Orbitz Worldwide Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Orbitz Worldwide is a leading online travel agency that provides a platform for travelers to book flights, hotels, and other travel-related services.

As a Software Engineer at Orbitz, you will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining software applications that enhance the customer experience on the platform. Your key responsibilities will include designing, coding, testing, and deploying software solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and implement features that align with business objectives. A strong understanding of data structures and algorithms is essential, as you will regularly tackle technical challenges that require optimized coding and efficient problem-solving skills.

In this role, you will also be expected to demonstrate a passion for technology and innovation, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. Familiarity with various programming languages and frameworks will be beneficial, and a proactive approach to learning and adapting to new technologies will set you apart as a candidate.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by highlighting the specific skills and qualities that Orbitz values in a Software Engineer, as well as providing insight into the types of questions you may encounter during the interview process. By understanding the company's culture and expectations, you will be better equipped to showcase your fit for the role.

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

Emphasize Your Passion and Teamwork

Orbitz values a collaborative and friendly work environment. During your behavioral interview, be sure to express your passion for software engineering and how it aligns with the company's mission. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, highlighting your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues. This will demonstrate that you not only have the technical skills but also the interpersonal qualities that fit well with Orbitz's culture.

Prepare for a Mix of Technical and Behavioral Questions

Expect a balanced interview format that includes both technical and behavioral questions. Brush up on your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and coding challenges, as these are frequently tested. However, don't neglect the behavioral aspect; be ready to discuss your past experiences, particularly those that showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Prepare to answer questions about your most challenging projects and how you handle conflicts within a team.

Practice Problem-Solving Under Pressure

Interviews at Orbitz often include coding challenges that require you to think on your feet. Practice solving problems within a time limit to simulate the interview environment. Focus on common algorithms and data structures, such as binary trees and hashmaps, as well as optimization techniques. Be prepared to explain your thought process clearly while coding, as interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning.

Be Ready for Brain Teasers and Hypothetical Scenarios

In addition to technical questions, you may encounter brainteasers or hypothetical scenarios that test your critical thinking. For example, you might be asked about the direction of the Earth's rotation from a specific viewpoint. Approach these questions with a calm demeanor, and don't hesitate to think aloud as you work through your reasoning. This will help the interviewer understand your thought process and problem-solving approach.

Show Your Adaptability and Learning Mindset

Orbitz looks for candidates who can adapt to new challenges and learn quickly. Be prepared to discuss instances where you've had to learn new technologies or methodologies on the job. Highlight your willingness to embrace change and your strategies for staying current in the fast-evolving tech landscape. This will demonstrate that you are not only a capable engineer but also a proactive learner who can thrive in a dynamic environment.

Follow Up with Gratitude and Enthusiasm

After your interview, send a follow-up email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role. Mention specific aspects of the interview that you enjoyed or found particularly engaging. This not only shows your professionalism but also reinforces your interest in the position and the company.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at Orbitz Worldwide. Good luck!

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

1. Initial Screening

The process usually begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your resume, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying to Orbitz. The recruiter will also gauge your fit for the company culture and provide insights into what it’s like to work at Orbitz.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates often undergo a technical assessment. This may take place over the phone or via a coding platform, where you will be asked to solve programming problems in real-time. Expect questions that test your understanding of data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills. Common topics include binary trees, hashmaps, and graph algorithms. You may also encounter brainteasers or hypothetical scenarios that require logical reasoning.

3. Onsite Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment are typically invited for onsite interviews. This stage usually consists of multiple rounds, including both technical and behavioral interviews. The technical interviews will delve deeper into your coding abilities, often requiring you to write code on a whiteboard or in an online collaborative environment. You may be asked to optimize code, implement algorithms, or discuss your previous projects in detail.

The behavioral interviews focus on your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Expect questions about your past experiences, how you work in a team, and your approach to conflict resolution. The interviewers will be looking for evidence of your passion for technology and your ability to fit into the Orbitz culture.

