National Instruments Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

National Instruments is a global leader in automated test and measurement systems, providing innovative solutions that empower engineers and scientists to solve their toughest challenges.

As a Software Engineer at National Instruments, you'll be instrumental in developing and maintaining software solutions that enhance the functionality of the company's hardware products. Key responsibilities include designing, coding, and testing software applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, and ensuring that software meets performance and quality standards. You will also be expected to troubleshoot and debug issues, optimize code for performance, and contribute to the software development lifecycle through rigorous documentation and version control practices.

Ideal candidates for this role possess a strong foundation in computer science principles, including data structures and algorithms, as well as proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java. Experience with software development methodologies, debugging techniques, and problem-solving skills are essential. A collaborative mindset and effective communication skills are also critical, as you'll be working closely with engineers from various disciplines to deliver integrated solutions that align with the company's commitment to innovation and excellence.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the types of questions you might encounter and the skills and experiences that National Instruments values in its Software Engineers.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at National Instruments is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. The process typically unfolds in several distinct stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step usually involves a phone screening with a recruiter. This conversation is aimed at understanding your qualifications, experiences, and motivations for applying to National Instruments. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates often undergo a technical assessment. This may include an online coding test, such as a HackerRank round, where you will be asked to solve problems related to data structures and algorithms. Expect questions that test your knowledge of arrays, strings, and dynamic programming. The assessment is designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills and coding proficiency.

3. Behavioral Interview

After successfully passing the technical assessment, candidates typically participate in a behavioral interview. This round focuses on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Interviewers may ask situational questions to gauge your interpersonal skills and cultural fit within the team.

4. Onsite Interview

The final stage often consists of an onsite interview, which may be a marathon session with multiple back-to-back interviews. During this phase, you will meet with various team members, including potential peers and managers. Expect a mix of technical questions, coding exercises, and discussions about your previous projects. This round is crucial for assessing both your technical capabilities and your ability to collaborate with others.

5. HR Round

If you successfully navigate the technical and behavioral interviews, you may have a final HR round. This conversation typically covers logistical details such as salary expectations, benefits, and any remaining questions you may have about the company.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that reflect the skills and experiences relevant to the Software Engineer role at National Instruments.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at National Instruments typically consists of multiple rounds, including aptitude tests, coding challenges, and technical interviews. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Expect a mix of behavioral and technical questions, and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills through coding exercises. Knowing the format will help you manage your time and stress levels during the interview.

Master the Fundamentals

Brush up on your core programming skills, particularly in languages like C++, Python, and Java. Be prepared to answer questions related to data structures and algorithms, as these are frequently tested. Focus on understanding concepts such as arrays, strings, dynamic programming, and graph theory. Practice coding problems on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode to build your confidence and speed.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

National Instruments values candidates who can communicate effectively and work well in teams. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences, particularly those that highlight your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process clearly.

Showcase Your Projects

During the interview, you may be asked about your past projects. Be prepared to discuss the technical challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work. Highlight any relevant experience that aligns with the role you are applying for, and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making.

Practice Coding on a Whiteboard

Some interviews may require you to solve coding problems on a whiteboard or in a shared coding environment. Practice articulating your thought process as you code, as interviewers will be interested in how you approach problems, not just the final solution. This will also help you become comfortable with explaining your code and reasoning to others.

Be Ready for Technical Depth

Expect in-depth technical questions that may require you to explain complex concepts or algorithms. Review key topics in computer science, such as object-oriented programming, operating systems, and database management systems. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.

Stay Calm and Collected

Interviews can be stressful, but maintaining a calm demeanor is crucial. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think before responding. It’s okay to ask for clarification or to talk through your thought process. This shows that you are thoughtful and methodical in your approach.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Show genuine interest in the company and the role by asking insightful questions during your interview. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Inquire about team dynamics, project methodologies, and opportunities for professional growth within the organization.

Follow Up

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and to mention any key points from the interview that you feel are worth highlighting. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your interview at National Instruments with confidence and clarity. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at National Instruments. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software engineering principles. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge in data structures, algorithms, and programming languages, as well as your ability to work collaboratively and handle real-world engineering challenges.

Technical Skills

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

Understanding fundamental data structures is crucial for a software engineer role.

How to Answer

Discuss the definitions of both data structures, their operations, and typical use cases. Highlight the differences in how they handle data.

Example

“A stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) structure, where the last element added is the first to be removed. In contrast, a queue operates on a First In First Out (FIFO) basis, 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.”

2. Describe a time you optimized a piece of code. What was the original problem, and how did you improve it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to enhance performance.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the initial issue, the steps you took to optimize the code, and the results of your changes.

Example

“I was working on a sorting algorithm that was taking too long to execute on large datasets. I analyzed the time complexity and realized I could switch from a bubble sort to a quicksort algorithm. This change reduced the execution time from several seconds to milliseconds, significantly improving the application’s performance.”

3. How would you implement a function to reverse a linked list?

This question tests your understanding of data structures and algorithms.

How to Answer

Explain the approach you would take, including any relevant code snippets or pseudocode.

Example

“To reverse a linked list, I would use an iterative approach. I would maintain three pointers: previous, current, and next. As I traverse the list, I would adjust the pointers to reverse the links until I reach the end of the list.”

4. What is dynamic programming, and can you provide an example of a problem that can be solved using it?

Dynamic programming is a key concept in algorithm design.

How to Answer

Define dynamic programming and explain its principles. Provide a specific problem and how you would apply dynamic programming to solve it.

Example

“Dynamic programming is a method for solving complex problems by breaking them down into simpler subproblems. A classic example is the Fibonacci sequence, where instead of recalculating values, I would store previously computed results in an array to avoid redundant calculations.”

5. Can you explain the concept of object-oriented programming and its four main principles?

Understanding OOP is essential for software development.

How to Answer

Discuss the four main principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction, providing brief definitions and examples for each.

Example

“Object-oriented programming is based on the concept of objects, which can contain data and methods. The four main principles are encapsulation, which restricts access to certain components; 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.”

Problem Solving

1. How would you approach debugging a complex issue in a software application?

This question evaluates your analytical and troubleshooting skills.

How to Answer

Outline a systematic approach to debugging, including identifying the problem, isolating the cause, and testing potential solutions.

Example

“I would start by reproducing the issue to understand its context. Then, I would use logging to gather more information about the state of the application at the time of the error. After isolating the problematic code, I would test various hypotheses to identify the root cause and implement a fix, followed by thorough testing to ensure the issue is resolved.”

2. Describe a challenging project you worked on. What was your role, and what did you learn?

This question assesses your experience and ability to reflect on your work.

How to Answer

Choose a specific project, describe your contributions, and highlight the lessons learned.

Example

“I worked on a team project to develop a real-time data processing application. My role involved designing the architecture and implementing the backend services. I learned the importance of clear communication and collaboration, as well as the need for thorough testing to ensure reliability in a production environment.”

3. How do you prioritize 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 frameworks or tools you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact. I often use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither. This helps me focus on what truly matters and allocate my time effectively.”

4. Can you explain a time when you had to work with a difficult team member? How did you handle it?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate conflict.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on your approach to resolving the conflict and maintaining a productive working relationship.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our differences and understand their perspective. By actively listening and finding common ground, we were able to collaborate more effectively and improve our project outcomes.”

5. What strategies do you use to stay current with new technologies and programming languages?

This question evaluates your commitment to professional development.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for learning and staying updated, such as online courses, reading, or attending conferences.

Example

“I regularly follow industry blogs and participate in online forums to stay informed about new technologies. I also take online courses to learn new programming languages and frameworks, and I attend local meetups to network with other professionals and share knowledge.”