Sabre Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Sabre Corporation is a leading technology provider for the global travel and tourism industry, focused on connecting people with meaningful travel experiences through innovative solutions.

As a Software Engineer at Sabre, you will play a pivotal role in developing software features for the Revenue Optimizer Suite, which employs advanced algorithms and machine learning to enhance pricing strategies for airline tickets. Key responsibilities include participating in team scrum meetings, writing and testing code primarily in Java, and collaborating with cross-functional teams including database administrators and product owners. A strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, algorithms, and knowledge of technologies like NoSQL databases, REST APIs, and cloud platforms (AWS and GCP) are essential for success in this role. Ideal candidates are not only technically proficient but also possess strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset that aligns with Sabre’s commitment to delivering powerful solutions.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the types of questions you may encounter.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Sabre is structured and typically consists of multiple stages designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills.

1. Online Assessment

The first step in the interview process is an online assessment that evaluates candidates' problem-solving abilities, coding skills, and understanding of computer science fundamentals. This assessment usually includes multiple-choice questions covering topics such as data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and database management, along with a couple of coding challenges that candidates must solve within a specified time frame.

2. Technical Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the online assessment will move on to a technical interview. This round is typically conducted by experienced engineers and focuses on in-depth discussions about the candidate's technical knowledge and problem-solving approach. Expect to tackle coding problems, explain algorithms, and discuss past projects in detail. Questions may also cover specific programming languages, particularly Java, as well as concepts related to databases and cloud technologies.

3. Managerial Interview

Following the technical interview, candidates will participate in a managerial round. This interview assesses the candidate's ability to handle real-world scenarios and their alignment with Sabre's values. Questions may revolve around teamwork, leadership, and decision-making skills, as well as situational questions that gauge how candidates would respond to various challenges in a work environment.

4. HR Interview

The final stage of the interview process is the HR round, where candidates will discuss compensation, benefits, and company culture. This round is also an opportunity for candidates to express their enthusiasm for the role and the company. HR will evaluate the candidate's fit within the organization and their long-term career aspirations.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for Sabre.

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 Technical Landscape

Given Sabre's focus on technology solutions for the travel industry, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Java, MongoDB, REST APIs, and cloud platforms like AWS and GCP. Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and data structures, as these are frequently tested in technical interviews. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied these technologies in your past projects or coursework.

Prepare for a Multi-Round Process

The interview process at Sabre typically involves multiple rounds, including an online assessment, technical interviews, and HR discussions. Make sure to allocate sufficient time for each stage of the process. For the online assessment, practice coding problems and computer science fundamentals, as candidates have reported a mix of aptitude, DSA, and technical questions. Familiarize yourself with common coding challenges and be ready to explain your thought process during the technical interviews.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

During technical interviews, you may encounter questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to tackle coding challenges live, and articulate your approach clearly. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can think aloud and demonstrate their reasoning. Practice coding problems that require you to optimize solutions, as Sabre's products focus on revenue optimization and complex algorithms.

Emphasize Team Collaboration

Sabre values teamwork and collaboration, as indicated by the emphasis on participating in scrum meetings and team discussions. Be ready to share examples of how you have worked effectively in teams, whether in academic projects or internships. Highlight your ability to communicate ideas clearly and contribute to group problem-solving efforts.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within Sabre's culture. Questions like "Why do you want to work here?" and "Where do you see yourself in five years?" are common. Reflect on your motivations for applying to Sabre and how your career goals align with the company's mission. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses to behavioral questions, providing concrete examples from your experiences.

Stay Calm and Engaged

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but maintaining a calm demeanor can help you perform better. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if Sabre is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their hiring decisions.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Sabre. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Sabre. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development principles, particularly in Java and related technologies. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between a linked list and an array?

Understanding data structures is crucial for a software engineer role, and this question tests your foundational knowledge.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences in terms of memory allocation, access time, and use cases for each data structure.

Example

“A linked list is a dynamic data structure that allows for efficient insertions and deletions, as elements are not stored in contiguous memory locations. In contrast, an array has a fixed size and allows for faster access to elements due to its contiguous memory allocation, but resizing it can be costly.”

2. Describe a situation where you had to optimize a piece of code. What approach did you take?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to improve existing solutions.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the original code, the inefficiencies you identified, and the optimizations you implemented.

Example

“I was tasked with optimizing a sorting algorithm that was running in O(n^2) time. I analyzed the data and switched to a quicksort algorithm, which reduced the time complexity to O(n log n), significantly improving performance for larger datasets.”

3. What is a RESTful API, and how does it differ from SOAP?

As Sabre works with REST APIs, understanding this concept is essential.

How to Answer

Explain the principles of REST and highlight the differences in protocol, data format, and use cases compared to SOAP.

Example

“A RESTful API is an architectural style that uses standard HTTP methods and is stateless, allowing for easy scalability. Unlike SOAP, which relies on XML and has strict standards, REST can use various formats like JSON, making it more flexible and easier to work with in web applications.”

4. Can you explain the concept of Big O notation? Why is it important?

This question tests your understanding of algorithm efficiency.

How to Answer

Define Big O notation and discuss its significance in evaluating the performance of algorithms.

Example

“Big O notation describes the upper limit of an algorithm's running time as the input size grows. It’s important because it helps developers understand the scalability of their code and make informed decisions about which algorithms to use based on performance requirements.”

5. What are some common design patterns you have used in your projects?

This question evaluates your knowledge of software design principles.

How to Answer

Mention specific design patterns, their purposes, and scenarios where you applied them.

Example

“I frequently use the Singleton pattern to ensure a class has only one instance and provide a global point of access. For instance, in a logging framework I developed, I implemented the Singleton pattern to manage log file access across multiple threads.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your resilience and problem-solving skills in a team setting.

How to Answer

Share a specific challenge, your thought process, and the outcome of your actions.

Example

“During a group project, we faced a major setback when a key team member left unexpectedly. I organized a meeting to redistribute tasks and ensure everyone was clear on their responsibilities. By maintaining open communication, we managed to complete the project on time.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and the impact on the project. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and ensure I’m focusing on high-priority items first, while also allowing time for unexpected issues that may arise.”

3. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

This question assesses your ability to accept constructive criticism and grow from it.

How to Answer

Explain your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you’ve used it to improve.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving constructive criticism on my coding style during a code review, I took the time to study best practices and applied them in future projects, which improved my code quality significantly.”

4. Why do you want to work at Sabre?

This question gauges your interest in the company and alignment with its values.

How to Answer

Discuss what attracts you to Sabre, such as its technology, culture, or mission.

Example

“I am excited about the opportunity to work at Sabre because of its commitment to innovation in the travel industry. I admire how Sabre leverages technology to enhance customer experiences, and I want to contribute to projects that have a meaningful impact on people's travel journeys.”

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

Share your professional goals and how they relate to the opportunities at Sabre.

Example

“In five years, I see myself as a lead software engineer, contributing to major projects and mentoring junior developers. I believe that Sabre’s focus on continuous learning and development will provide the perfect environment for me to grow and achieve these goals.”