4. Final Evaluation

After the onsite interviews, the hiring team will convene to discuss your performance across all rounds. They will consider both your technical skills and your fit within the team and company culture. Candidates can expect to receive feedback relatively quickly, although the timeline may vary depending on the number of candidates being evaluated.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during the process.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Orbitz Worldwide. The interview process will likely assess both your technical skills and your ability to fit within the company culture. Be prepared to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, coding skills, and how you work in a team environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain how you would implement a hash table?

This question tests your understanding of data structures and algorithms, specifically hash tables, which are commonly used in software engineering.

How to Answer

Discuss the key components of a hash table, including how to handle collisions and the importance of choosing an appropriate hash function.

Example

“I would implement a hash table using an array to store the values and a hash function to map keys to indices. To handle collisions, I would use chaining, where each index points to a linked list of entries that hash to the same index. This allows for efficient retrieval and insertion of key-value pairs.”

2. How would you determine if a binary tree is balanced?

This question assesses your knowledge of tree data structures and algorithms.

How to Answer

Explain the concept of a balanced binary tree and describe an algorithm to check for balance, such as using a depth-first search.

Example

“To determine if a binary tree is balanced, I would perform a depth-first search to calculate the height of each subtree. If the height difference between the left and right subtrees exceeds one at any node, the tree is unbalanced. This can be done in O(n) time complexity.”

3. Describe how you would optimize a given piece of code.

This question evaluates your ability to analyze and improve existing code.

How to Answer

Discuss the importance of identifying bottlenecks and the techniques you would use to optimize performance, such as reducing time complexity or improving memory usage.

Example

“I would start by profiling the code to identify slow sections. For instance, if I found a nested loop that could be simplified, I would refactor it to reduce the time complexity from O(n^2) to O(n). Additionally, I would consider using more efficient data structures to improve lookup times.”

4. Given two strings, how would you determine if they are anagrams?

This question tests your string manipulation skills and understanding of algorithms.

How to Answer

Explain the approach you would take to compare the two strings, such as sorting or using a frequency count.

Example

“I would create a frequency count of each character in both strings. If the counts match for all characters, the strings are anagrams. This approach runs in O(n) time complexity, which is efficient for this problem.”

5. How would you implement a Least Recently Used (LRU) cache?

This question assesses your understanding of caching mechanisms and data structures.

How to Answer

Discuss the combination of data structures you would use, such as a hash map and a doubly linked list, to achieve O(1) time complexity for both get and put operations.

Example

“I would use a hash map to store the keys and their corresponding nodes in a doubly linked list. The linked list would maintain the order of usage, allowing me to quickly remove the least recently used item when the cache exceeds its capacity. This ensures both get and put operations are O(1).”

Behavioral Questions

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

This question aims to understand your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your role, the challenges faced, and the strategies you employed to overcome them.

Example

“In my last project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized daily stand-up meetings to ensure clear communication and prioritized tasks effectively. By reallocating resources and focusing on critical features, we successfully delivered the project on time.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and understanding different perspectives.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly but respectfully. I would initiate a conversation with the involved parties to understand their viewpoints and work towards a compromise. This approach fosters a collaborative environment and helps maintain team cohesion.”

3. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

This question seeks to understand your passion for the field and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Share your enthusiasm for technology and problem-solving, and how these drive your career choices.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create impactful software. The ever-evolving nature of technology excites me, and I enjoy learning new skills to stay ahead in the field.”

4. Can you give an example of a time you led a team?

This question evaluates your leadership skills and ability to guide others.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that illustrates your leadership style and the outcomes achieved.

Example

“I led a team during a critical project where we had to develop a new feature under a tight deadline. I delegated tasks based on each member’s strengths and facilitated regular check-ins to monitor progress. As a result, we completed the project ahead of schedule and received positive feedback from stakeholders.”

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question assesses your career aspirations and alignment with the company’s growth.

How to Answer

Discuss your professional goals and how they relate to the company’s direction.

Example

“In five years, I see myself taking on more leadership responsibilities, possibly as a team lead or project manager. I aim to contribute to innovative projects at Orbitz and help mentor junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.”