Novartis Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Novartis is a global healthcare company focused on reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives through innovative drug discovery and development.

As a Software Engineer at Novartis, you will play a critical role in the Biomedical Research (BR) division, which is dedicated to pioneering new therapeutic solutions. Your primary responsibilities will include building and maintaining software solutions that support drug discovery efforts, ensuring a seamless user experience, and enhancing the integration of data and software engineering. You will work closely with product teams and business stakeholders to define technical solutions that align with the strategic goals of the organization.

Key skills for success in this role include a strong foundation in software design and architecture, experience in data science applications, and the ability to foster a collaborative and innovative team environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and a culture of continuous improvement. Novartis values leaders who can inspire creativity and challenge the status quo while promoting an inclusive and empowering workplace.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by offering insights into the expectations and responsibilities of a Software Engineer at Novartis, along with tips on how to align your experiences with the company’s values and mission.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Novartis is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is usually conducted via a phone call with a recruiter. During this conversation, the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. They will also inquire about your compensation expectations and motivations for applying to the position. This step is crucial for determining if you align with Novartis' values and mission.

2. First Round Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a first-round interview. This interview is often conducted over the phone and focuses on assessing your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Expect to discuss your previous experiences, particularly those relevant to software engineering and drug discovery. The interviewer may also explore your understanding of software development methodologies and your approach to collaboration within a team.

3. Second Round Interview

The second round usually involves a more in-depth technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing. In this round, you will likely face technical challenges or coding exercises that test your proficiency in relevant programming languages and software engineering principles. Additionally, you may be asked to demonstrate your ability to design software solutions that align with the needs of biomedical research.

4. Final Interview with Hiring Manager

The final step in the interview process is a call with the hiring manager. This conversation is designed to evaluate your fit within the team and your alignment with Novartis' strategic goals. The hiring manager will discuss your potential contributions to the team, your leadership capabilities, and how you can support the company's mission of improving patient outcomes through innovative drug discovery.

As you prepare for these interviews, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will assess both your technical expertise and your ability to thrive in Novartis' collaborative environment.

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

Understand the Role's Impact on Drug Discovery

As a Software Engineer at Novartis, your work directly contributes to the innovative drug discovery process. Familiarize yourself with how software solutions can enhance research capabilities and improve user experiences for scientists. Be prepared to discuss how your technical skills can support the mission of discovering new medicines and how you can contribute to the overall goals of the Biomedical Research team.

Emphasize Collaboration and Co-Leadership

Novartis values a collaborative environment, especially in a matrix organization. Highlight your experience working in cross-functional teams and your ability to co-lead projects. Be ready to share examples of how you have successfully collaborated with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals. This will demonstrate your alignment with the company’s emphasis on teamwork and shared vision.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

Given the technical nature of the role, ensure you are well-versed in the relevant programming languages, software development methodologies, and tools that are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Agile and DevOps practices, as well as any specific technologies that are relevant to the drug discovery process. This will show your readiness to contribute to the engineering excellence that Novartis strives for.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Focus on instances where you have challenged the status quo or taken smart risks to drive innovation. This aligns with Novartis's commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment and mutual support.

Align with Novartis's Values

Familiarize yourself with Novartis's mission to reimagine medicine and their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company’s culture. Share experiences that demonstrate your commitment to integrity, collaboration, and creating an inclusive environment. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you are a cultural fit.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, the specific challenges the engineering department is currently facing, and how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your genuine interest in the position but also helps you assess if Novartis is the right fit for you.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After the interview, send a thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This leaves a positive impression and reinforces your interest in joining the Novartis team.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to showcase your skills and fit for the Software Engineer role at Novartis. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Novartis. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your fit within the collaborative and innovative culture of the company. Be prepared to discuss your experience in software development, data management, and your approach to teamwork and leadership.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with software development methodologies, particularly Agile and DevOps?

Understanding Agile and DevOps is crucial for this role, as Novartis emphasizes these methodologies in their engineering practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with Agile and DevOps principles, including how you've applied them in past projects to enhance collaboration and efficiency.

Example

“I have worked extensively with Agile methodologies, leading sprints and facilitating daily stand-ups to ensure team alignment. In my previous role, I implemented DevOps practices that reduced deployment times by 30%, allowing for quicker feedback loops and improved product quality.”

2. What programming languages are you proficient in, and how have you applied them in your projects?

This question assesses your technical expertise and ability to contribute to the software solutions at Novartis.

How to Answer

Mention the programming languages you are most comfortable with and provide examples of projects where you utilized these languages effectively.

Example

“I am proficient in Python and Java, having used Python for data analysis and machine learning projects, while Java has been my go-to for building scalable web applications. In a recent project, I developed a data visualization tool in Python that helped our team make data-driven decisions.”

3. How do you ensure the quality and security of the software you develop?

Quality and security are paramount in the pharmaceutical industry, and Novartis will want to know your approach to these aspects.

How to Answer

Explain your strategies for maintaining software quality, such as code reviews, automated testing, and adherence to security protocols.

Example

“I prioritize quality by implementing a robust testing framework that includes unit tests and integration tests. Additionally, I conduct regular code reviews and stay updated on security best practices to ensure our software complies with industry standards.”

4. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a technical challenge, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome of your efforts.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced performance issues due to inefficient database queries. I conducted a thorough analysis, optimized the queries, and implemented indexing strategies, which improved the application’s response time by over 50%.”

5. How do you approach learning new technologies or programming languages?

Continuous learning is essential in the tech field, and Novartis values innovation and adaptability.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for staying current with technology trends and how you integrate new knowledge into your work.

Example

“I regularly participate in online courses and attend tech meetups to learn about emerging technologies. Recently, I took a course on cloud computing, which I applied to a project that involved migrating our application to AWS, enhancing its scalability.”

Collaboration and Leadership

1. How do you foster a collaborative environment within your team?

Collaboration is key at Novartis, and they will want to know how you contribute to a positive team dynamic.

How to Answer

Share your strategies for promoting teamwork, communication, and mutual support among team members.

Example

“I encourage open communication by holding regular team meetings and creating a safe space for feedback. I also implement team-building activities that help strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging.”

2. Describe a time when you had to lead a project. What was your approach?

This question assesses your leadership skills and ability to manage projects effectively.

How to Answer

Outline your leadership style and provide an example of a project you led, including the challenges faced and how you overcame them.

Example

“I led a cross-functional team to develop a new software tool. I set clear goals, delegated tasks based on team members’ strengths, and maintained open lines of communication. This approach resulted in the project being completed ahead of schedule and receiving positive feedback from stakeholders.”

3. How do you handle conflicts within your team?

Conflict resolution is an important skill in any collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to addressing conflicts, emphasizing communication and understanding.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I facilitate a discussion between the parties involved to understand their perspectives. I encourage them to express their concerns openly and work together to find a mutually agreeable solution, which often leads to stronger team cohesion.”

4. What strategies do you use to mentor junior team members?

Mentorship is a key aspect of leadership, and Novartis values the development of its associates.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to mentoring, including how you provide guidance and support to less experienced colleagues.

Example

“I take a hands-on approach to mentoring by pairing with junior developers on projects, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging them to take ownership of their tasks. I also share resources and encourage them to ask questions, fostering a culture of continuous learning.”

5. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment like Novartis.

How to Answer

Describe your methods for prioritizing tasks and ensuring that deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Example

“I use a combination of task management tools and prioritization techniques, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps me focus on high-impact activities while ensuring that I meet project deadlines.”