McKesson Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

McKesson is a Fortune 10 company that plays a vital role in the healthcare sector, dedicated to delivering insights, products, and services that enhance accessibility and affordability in patient care.

As a Software Engineer at McKesson, you will be part of a dynamic team that focuses on developing scalable and high-availability applications within a cloud-first environment. You will be responsible for the entire software development lifecycle, from designing and building cloud-hosted APIs and web applications to collaborating with product and Agile teams for user story creation and refinement. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in object-oriented programming languages such as .NET or Java, with a solid understanding of microservices architecture and RESTful applications. Key responsibilities include ensuring high-quality delivery through unit and integration testing, modernizing legacy systems, mentoring team members, and addressing performance and scalability issues.

To excel in this role, you should have a collaborative mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. A passion for healthcare technology and an understanding of Agile methodologies will also serve you well. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to prepare effectively for your interview, helping you stand out as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer position at McKesson.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at McKesson is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and experience.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 30-minute phone interview conducted by a recruiter. This initial screen focuses on understanding your background, experience, and motivations for applying to McKesson. Expect questions about your resume, previous projects, and general software engineering principles. This is also an opportunity for you to ask about the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates usually participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing tools like WebEx. This interview typically involves a mix of theoretical questions related to software development, coding challenges, and discussions about your past projects. You may be asked to explain your approach to problem-solving and to demonstrate your understanding of various programming languages and frameworks relevant to the position.

3. Onsite Interview

The onsite interview is a more in-depth evaluation that often includes multiple rounds with different team members. This may consist of one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, and practical coding exercises. Candidates can expect to engage in technical discussions about software architecture, design patterns, and specific technologies used at McKesson, such as cloud services and database management. Behavioral questions will also be a part of this stage, focusing on teamwork, conflict resolution, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with senior management or team leads. This stage is less technical and more focused on assessing your alignment with McKesson's values and long-term goals. Expect to discuss your career aspirations, how you can contribute to the team, and your thoughts on the healthcare industry.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will test both your technical knowledge and your ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at McKesson typically involves a phone screen followed by one or more technical interviews. Be prepared for a mix of behavioral and technical questions, focusing on your past experiences and projects. Familiarize yourself with the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and be ready to discuss how you've applied it in your previous roles. Knowing the structure will help you manage your time and responses effectively.

Highlight Relevant Experience

When discussing your background, emphasize your experience with cloud technologies, particularly Azure, as well as your proficiency in languages like Java or .NET. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you utilized these technologies, focusing on your contributions and the impact of your work. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Prepare for Technical Questions

While coding challenges may not be the primary focus, you should still be ready to answer theoretical questions related to software engineering principles, design patterns, and database management. Brush up on your knowledge of SQL, RESTful APIs, and microservices architecture, as these are critical to the role. Additionally, be prepared to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and how you've contributed to team dynamics in a collaborative environment.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

McKesson values candidates who can think critically and solve problems effectively. Be ready to share examples of challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.

Emphasize Team Collaboration

Given the collaborative culture at McKesson, it's essential to demonstrate your ability to work well in teams. Prepare examples that showcase your teamwork skills, such as how you've mentored junior developers or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to adapt to different team dynamics.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to inquire about the team culture, ongoing projects, and how success is measured within the role. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you assess if McKesson is the right fit for you.

Be Authentic and Personable

McKesson values a culture of care and empowerment. Be yourself during the interview and let your passion for software engineering and healthcare shine through. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates and help you connect with your interviewers on a personal level.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is well-prepared to contribute to McKesson's mission of improving healthcare through technology. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at McKesson. The interview process will focus on your technical skills, experience with software development methodologies, and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, coding practices, and how you approach problem-solving.

Technical Skills

1. What is your favorite programming language and why?

This question aims to understand your preferences and expertise in programming languages.

How to Answer

Discuss your favorite language, highlighting its strengths and how it aligns with your development style. Mention specific projects where you utilized this language effectively.

Example

"My favorite programming language is Java because of its versatility and strong community support. I have used it extensively in developing scalable applications, particularly in a microservices architecture, which has allowed me to build robust and maintainable systems."

2. Can you explain the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)?

This question assesses your understanding of the processes involved in software development.

How to Answer

Outline the stages of the SDLC, emphasizing the importance of each phase in delivering quality software. Mention any specific methodologies you have experience with, such as Agile or Waterfall.

Example

"The Software Development Lifecycle consists of several phases: requirement analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. I primarily work in Agile environments, where we iterate through these phases rapidly, allowing for continuous feedback and improvement."

3. Describe a project where you implemented a microservices architecture.

This question evaluates your practical experience with modern software design principles.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of the project, the challenges faced, and how you applied microservices to solve them. Highlight the benefits achieved through this architecture.

Example

"I worked on a healthcare application where we transitioned from a monolithic architecture to microservices. This allowed us to scale individual components independently, improving performance and reducing downtime during updates. We used Docker for containerization and Kubernetes for orchestration, which streamlined our deployment process."

4. What are some common design patterns you have used?

This question tests your knowledge of software design principles.

How to Answer

Mention specific design patterns you have implemented, explaining their purpose and how they improved your codebase.

Example

"I frequently use the Singleton and Factory design patterns. The Singleton pattern ensures a class has only one instance, which is useful for managing shared resources. The Factory pattern allows for the creation of objects without specifying the exact class, promoting loose coupling in my applications."

5. How do you ensure code quality during development?

This question assesses your approach to maintaining high standards in your code.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for code reviews, testing, and using tools for static analysis. Emphasize the importance of collaboration in maintaining code quality.

Example

"I ensure code quality by conducting regular code reviews with my team and utilizing automated testing frameworks. I also use tools like SonarQube for static code analysis to catch potential issues early in the development process."

Behavioral Questions

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

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the challenge, your approach to resolving it, and the outcome.

Example

"In a previous project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized a series of focused meetings with the team to prioritize tasks and reallocate resources. By improving our communication and collaboration, we successfully delivered the project on time."

2. How do you handle disagreements with team members?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing open communication and finding common ground.

Example

"When disagreements arise, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. I encourage open discussions to understand different perspectives and work towards a compromise that aligns with our project goals."

3. Can you give an example of how you mentored a junior developer?

This question evaluates your leadership and mentoring abilities.

How to Answer

Describe a specific instance where you provided guidance, focusing on the impact it had on the junior developer's growth.

Example

"I mentored a junior developer by pairing with them on a challenging project. I guided them through best practices in coding and encouraged them to ask questions. Over time, I saw their confidence grow, and they became a valuable contributor to the team."

4. What motivates you to work in the healthcare industry?

This question assesses your passion and commitment to the field.

How to Answer

Share your personal motivations and how they align with the mission of McKesson.

Example

"I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives through technology. Working in healthcare allows me to contribute to solutions that improve patient care and accessibility, which is incredibly fulfilling."

5. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in software development?

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for staying informed, such as attending conferences, participating in online courses, or following industry leaders.

Example

"I stay updated by regularly attending tech meetups and webinars, as well as following influential blogs and podcasts in the software development community. I also participate in online courses to learn new technologies that can enhance my skill set."