MSD Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

MSD is a global healthcare leader passionately committed to improving health and well-being through innovative solutions and a strong focus on research and development.

As a Software Engineer at MSD, you will play a vital role in developing, testing, and implementing software solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare processes. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and optimize software systems, troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, and contributing to system architecture discussions. The ideal candidate should possess strong programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, or C#, and have experience with cloud technologies and data management solutions. Additionally, a solid understanding of software development methodologies, such as Agile, will be essential. A successful Software Engineer at MSD will demonstrate adaptability, strong problem-solving abilities, and a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change in healthcare.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insight into the core competencies and values that MSD seeks, allowing you to align your experiences and skills with their expectations effectively.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at MSD is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring candidates align with the company's values and work environment. The process typically unfolds in several structured stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step involves a brief phone call with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation serves as an introduction to the company and the role, allowing candidates to share their backgrounds and motivations. The recruiter will also gauge the candidate's fit with MSD's culture and values, often asking situational questions to understand how candidates have handled past work experiences.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview. This round may involve one or more interviewers, including hiring managers or senior engineers. Candidates can expect questions that delve into their previous projects, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Topics may include programming languages, frameworks, and specific technologies relevant to the role, such as cloud solutions or data management.

3. Behavioral Assessment

In addition to technical skills, MSD places a strong emphasis on behavioral assessments. Candidates may be asked to describe past work situations, focusing on their adaptability, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills. This holistic approach helps interviewers evaluate how candidates might fit into the existing team dynamics and contribute to the company's goals.

4. Final Interview

The final stage often involves a more in-depth discussion with higher-level management or a panel of interviewers. This round may include a case study or presentation where candidates demonstrate their analytical thinking and communication skills. Interviewers will likely ask about the candidate's long-term career aspirations and how they envision contributing to MSD's projects.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a mix of technical, behavioral, and situational questions that reflect both their expertise and their alignment with MSD's mission.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages.

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

Embrace the Conversational Atmosphere

The interview process at MSD is known for its positive and open dialogue. Approach your interviews as conversations rather than formal interrogations. This mindset will help you feel more relaxed and allow your personality to shine through. Be prepared to share your experiences and insights in a way that feels natural and engaging, as interviewers are looking for a holistic understanding of who you are, not just your technical skills.

Prepare for Behavioral and Situational Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral and situational questions that assess your adaptability and interpersonal skills. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss specific situations where you demonstrated problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your actions clearly.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

While the interview process is conversational, be prepared for technical questions that delve into your previous projects and experiences. Familiarize yourself with the technologies relevant to the role, such as Java, Spring, and SQL. Be ready to discuss your technical decisions in past projects, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate not only your technical competence but also your ability to reflect on and learn from your experiences.

Understand the Company Culture

MSD values well-rounded individuals who align with their company culture. Take the time to research MSD’s mission, values, and recent initiatives. Be prepared to articulate why you want to work for MSD specifically and how your values align with theirs. This will show that you are not only interested in the role but also in contributing to the company’s overall goals.

Anticipate a Multi-Round Process

The interview process typically involves multiple rounds, including HR, technical assessments, and interviews with managers or team members. Be patient and prepared for a thorough evaluation. Use each round as an opportunity to learn more about the company and the team you may be joining. Ask insightful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company’s future.

Be Ready for Group Dynamics

Some candidates have experienced group case studies or presentations during their interviews. If this is part of your process, practice collaborating with others and presenting your ideas clearly. Demonstrating your ability to work well in a team setting will be crucial, as MSD values collaboration and diverse perspectives.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is not only courteous but also reinforces your interest in the position. If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up politely for feedback. This shows your enthusiasm and professionalism.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for MSD. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at MSD. The interview process will likely assess both technical skills and cultural fit, focusing on your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability in various situations. Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail and demonstrate your technical knowledge.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a project you worked on that you are particularly proud of? What was your role, and what challenges did you face?

This question aims to understand your hands-on experience and how you handle challenges in a project setting.

How to Answer

Highlight a specific project, your contributions, and the obstacles you overcame. Emphasize teamwork and the impact of your work.

