Oshkosh Corporation Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Oshkosh Corporation is dedicated to building, serving, and protecting people and communities globally by designing and manufacturing some of the toughest specialty trucks and access equipment.

The Software Engineer role at Oshkosh Corporation revolves around the design, implementation, and testing of high-quality software for vehicle control systems, particularly in electric refuse collection vehicles. Key responsibilities include writing maintainable, object-oriented C/C++ code, conducting peer reviews, and developing comprehensive test plans to ensure safety and reliability. A successful candidate will demonstrate proficiency in embedded software development, possess a solid understanding of engineering standards and processes, and effectively communicate technical information to both internal teams and external stakeholders. Familiarity with additional programming languages such as Python and SQL, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, aligns with Oshkosh's commitment to innovation and quality.

This guide is designed to help you prepare for your interview by highlighting the essential skills and attributes valued at Oshkosh Corporation, ultimately giving you a competitive edge in the hiring process.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Oshkosh Corporation is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes several rounds of interviews, each designed to evaluate different competencies relevant to the role.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step typically involves a phone interview with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, skills, and motivations for applying to Oshkosh. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that candidates have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Phone Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates may participate in a technical phone interview. This round is often conducted by a member of the engineering team and may involve discussing specific technical skills such as embedded C/C++, software design principles, and problem-solving approaches. Candidates should be prepared to answer questions related to their past projects and experiences, as well as demonstrate their understanding of software development processes and methodologies.

3. In-Person Interview

The final stage of the interview process typically includes an in-person interview, which may consist of multiple rounds with various team members. During these sessions, candidates will engage in both technical assessments and behavioral interviews. Technical discussions may cover topics such as algorithms, system design, and coding challenges, while behavioral questions will focus on teamwork, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Oshkosh's values. Candidates may also be asked to present a project or a technical concept, showcasing their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be ready to demonstrate their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative mindset, as these are key attributes sought by Oshkosh Corporation.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Oshkosh Corporation. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to software development, and how you can contribute to the team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe a project where you implemented embedded C/C++ software?

This question aims to assess your hands-on experience with embedded systems and your ability to articulate your contributions.

How to Answer

Discuss the project scope, your specific role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight any innovative solutions you implemented.

Example

“In my last project, I developed embedded C++ software for a vehicle control system. I faced challenges with real-time data processing, but by optimizing the code and implementing efficient algorithms, I improved the system's response time by 30%.”

2. How do you ensure the quality and reliability of your software?

Quality assurance is critical in software engineering, especially in embedded systems.

How to Answer

Explain your testing methodologies, such as unit testing, integration testing, and any specific tools you use to ensure software reliability.

Example

“I follow a rigorous testing process that includes unit tests and integration tests. I also utilize automated testing tools to catch issues early in the development cycle, ensuring that the software meets all reliability standards before deployment.”

3. What experience do you have with CMMI level 3 procedures?

Understanding CMMI processes is essential for maintaining quality in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with CMMI practices and how you have applied them in your previous roles.

Example

“I have worked in environments that adhere to CMMI level 3 standards. I ensure that all documentation is thorough and that processes are followed meticulously, which has helped streamline project workflows and improve team collaboration.”

4. Describe your experience with vehicle communication protocols like J1939/CAN.

This question assesses your knowledge of industry-specific protocols.

How to Answer

Share your experience with these protocols, including any projects where you implemented them.

Example

“I have implemented J1939 protocols in several projects, allowing for effective communication between vehicle systems. This experience taught me the importance of adhering to protocol specifications to ensure seamless data exchange.”

5. How do you approach debugging complex software issues?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers, especially in embedded systems.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to identifying and resolving software bugs.

Example

“When debugging complex issues, I start by replicating the problem in a controlled environment. I then use tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to trace the issue back to its source, ensuring I understand the underlying cause before implementing a fix.”

Problem-Solving and Design

1. Can you walk us through your design process for a software project?

This question evaluates your design thinking and planning skills.

How to Answer

Describe your design methodology, including how you gather requirements and iterate on designs.

Example

“I begin by gathering requirements from stakeholders and conducting a feasibility analysis. I then create design documents and prototypes, iterating based on feedback until we reach a final design that meets all specifications.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

Time management and prioritization are key in a fast-paced engineering environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing time and prioritizing tasks effectively.

Example

“I use project management tools to track deadlines and progress. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, ensuring that critical projects receive the attention they need while still making progress on others.”

3. Describe a time when you had to mentor a junior engineer.

Mentorship is an important aspect of team dynamics and knowledge sharing.

How to Answer

Share your experience mentoring others, focusing on your approach and the outcomes.

Example

“I mentored a junior engineer on a project involving embedded systems. I provided guidance on best practices and code reviews, which helped them improve their skills and confidence, ultimately leading to a successful project completion.”

4. What strategies do you use to stay updated with new technologies in software engineering?

Continuous learning is vital in the tech industry.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for keeping your skills current, such as online courses, workshops, or reading industry publications.

Example

“I regularly attend webinars and workshops, and I’m an active member of several online forums. I also dedicate time each week to read articles and research papers on emerging technologies relevant to embedded systems.”

5. How do you handle feedback and criticism of your work?

This question assesses your ability to accept and learn from feedback.

How to Answer

Explain your perspective on feedback and how you use it to improve your work.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive criticism, I take time to reflect on it and identify actionable steps to improve. This approach has helped me enhance my skills and deliver better results in future projects.”