development is crucial. Additionally, experience in Agile methodologies and a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration will align well with Lincoln Financial Group's commitment to fostering a productive and innovative work environment.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the company culture, enabling you to showcase your skills and fit for the position.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Lincoln Financial Group is structured and thorough, reflecting the company's commitment to finding the right fit for their technical teams. The process typically includes several stages, each designed to assess different aspects of a candidate's skills and experiences.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step in the interview process is an initial phone screen, usually conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 20-30 minutes and focuses on your resume, background, and general fit for the company. The recruiter will ask about your experience with software development, particularly in Java and related technologies, as well as your interest in the role and the company.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conference and involves a deeper dive into your technical skills. Expect questions related to Java, Spring Boot, and front-end frameworks like Angular or React. You may also be asked to solve coding problems or discuss your approach to software design and architecture. This stage is crucial for demonstrating your technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.

3. In-Person or Virtual Panel Interview

The next step often involves a panel interview, which can be conducted in person or virtually. This round usually includes multiple interviewers, such as team members and managers. The focus here is on both technical and behavioral questions. You may be asked to present a business case or discuss past projects in detail, showcasing your ability to communicate complex solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences. This round may also include discussions about your experience with APIs, cloud technologies, and DevOps practices.

4. Final Interview

The final interview is typically a comprehensive session that may last several hours. It often includes one-on-one interviews with senior management and team leads. During this stage, you will likely be asked to present a case study or a project you have worked on, demonstrating your thought process and technical skills. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics, company culture, and future projects.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If you successfully navigate the previous stages, you may receive a job offer. This stage includes discussions about salary, benefits, and other employment terms. Lincoln Financial Group values transparency and will provide you with a clear understanding of the compensation package and growth opportunities within the company.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will assess both your technical skills and your fit within the company culture. Here are some of the questions that candidates have encountered during the interview process.

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

Prepare for a Lengthy Process

The interview process at Lincoln Financial Group can be extensive, often involving multiple rounds of interviews, both over the phone and in person. Be ready for a thorough evaluation of your skills and experiences. To prepare, practice discussing your resume in detail and be ready to articulate your past projects and how they relate to the role. Familiarize yourself with the company’s products and services, especially those related to the InsurTech team, as this will help you connect your experience to their needs.

Master the Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, you will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in Java and Spring Boot, as well as front-end frameworks like Angular or React. Brush up on your coding skills and be prepared to solve technical problems on the spot. You may encounter questions that test your understanding of REST APIs and cloud technologies, so ensure you can discuss these topics confidently. Consider practicing coding challenges that reflect the types of problems you might face in the role.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect to answer behavioral questions that assess your soft skills and cultural fit. Questions like "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in a project" or "How do you handle tight deadlines?" are common. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, providing clear examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are essential for this role, as you will need to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. During the interview, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you have effectively communicated in past roles, especially in collaborative environments.

Understand the Company Culture

Lincoln Financial Group values diversity, inclusion, and employee empowerment. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a positive workplace culture and how you can support the company’s goals.

Prepare for a Presentation

Some candidates have reported that part of the interview process includes presenting a business case. If this applies to you, take the time to prepare a clear and engaging presentation. Focus on structuring your content logically, using visuals where appropriate, and practicing your delivery to ensure you can present confidently.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, send a thoughtful thank-you email to your interviewers. Mention specific points from your conversation that resonated with you and reiterate your interest in the position. This not only shows your appreciation but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and demonstrate that you are a strong candidate for the Software Engineer position at Lincoln Financial Group. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Lincoln Financial Group. The interview process is known to be thorough, often involving multiple rounds that assess both technical and soft skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with software development, problem-solving abilities, and how they can contribute to the team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the software development lifecycle and your experience with it?

Understanding the software development lifecycle is crucial for a Software Engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with each phase of the lifecycle, emphasizing your hands-on experience in various roles.

Example

“I have worked through all phases of the software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment. In my last project, I was involved in both the design and testing phases, ensuring that the application met user needs and was free of critical bugs before launch.”

2. Describe your experience with Java and Spring Boot.

Java and Spring Boot are essential for this role, so be prepared to discuss your proficiency.

How to Answer

Highlight specific projects where you utilized Java and Spring Boot, focusing on your contributions and the outcomes.

Example

“I have over five years of experience using Java and Spring Boot to develop RESTful APIs. In my previous role, I led a project that improved the performance of our API by 30% through effective caching strategies and optimizing database queries.”

3. How do you approach debugging a complex application?

Debugging is a critical skill for any software engineer.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“When debugging, I first replicate the issue to understand its context. I then use logging and debugging tools to trace the problem. For instance, in a recent project, I identified a memory leak using profiling tools, which helped us optimize resource usage significantly.”

4. Can you discuss your experience with REST APIs?

APIs are a key component of modern software applications.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of how you have designed or consumed REST APIs in your projects.

Example

“I have designed and implemented several REST APIs for internal applications, ensuring they follow best practices for security and performance. One of my APIs reduced data retrieval time by 40% by implementing pagination and filtering.”

5. What front-end frameworks have you worked with, and how do they integrate with back-end services?

Understanding front-end frameworks is important for full-stack development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with specific frameworks and how you have integrated them with back-end services.

Example

“I have worked extensively with Angular and React. In my last project, I used Angular to build a dynamic user interface that communicated with our Spring Boot back-end via RESTful services, ensuring a seamless user experience.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Why do you want to work at Lincoln Financial Group?

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 goals.

Example

“I admire Lincoln Financial Group’s commitment to empowering customers. I believe my skills in software development can contribute to enhancing the user experience for your insurance products, ultimately helping customers make informed decisions.”

2. Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific project, outline the challenges faced, and explain how you addressed them.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced tight deadlines and resource constraints. I organized daily stand-ups to improve communication and reallocated tasks based on team strengths, which helped us deliver the project on time without compromising quality.”

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing your workload effectively.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and prioritization frameworks like MoSCoW to manage my tasks. This allows me to focus on high-impact items while remaining flexible to adapt to changing project needs.”

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

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I initiated a code review process in my last team, which not only improved code quality but also fostered knowledge sharing among team members. This led to a 20% reduction in bugs reported post-deployment.”

5. What are your expectations of this role?

Understanding your expectations helps gauge your fit within the team.

How to Answer

Be honest about what you hope to achieve and how you see yourself growing in the role.

Example

“I expect to take on challenging projects that allow me to leverage my technical skills while also learning from my peers. I’m eager to contribute to innovative solutions that enhance customer experiences at Lincoln.”