Example

“I led a team in developing a web application for a local nonprofit. My role involved both backend development and coordinating with the design team. We faced challenges with integrating third-party APIs, but by conducting thorough research and collaborating closely, we successfully implemented the features, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement.”

Technical Skills

2. What technologies would you use for a multi-cloud solution, and why?

This question assesses your understanding of cloud technologies and your ability to make informed decisions based on project requirements.

How to Answer

Discuss specific technologies and their advantages, considering factors like scalability, cost, and performance.

Example

“For a multi-cloud solution, I would consider using AWS for its extensive services and Azure for its seamless integration with Microsoft products. This combination allows for flexibility and redundancy, ensuring high availability and disaster recovery options.”

3. Can you walk us through a specific project where you had to design and implement a data pipeline from start to finish? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?

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

How to Answer

Detail the project scope, your approach to designing the pipeline, and the specific challenges you faced, along with your solutions.

Example

“I designed a data pipeline for processing customer feedback data. The main challenge was ensuring data quality, so I implemented validation checks at each stage. By using Apache Kafka for real-time data streaming and Apache Spark for processing, we achieved a 95% accuracy rate in our analytics.”

4. What is Apache Spark, and why would you use it in a project?

This question tests your knowledge of big data technologies and their applications.

How to Answer

Explain what Apache Spark is and its benefits, particularly in handling large datasets and real-time processing.

Example

“Apache Spark is an open-source distributed computing system that provides an interface for programming entire clusters with implicit data parallelism and fault tolerance. I would use it for projects requiring fast processing of large datasets, as it significantly reduces the time needed for data analysis compared to traditional methods.”

5. How do you approach debugging a piece of code? Can you provide an example?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your methodical approach to troubleshooting.

How to Answer

Describe your debugging process, including tools and techniques you use, and provide a specific example of a debugging challenge you faced.

Example

“When debugging, I start by replicating the issue and then use logging to trace the problem. For instance, in a recent project, I encountered a memory leak. By analyzing the logs and using a profiler, I identified an unclosed database connection, which I fixed, improving the application’s performance.”

Behavioral Questions

6. Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a diverse team to achieve a common goal. How did you navigate different perspectives, and what was the outcome?

This question evaluates your teamwork and interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your ability to work with diverse individuals and how you facilitated collaboration.

Example

“I worked on a project with team members from different cultural backgrounds. To ensure everyone felt included, I organized regular check-ins where everyone could voice their opinions. This approach not only fostered a collaborative environment but also led to innovative solutions that improved our project outcomes.”

7. What is your attitude towards working with difficult team members? Can you provide an example?

This question assesses your conflict resolution skills and emotional intelligence.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to handling conflicts and provide an example of a challenging situation and how you resolved it.

Example

“I believe in addressing conflicts directly but respectfully. In a previous project, I had a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their perspective and shared my concerns. This open dialogue led to a better working relationship and improved collaboration on the project.”

8. What are your goals and plans for the first three months if you were to start this role?

This question gauges your foresight and planning abilities.

How to Answer

Outline your initial goals, focusing on learning, integration into the team, and contributing to projects.

Example

“In the first three months, I would focus on understanding the team dynamics and the current projects. I plan to set up meetings with key stakeholders to gather insights and identify areas where I can contribute effectively. Additionally, I would aim to complete any necessary training to familiarize myself with the company’s tools and processes.”

9. Can you tell us about a time you faced a significant challenge at work and how you overcame it?

This question assesses your resilience and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Choose a specific challenge, explain the context, and detail the steps you took to overcome it.

Example

“During a critical project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized a series of focused sprints, prioritized tasks, and delegated responsibilities based on team strengths. This approach allowed us to meet the deadline while maintaining quality, ultimately leading to positive feedback from the client.”

10. Why do you want to work for MSD, and what do you hope to achieve in this role?

This question evaluates your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Express your interest in the company and how the role aligns with your career goals.

Example

“I admire MSD’s commitment to innovation and improving healthcare outcomes. I want to contribute my software engineering skills to develop solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives. In this role, I hope to grow my technical expertise while collaborating with talented professionals who share my passion for technology and healthcare.”