Scientific Systems Company Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Scientific Systems Company Inc. (SSCI) is a premier developer of innovative technologies for navigation, mission planning, and autonomy in the Aerospace and Defense sectors.

The Software Engineer role at SSCI involves designing, developing, and testing software for multi-domain autonomous systems, particularly focusing on projects that utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Key responsibilities include writing code to implement advanced algorithms for robotic systems, performing software testing in various environments, maintaining DevOps setups, and supporting other engineers through code reviews and mentorship. Ideal candidates possess a strong background in object-oriented programming (especially in C/C++ and Python), experience in aerospace software development, and familiarity with testing frameworks and methodologies. A passion for innovation in autonomous systems and the ability to work collaboratively are vital to thriving in SSCI’s mission-oriented culture.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role’s expectations and the skills that matter most to SSCI. Understanding these aspects will give you a competitive edge during the interview process.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Scientific Systems Company is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process begins with a brief phone interview with a recruiter. This call usually lasts around 30 minutes and serves as an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge your interest in the role and the company. Expect to discuss your background, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying. The recruiter may also touch on the company culture and the specifics of the position to ensure alignment.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial call, candidates may be invited to participate in a technical assessment. This could take the form of a coding challenge or a technical interview conducted via video conferencing. During this stage, you will be evaluated on your proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ and Python, as well as your understanding of algorithms and software development principles. Be prepared to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and coding abilities, particularly in the context of aerospace software development.

3. In-Person or Virtual Technical Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment will typically move on to one or more in-depth technical interviews. These interviews may involve discussions with senior engineers or team leads and will focus on your experience with software design, development, and testing for autonomous systems. Expect questions related to your familiarity with DevOps practices, testing methodologies, and specific technologies relevant to the role, such as networking systems and embedded software development.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical skills, the interview process will include a behavioral component. This interview assesses your soft skills, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a work environment. You may be asked to provide examples of past experiences where you demonstrated leadership, collaboration, or problem-solving abilities. The goal is to determine how well you would fit into the company culture and work alongside existing team members.

5. Final Interview with Management

The final stage often involves a meeting with management or higher-level executives. This interview may cover your long-term career goals, your understanding of the company's mission, and how you can contribute to its objectives. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company’s future projects and initiatives.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the specific skills and experiences that align with the role, particularly in areas such as algorithms, software development, and autonomous systems.

Next, let’s delve into the types of questions you might encounter during this interview process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Scientific Systems Company has a unique culture that emphasizes innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors. Familiarize yourself with their recent projects and technologies, particularly in multi-vehicle autonomy and AI/ML capabilities. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company’s mission and values.

Prepare for a Mix of Technical and Behavioral Questions

While the interview may not be heavily technical, be prepared to discuss your experience with software development, particularly in C/C++ and Python. Highlight your familiarity with testing frameworks like GoogleTest and your understanding of software development methodologies, including Test Driven Development. Additionally, be ready to discuss your approach to writing proposals, as this is a key aspect of the role.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Given the nature of the projects at SSCI, you may be asked to describe how you would approach complex problems, particularly in the context of autonomous systems. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, focusing on specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Emphasize Collaboration and Teamwork

The role requires working closely with other engineers and potentially leading junior team members. Be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments, how you handle feedback, and your approach to mentoring others. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully contributed to a team project or led a group to achieve a common goal.

Be Honest About Your Experience

Some candidates have reported a disconnect between expectations and reality regarding the work environment at SSCI. Be honest about your skills and experiences, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics and work-life balance during your interview. This will help you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Prepare for a Unique Interview Experience

Interviews at SSCI may not follow a traditional format, so be adaptable. Some candidates have noted a less formal atmosphere, which can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Approach the interview with a positive attitude, and be ready to engage in discussions that may not strictly adhere to technical questions.

Follow Up with Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the company and the role. Inquire about the specific technologies they are currently working on, the challenges they face in their projects, or how they envision the future of autonomous systems. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and proactive mindset.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a good cultural fit for Scientific Systems Company. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Software Engineer position at Scientific Systems Company. The interview will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with software development in the aerospace and defense sectors. Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with programming languages, algorithms, and software testing methodologies, as well as your experience with autonomous systems and distributed architectures.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between C and C++? When would you choose one over the other?

