Southwest Airlines Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Southwest Airlines is a leading airline known for its commitment to providing exceptional service, connecting people to what matters in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.

The role of a Software Engineer at Southwest Airlines is crucial in supporting the company's mission by driving technical innovation and maintaining high standards in software development. Key responsibilities include developing, testing, and implementing software applications that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. Engineers in this position are expected to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, mentor junior developers, and contribute to the technical strategy of the organization. Proficiency in programming languages like Python and Java, along with knowledge of cloud technologies such as AWS, is essential. Ideal candidates will possess strong problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and a passion for continuous improvement and innovation in technology.

This guide aims to equip you with the necessary insights and strategies to excel in the Southwest Airlines Software Engineer interview process, helping you demonstrate your fit for the role and the company’s culture.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Southwest Airlines. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience working in collaborative environments. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, coding experiences, and how you approach software development challenges.

Technical Skills

1. Describe a REST service that you’ve previously built and how you can scale it.

This question assesses your understanding of RESTful services and your ability to design scalable systems.

How to Answer

Discuss the architecture of the service, the technologies used, and specific strategies you implemented for scaling, such as load balancing or caching.

Example

“I developed a RESTful API for a booking system that handled user requests for flight reservations. To ensure scalability, I implemented load balancing across multiple servers and utilized caching for frequently accessed data, which significantly reduced response times during peak usage.”

2. What’s the difference between Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)?

This question evaluates your knowledge of software development methodologies.

How to Answer

Explain the core principles of both TDD and BDD, highlighting their purposes and how they differ in practice.

Example

“TDD focuses on writing tests before the actual code, ensuring that the code meets the specified requirements from the start. BDD, on the other hand, emphasizes collaboration between developers, QA, and non-technical stakeholders to define the behavior of the application in a language that everyone understands, often using scenarios.”

3. Can you explain your experience with Agile methodologies?

This question aims to understand your familiarity with Agile practices and how you apply them in your work.

How to Answer

Share specific experiences where you participated in Agile processes, such as sprints, stand-ups, or retrospectives, and how they improved project outcomes.

Example

“I have worked in Agile teams where we conducted daily stand-ups to discuss progress and blockers. This approach fostered open communication and allowed us to adapt quickly to changes, ultimately leading to a successful product launch ahead of schedule.”

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

This question assesses your technical expertise and practical application of programming languages.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you are most comfortable with and provide examples of projects where you utilized them effectively.

Example

“I am most proficient in Python and Java. In my last project, I used Python for data analysis and backend development, while Java was used for building a robust web application that required high performance and scalability.”

5. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

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

How to Answer

Outline the problem, the steps you took to analyze it, and the solution you implemented, emphasizing your thought process.

Example

“I encountered a performance issue in a web application where response times were significantly delayed. After profiling the application, I discovered that inefficient database queries were the bottleneck. I optimized the queries and implemented indexing, which improved performance by over 50%.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time when you were a leader in a project.

This question assesses your leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you took on a leadership role, detailing your responsibilities and the outcome of the project.

Example

“I led a team of developers in creating a new feature for our application. I organized regular meetings to ensure everyone was aligned, delegated tasks based on individual strengths, and provided support when challenges arose. The project was completed on time and received positive feedback from users.”

2. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

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

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to receiving 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. For instance, after receiving feedback on my code quality, I took a course on best practices and applied those principles in my subsequent projects.”

3. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member.

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on how you approached the situation and what you learned from it.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to collaboration. I initiated a one-on-one conversation to understand their perspective and found common ground. By fostering open communication, we were able to work together more effectively, which improved the overall team dynamic.”

4. What motivates you to perform well in your job?

This question aims to understand your intrinsic motivations and work ethic.

How to Answer

Discuss what drives you in your work, whether it’s personal growth, team success, or the impact of your work.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and contribute to projects that have a meaningful impact. Knowing that my work helps improve customer experiences at Southwest Airlines inspires me to give my best effort every day.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use project management tools like Jira to track progress and set reminders for critical tasks. This helps me stay focused and ensures that I meet all project milestones effectively.”

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

Embrace the Company Culture

Southwest Airlines prides itself on a culture of respect, care, and collaboration. Familiarize yourself with their core values and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company’s mission. During the interview, demonstrate your enthusiasm for teamwork and your commitment to providing excellent customer service, as these are key components of the Southwest experience.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect to encounter behavioral questions that assess your past experiences and leadership roles. Reflect on your previous projects and be ready to discuss specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work in a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, you will be expected to have a strong grasp of programming languages and software development methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of relevant technologies, particularly those mentioned in the job description, such as Python, Java, AWS, and Agile practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these technologies and how you have applied them in past projects.

