Penn State University Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Penn State University is a leading research institution dedicated to addressing national challenges through innovative engineering and technology solutions.

As a Software Engineer within the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University, you will be at the forefront of developing software solutions that support the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and other governmental entities. Your key responsibilities will include designing, implementing, and testing software for autonomous systems and unmanned vehicles, with a focus on modern software practices and emerging technologies. A successful candidate will possess strong programming skills in languages such as C/C++ and Python, as well as experience with version control systems like GitLab or Atlassian tools. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders is essential, as is the ability to stay up-to-date with technological advancements in the field.

This guide will help you prepare to showcase your technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and alignment with Penn State's mission of innovation and excellence during your interview.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Penn State University is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). The process typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place via a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Penn State. The recruiter will also discuss the role's expectations and the university's culture, ensuring that you align with their values and mission.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing and involves a panel of technical staff or hiring managers. During this session, you will be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, Python, or Java, as well as your understanding of software development practices. Expect to solve coding problems in real-time and discuss your previous projects, particularly those related to autonomous systems or software for unmanned vehicles.

3. Behavioral Interview

The behavioral interview is designed to evaluate your soft skills and how you work within a team. This round often includes questions about your past experiences, challenges you've faced, and how you handle collaboration and conflict. The interviewers will be looking for evidence of your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and adaptability in a fast-paced research environment.

4. Onsite Interview

If you successfully pass the previous rounds, you may be invited for an onsite interview. This stage typically involves multiple one-on-one interviews with various team members, including potential colleagues and supervisors. Each interview lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers both technical and behavioral aspects. You may also be asked to present a project or research work relevant to the position, showcasing your technical expertise and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

5. Final Assessment

In some cases, a final assessment may be required, which could include a practical coding test or a take-home assignment. This step allows the interviewers to evaluate your coding style, problem-solving approach, and ability to deliver quality work under time constraints.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific technologies and methodologies relevant to the role, as well as to reflect on your past experiences that demonstrate your qualifications.

Next, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Penn State University. The interview will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with software development practices, particularly in the context of autonomous systems and emerging technologies.

Technical Skills

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

This question assesses your technical expertise and practical experience with programming languages relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Discuss your proficiency in languages like C/C++, Python, or Java, and provide specific examples of projects where you utilized these languages effectively.

Example

“I am most proficient in C++ and Python. In my last project, I developed a real-time data processing application using Python, which improved the system's efficiency by 30%. Additionally, I used C++ for developing a simulation model for unmanned vehicles, which was crucial for testing our algorithms.”

2. Can you explain your experience with version control systems, particularly Git?

This question evaluates your familiarity with software development best practices.

How to Answer

Highlight your experience with Git, including how you’ve used it in collaborative projects and any specific workflows you are comfortable with.

Example

“I have extensive experience using Git for version control in my projects. I typically follow a branching strategy where I create feature branches for new developments and use pull requests for code reviews. This approach has helped maintain code quality and streamline collaboration among team members.”

3. Describe a challenging software development problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question tests your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Choose a specific challenge, explain the context, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced performance issues with our software due to inefficient algorithms. I conducted a thorough analysis and identified bottlenecks in the code. By optimizing the algorithms and implementing caching strategies, we reduced processing time by 50%, significantly improving user experience.”

4. How do you ensure the quality and reliability of your code?

This question assesses your understanding of software testing and quality assurance practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to testing, including unit tests, integration tests, and any tools you use for continuous integration.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by writing unit tests for all new features and using continuous integration tools like Jenkins to automate testing. This ensures that any new code does not break existing functionality and meets our quality standards before deployment.”

5. What experience do you have with agile development methodologies?

This question evaluates your familiarity with modern software development practices.

How to Answer

Share your experience working in agile teams, including your role and contributions to the agile process.

Example

“I have worked in agile environments for the past three years, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. My role involved collaborating closely with product owners to prioritize tasks and ensure that we delivered high-quality software on time.”

Systems Development

1. Can you describe your experience with developing software for autonomous systems?

This question focuses on your relevant experience in the field of autonomous systems.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects or roles where you contributed to the development of autonomous systems, highlighting your technical contributions.

Example

“I worked on a project developing software for an autonomous underwater vehicle. My responsibilities included designing the control algorithms and integrating sensor data for navigation. This experience deepened my understanding of the challenges in autonomous systems development.”

2. What is your approach to debugging complex software systems?

This question assesses your debugging skills and systematic approach to problem-solving.

How to Answer

Explain your debugging process, including tools and techniques you use to identify and fix issues.

Example

“When debugging complex systems, I start by reproducing the issue and gathering logs to understand the context. I use tools like GDB for step-by-step execution and analyze the call stack to pinpoint the source of the problem. This systematic approach helps me resolve issues efficiently.”

3. How do you stay current with emerging technologies in software development?

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to keep up with industry trends, such as online courses, conferences, or professional networks.

Example

“I regularly attend industry conferences and participate in online forums to stay updated on emerging technologies. I also take online courses on platforms like Coursera to learn about new programming languages and frameworks that can enhance my skill set.”

4. Describe your experience with containerization technologies like Docker.

This question assesses your familiarity with modern software deployment practices.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience using Docker or similar technologies, including how you’ve implemented them in your projects.

Example

“I have used Docker extensively to create isolated environments for our applications. This has allowed us to streamline our deployment process and ensure consistency across different environments. For instance, I containerized our microservices, which simplified scaling and management.”

5. What role do you think software documentation plays in the development process?

This question evaluates your understanding of the importance of documentation in software engineering.

How to Answer

Discuss the benefits of documentation for both current and future team members, as well as for maintaining code quality.

Example

“Software documentation is crucial for ensuring that team members can understand and maintain the codebase. It serves as a reference for future developers and helps onboard new team members quickly. I always make it a point to document my code and write clear user manuals for our applications.”