Penn Interactive Ventures Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Penn Interactive Ventures (PIV) is an innovative gaming company that strives to redefine the interactive gaming experience by combining responsibility, creativity, and enjoyment in a digital landscape.

As a Software Engineer at PIV, you will play a pivotal role in the Compliance engineering team, collaborating closely with Product Managers and other engineers to ensure that the company's applications remain compliant across various jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. Key responsibilities will include mentoring and leading fellow engineers, developing processes that enhance software development life cycles, and interfacing with service teams to contribute to the overall compliance framework. Success in this role requires a strong focus on team collaboration, the ability to adapt to new technologies, and a passion for clean code architecture. Candidates should prioritize collective outcomes over personal ego, possess an intrinsic motivation to inspire and drive their peers, and demonstrate a knack for simplifying complex technical challenges.

This guide will equip you with the insights and knowledge necessary to excel in your interview for a Software Engineer position at Penn Interactive Ventures, helping you understand the company's values and the expectations of the role.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Penn Interactive Ventures is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. The process typically unfolds in several structured stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening call, usually lasting about 30 minutes. This conversation is typically conducted by a recruiter who will provide an overview of the company and the role. During this call, you will discuss your background, experiences, and motivations for applying. The recruiter will also evaluate your alignment with the company’s values and culture, which emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates will undergo a technical assessment. This may take the form of a coding challenge or a technical interview conducted via video conferencing. The focus will be on your proficiency in relevant programming languages and technologies, as well as your problem-solving abilities. Expect to tackle algorithmic challenges that test your understanding of software engineering principles, clean code practices, and your ability to develop efficient solutions to complex problems.

3. Behavioral Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates will participate in a behavioral interview. This round typically involves one or more team members, including potential peers and managers. The goal here is to assess your interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and how you handle team dynamics. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you demonstrated mentorship, collaboration, and your approach to managing changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

4. Final Interview

The final interview stage usually consists of a more in-depth discussion with senior leadership or the engineering manager. This round will focus on your long-term vision, alignment with the company’s mission, and your potential contributions to the team. You may also be asked to elaborate on your previous experiences in leading teams, developing processes, and ensuring compliance in software development.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for software craftsmanship and their commitment to fostering a positive team environment.

Next, let’s explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Penn Interactive Ventures values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to responsible gaming. Familiarize yourself with their mission to challenge the norms of the gaming industry. Highlight your alignment with these values during the interview, showcasing how your personal and professional experiences resonate with their culture. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an immersive and fun gaming experience.

Emphasize Team Collaboration

As a Software Engineer, you will be working closely with Product Managers and other engineers. Demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively by sharing examples of past experiences where you successfully worked in a team environment. Discuss how you prioritize team outcomes over individual achievements, as this aligns with the company’s emphasis on kindness and teamwork.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

While the job description does not specify particular technologies, it is essential to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software development life cycles (SDLC), clean code architecture, and software craftsmanship. Highlight any experience you have with compliance-related projects, as this will be particularly relevant to the Compliance engineering team.

Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Expect to encounter questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Penn Interactive is looking for candidates who can find simple solutions to complex problems. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you have faced in previous roles and how you approached them. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate your thought process and the impact of your solutions.

Be Ready to Discuss Mentorship and Leadership

Given the emphasis on mentoring and leading engineers, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you have motivated team members, supported their growth, and fostered a collaborative environment. If you have held a formal Engineering Manager title, be ready to discuss your management philosophy and how you have successfully navigated changing priorities in a team setting.

Highlight Your Adaptability

The ability to quickly ramp up on new technologies is crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss instances where you have successfully learned and applied new skills or technologies in a short timeframe. This will demonstrate your adaptability and eagerness to grow, which are essential traits for a Software Engineer at Penn Interactive.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges the Compliance engineering team is currently facing, and how success is measured within the team. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Penn Interactive Ventures. Good luck!

Penn Interactive Ventures Software Engineer Interview Questions

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Penn Interactive Ventures. The interview will focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to work collaboratively within a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software development processes, coding best practices, and your approach to mentoring and leading others.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and your experience with it?

Understanding the SDLC is crucial for any software engineer, especially in a compliance-focused environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with the various phases of the SDLC and provide examples of how you've applied this knowledge in past projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with the SDLC, having worked through all phases from requirements gathering to deployment. In my last role, I led a project where we implemented Agile methodologies, which allowed us to adapt quickly to changing requirements while ensuring compliance with industry standards.”

2. Describe a time when you had to refactor code. What was your approach?

Refactoring is essential for maintaining clean code architecture, which is a priority for the company.

How to Answer

Explain your process for identifying code that needs refactoring and the steps you took to improve it.

Example

“I identified a module in our application that was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. I first wrote unit tests to ensure existing functionality remained intact, then I broke the module into smaller, more manageable components, which improved readability and reduced complexity.”

3. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

Quality and maintainability are key aspects of software craftsmanship.

How to Answer

Discuss the practices you follow to maintain high standards in your code, such as code reviews, testing, and documentation.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by implementing thorough code reviews and encouraging team members to follow best practices. I also advocate for writing comprehensive unit tests and maintaining clear documentation to ensure that our codebase remains understandable and maintainable over time.”

4. What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and why?

This question assesses your technical proficiency and adaptability.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you excel in and provide context on how you've used them in your work.

Example

“I am most comfortable with Python and JavaScript. I’ve used Python for backend development due to its simplicity and readability, while JavaScript has been my go-to for frontend development, allowing me to create dynamic user interfaces effectively.”

5. Can you discuss a complex problem you solved in a previous project?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges.

How to Answer

Describe the problem, your thought process, and the solution you implemented.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced performance issues due to inefficient database queries. I analyzed the queries and identified several that could be optimized. By implementing indexing and restructuring some of the queries, we improved the application’s response time by over 50%.”

Leadership and Collaboration

1. How do you approach mentoring junior engineers?

Mentoring is a key responsibility for the role, and your approach can impact team dynamics.

How to Answer

Share your philosophy on mentoring and provide examples of how you've supported junior team members.

Example

“I believe in fostering a supportive environment where junior engineers feel comfortable asking questions. I regularly hold one-on-one sessions to discuss their progress and provide constructive feedback, and I encourage them to take ownership of small projects to build their confidence.”

2. Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

How to Answer

Explain your strategy for managing multiple priorities and ensuring that critical tasks are completed.

Example

“When faced with conflicting priorities, I first assess the urgency and impact of each task. I communicate with stakeholders to understand their needs and then create a plan that allows me to address the most critical tasks while keeping the team informed of progress.”

3. How do you foster collaboration within your team?

Collaboration is essential for success in a team-oriented environment.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to encourage teamwork and open communication.

Example

“I foster collaboration by promoting open communication and regular check-ins. I encourage team members to share their ideas and challenges during our stand-up meetings, and I often facilitate brainstorming sessions to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.”

4. Can you give an example of how you’ve contributed to a positive team culture?

A positive team culture is vital for productivity and morale.

How to Answer

Share specific actions you’ve taken to enhance team culture and support your colleagues.

Example

“I initiated a monthly team-building activity where we could step away from our screens and engage in fun, informal discussions. This not only strengthened our relationships but also improved our collaboration on projects.”

5. How do you handle feedback from your team members?

Receiving and acting on feedback is crucial for personal and team growth.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to receiving feedback and how you implement it.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. I actively solicit input from my team and take their suggestions seriously. For instance, after receiving feedback on my communication style, I made a conscious effort to be more transparent about project updates, which improved our overall team dynamics.”