Be Candid About Your Experience

Interviewers appreciate honesty and transparency. If you encounter questions about your experience or knowledge gaps, be candid about what you know and what you are eager to learn. This approach not only shows humility but also demonstrates your willingness to grow and adapt, which is highly valued at Southwest.

Engage with Your Interviewers

The interview process at Southwest is designed to be conversational. Take the opportunity to 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 assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Highlight Your Mentorship Skills

Given the emphasis on mentoring and coaching within the role, be prepared to discuss any experiences you have had in mentoring others. Share specific examples of how you have helped junior developers or peers grow in their skills, and express your enthusiasm for continuing this practice at Southwest.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thoughtful thank-you email to your interviewers. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the team and the role, and reiterate your excitement about the possibility of contributing to Southwest Airlines. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who not only possesses the necessary technical skills but also embodies the values and culture of Southwest Airlines. Good luck!

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Southwest Airlines is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes initial screenings, technical assessments, and in-depth interviews with team members and leadership.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process typically begins with a phone interview conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, skills, and motivations. The recruiter will discuss the company culture, benefits, and the specific role, while also gauging the candidate's fit for Southwest Airlines. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their salary expectations and any relevant experiences that align with the role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates may undergo a technical assessment, which can be conducted via video call. This assessment often includes coding challenges or problem-solving exercises that test the candidate's proficiency in relevant programming languages and software development methodologies. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their knowledge of software design principles, coding standards, and best practices.

3. Onsite Interviews

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment are typically invited for onsite interviews, which may also be conducted remotely. This stage usually consists of multiple rounds of interviews with various team members, including managers and senior developers. Each interview lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers a mix of technical and behavioral questions. Interviewers will assess the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience with agile methodologies. Additionally, candidates may be asked to discuss past projects, leadership experiences, and how they approach collaboration within a team.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with higher-level management or stakeholders. This interview focuses on the candidate's alignment with the company's values and long-term goals. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their vision for contributing to the team and the organization as a whole.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to be themselves and showcase their unique skills and experiences. The company values authenticity and is looking for individuals who can contribute positively to the team dynamic.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during the process.

1. What is the difference between covariance and correlation? Provide an example.

Explain the difference between covariance and correlation, and provide an example to illustrate the concepts.

2. Implement a function to find the shortest path in a graph using any shortest path algorithm.

You are given a graph represented as a 2D array where each cell value indicates the cost to traverse to that node. Also given are a start node and an end node. Your task is to implement a function that finds the shortest path from the start node to the end node using any shortest path algorithm.

3. What’s the difference between TDD and BDD?

What’s the difference between TDD and BDD, and in what scenarios would you use each methodology?

4. Describe a REST service that you’ve previously built.

Describe a REST service you built and how you can scale it.

Here are some quick tips to help you prepare for Southwest Airlines software engineer interview:

• Brush Up on Fundamentals: Southwest Airlines emphasizes a strong understanding of coding fundamentals and agile methodologies. Revise key concepts in languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript.
• Be Honest and Candid: It’s better to be upfront about your strengths and gaps in knowledge. Southwest appreciates transparency and is willing to mold the right candidates.
• Prepare For Behavioral Questions: Be ready to discuss past experiences, leadership roles, and how you handle technical challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format for structured responses and our Mock Interview to get real-time feedback from peers before the interview.

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Southwest Airlines?

What qualities does Southwest Airlines look for in candidates for the Software Engineer role?

Southwest Airlines values candidates with strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a proactive mindset. The company looks for individuals who can effectively partner with various teams, manage multiple assignments, and continuously improve their technical capabilities. A passion for learning and growth aligns well with Southwest’s commitment to employee development.

What benefits come with the Software Engineer position at Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines offers competitive salaries, extensive health insurance coverage, company contributions of up to 9.3% of your 401(k), and potential annual profit-sharing contributions. Employees and their eligible dependents can fly for free on open seats on Southwest flights. Additional perks include access to workshops, conferences, and training for continuous learning.

As the airline industry continues to soar to new heights, Southwest Airlines is actively seeking innovative and dedicated Software Engineers to join their dynamic team.

By focusing on the structured and comprehensive preparation provided and showcasing your teamwork, technical know-how, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be well-positioned to excel in the interview process and embark on a rewarding career at Southwest Airlines.

Good luck with your interview!