Understanding the nuances between these two languages is crucial for a software engineer, especially in embedded systems.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences, such as memory management, object-oriented features, and performance considerations. Highlight scenarios where one language may be more advantageous than the other.

Example

"C is a procedural programming language that offers low-level memory access, making it suitable for system-level programming. C++, on the other hand, supports object-oriented programming, which allows for better code organization and reuse. I would choose C for performance-critical applications where low-level hardware interaction is necessary, while C++ would be my choice for larger projects requiring modularity and maintainability."

2. Describe your experience with software testing methodologies, particularly unit testing.

Testing is a critical aspect of software development, especially in aerospace applications.

How to Answer

Mention specific methodologies you have used, such as Test Driven Development (TDD) or Behavior Driven Development (BDD), and tools like GoogleTest.

Example

"I have extensive experience with unit testing, primarily using GoogleTest for C++ applications. I follow a Test Driven Development approach, where I write tests before implementing the functionality. This ensures that my code meets the requirements from the outset and helps catch bugs early in the development process."

Algorithms and Data Structures

3. How would you implement a basic algorithm for fault detection in a system?

Fault detection is vital in aerospace systems to ensure reliability.

How to Answer

Outline a simple algorithmic approach, discussing how you would identify and isolate faults.

Example

"I would implement a fault detection algorithm that continuously monitors system parameters against predefined thresholds. If a parameter exceeds its threshold, the system would log the event and initiate a recovery protocol. This could involve switching to a backup system or alerting the operator for further investigation."

4. Can you explain the concept of a state machine and how it can be applied in autonomous systems?

State machines are often used in control systems for managing states and transitions.

How to Answer

Define a state machine and provide an example of its application in autonomous systems.

Example

"A state machine is a computational model consisting of states, transitions, and actions. In autonomous systems, it can be used to manage the various operational states of a vehicle, such as 'Idle', 'Navigating', and 'Emergency Stop'. By defining clear transitions between these states based on sensor inputs, we can ensure the system behaves predictably and safely."

Software Development Practices

5. What is your experience with DevOps practices, and how do they enhance software development?

DevOps practices are increasingly important in modern software development environments.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with tools and practices that facilitate continuous integration and deployment.

Example

"I have implemented DevOps practices using tools like Jenkins and Docker to automate the build and deployment processes. This not only speeds up the development cycle but also ensures that our software is consistently tested and deployed in a reliable manner. By integrating testing into the CI/CD pipeline, we can catch issues early and improve overall software quality."

6. How do you approach code reviews, and what do you look for when reviewing a colleague's code?

Code reviews are essential for maintaining code quality and knowledge sharing.

How to Answer

Explain your process for conducting code reviews and the key aspects you focus on.

Example

"When reviewing a colleague's code, I focus on readability, adherence to coding standards, and the efficiency of the algorithms used. I also check for proper documentation and test coverage. My goal is to provide constructive feedback that helps improve the code while also fostering a collaborative environment."

Networking and Communication

7. Can you describe your experience with networking protocols, particularly in the context of autonomous systems?

Networking is crucial for communication between autonomous agents.

How to Answer

Discuss specific protocols you have worked with and their relevance to autonomous systems.

Example

"I have experience with TCP/UDP protocols for communication between autonomous vehicles and ground control. I have also worked with middleware systems like ZeroMQ to facilitate message passing between distributed components. This ensures that data is transmitted reliably and efficiently, which is critical for real-time decision-making in autonomous operations."

8. How would you design a system for multi-vehicle coordination?

Multi-vehicle coordination is a complex challenge in autonomous systems.

How to Answer

Outline your approach to designing a system that allows multiple vehicles to work together effectively.

Example

"I would design a centralized coordination system that uses a messaging protocol to communicate between vehicles. Each vehicle would report its status and receive commands from the central system. I would implement algorithms for collision avoidance and task allocation to ensure efficient operation. Additionally, I would incorporate redundancy to handle communication failures."

Proposal Writing

9. Do you have experience writing technical proposals? How do you approach this task?

Proposal writing is often a key part of securing government contracts in the aerospace sector.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with proposal writing and the elements you consider important.

Example

"I have written several technical proposals for government projects, focusing on clearly articulating the project's objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. I ensure that the proposal aligns with the client's requirements and includes a detailed budget and timeline. My approach is to present a compelling case for how our technology can meet their needs effectively."