Stantec Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, dedicated to creating communities and enhancing the environment through innovative solutions.

As a Software Engineer at Stantec, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing software solutions that support various engineering and design projects. Your responsibilities will include designing software architecture, writing and testing code, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring the quality and performance of applications. A strong understanding of software development methodologies, experience with programming languages such as C#, Java, or Python, and proficiency in database management are essential. You will thrive in this role if you demonstrate a passion for problem-solving, a commitment to collaboration, and a willingness to adapt to new technologies and challenges.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by equipping you with insights into the role and the company, ensuring you can present yourself as a knowledgeable and valuable candidate.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Stantec is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically unfolds in several stages, allowing candidates to showcase their expertise while also getting a feel for the company’s values and work environment.

1. Initial Contact

The process begins with an initial outreach from the HR team, often via email, to schedule a phone interview. This preliminary conversation usually lasts around 10-15 minutes and focuses on your background, availability, and general fit for the role. The HR representative will also discuss the company culture and expectations for the position.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial contact, candidates typically undergo a technical interview. This may be conducted over the phone or via video conferencing. During this stage, you can expect to answer questions related to your technical expertise, including programming languages, software development methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. Candidates may also be asked to complete a coding challenge or technical assessment, which could involve live coding or discussing past projects in detail.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical interview, candidates often participate in a behavioral interview. This round usually involves meeting with the hiring manager and possibly other team members. The focus here is on understanding how you work within a team, handle challenges, and align with Stantec's values. Expect questions about your past experiences, project management skills, and how you approach collaboration and conflict resolution.

4. Final Interview

The final stage may involve a more in-depth discussion with senior leadership or additional team members. This interview is typically more conversational and aims to gauge your long-term career aspirations and how they align with Stantec's goals. You may be asked about your vision for your career path and how you see yourself contributing to the company.

5. Feedback and Offer

After the interviews, candidates can expect to receive feedback, although the timeline may vary. If successful, you will receive a job offer, which may include discussions around salary, benefits, and other employment terms.

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

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

Understand the Interview Process

Stantec's interview process can be extensive, often involving multiple rounds with various team members. Be prepared for both informal discussions and more structured Q&A sessions. Familiarize yourself with the typical flow of interviews at Stantec, which may include initial HR screenings followed by technical interviews with project managers or team leads. This will help you feel more at ease and allow you to tailor your responses to the expectations of each interviewer.

Highlight Your Project Management Experience

Given the emphasis on project management in the role, be ready to discuss your experience managing projects, including how you handle scope, budget, and timelines. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage resources, and deliver successful outcomes. Stantec values candidates who can articulate their project management strategies and how they align with the company's goals.

Emphasize Collaboration and Teamwork

Stantec places a strong emphasis on collaboration across disciplines and geographies. Be prepared to discuss how you have successfully worked in cross-functional teams and how you foster a collaborative environment. Share examples of how you have built relationships with colleagues and clients, and how you have contributed to a positive team dynamic.

Prepare for Technical Questions

While the interview process may not always focus heavily on technical skills, it’s important to be ready for questions that assess your technical knowledge relevant to the role. Brush up on key concepts related to software engineering, including programming languages, software development methodologies, and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Be ready to explain your thought process and problem-solving approach.

Show Your Passion for Community Engagement

Stantec values candidates who demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and relationships, particularly in Ohio. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences you have in community projects or initiatives. This could include volunteer work, participation in local events, or any efforts to build partnerships within the community. Showing that you align with Stantec's values will help you stand out.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how Stantec measures success in their engineering teams. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from your conversation that reinforces your fit for the role. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate who is ready to contribute to Stantec's mission and values. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Stantec. The interview process will likely cover a range of topics, including technical skills, project management experience, and your fit within the company culture. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you can contribute to the team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and how you have applied them in your projects?

Understanding OOP is crucial for a software engineer, and you should be able to articulate its core principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you implemented OOP principles, highlighting how they improved code maintainability and reusability.

Example

“In my last project, I designed a library management system using OOP principles. By creating classes for books, users, and transactions, I was able to encapsulate the data and behavior, making the system modular and easier to maintain. This approach allowed my team to add new features without affecting existing functionality.”

2. Describe your experience with version control systems, particularly Git.

Version control is essential for collaborative software development, and familiarity with Git is often expected.

How to Answer

Share your experience with Git commands, branching strategies, and how you’ve used it in team projects.

Example

“I have used Git extensively for version control in all my projects. I typically follow a branching strategy where I create feature branches for new developments and merge them into the main branch after thorough testing. This practice has helped my team maintain a clean codebase and manage releases effectively.”

3. How do you approach debugging a complex issue in your code?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers, and your approach can reveal your problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“When faced with a complex bug, I start by reproducing the issue and then use debugging tools to step through the code. I also add logging statements to track variable states. Once I identify the root cause, I implement a fix and run tests to ensure the issue is resolved without introducing new bugs.”

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

This question assesses your technical proficiency and preferences.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you are proficient in and provide context on how you’ve used them in your work.

Example

“I am most comfortable with Python and Java. I prefer Python for its simplicity and readability, which I used in data analysis projects. Java, on the other hand, has been my go-to for building enterprise-level applications due to its robustness and scalability.”

5. Can you discuss a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it?

This question allows you to showcase your critical thinking and technical skills.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your problem-solving process and the outcome.

Example

“In a recent project, we faced performance issues with a data processing pipeline. I analyzed the bottlenecks and discovered that the database queries were inefficient. I optimized the queries and implemented caching, which improved the processing time by over 50%.”

Project Management

1. Describe your experience with project management methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum.

Understanding project management frameworks is important for collaboration and delivery.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with Agile methodologies and your role in implementing them.

Example

“I have worked in Agile environments for the past three years, participating in daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions. I find that Agile promotes better communication and adaptability, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and responding to changes.”

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

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization strategy and any tools you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and ensure I’m focusing on high-impact tasks first. Regular check-ins with my team also help me adjust priorities as needed.”

3. Can you give an example of how you handled a conflict within your team?

Conflict resolution is key in collaborative environments.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully navigated a conflict and the resolution process.

Example

“In a previous project, two team members disagreed on the implementation approach. I facilitated a meeting where each could present their perspective. By encouraging open communication, we reached a consensus on a hybrid approach that combined the best of both ideas, leading to a successful project outcome.”

4. How do you ensure quality in your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for maintaining code quality, including testing and code reviews.

Example

“I ensure quality by writing unit tests for my code and participating in peer code reviews. I also advocate for continuous integration practices, which help catch issues early in the development process.”

5. What tools do you use for project management and collaboration?

This question assesses your familiarity with tools that facilitate teamwork.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you’ve used and how they contributed to project success.

Example

“I regularly use Jira for project management and Slack for team communication. Jira helps us track progress and manage tasks effectively, while Slack allows for quick discussions and updates, keeping everyone aligned.”

Company Fit

1. Why do you want to work at Stantec?

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

How to Answer

Express your alignment with Stantec’s mission and how you can contribute to their goals.

Example

“I admire Stantec’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions and community impact. I believe my background in software development can help enhance your projects, particularly in optimizing processes and improving client engagement through technology.”

2. How do you stay updated with the latest technology trends?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Share your methods for keeping your skills current, such as courses, blogs, or communities.

Example

“I stay updated by following industry blogs, participating in online courses, and attending tech meetups. I also engage with communities on platforms like GitHub, where I can learn from others and contribute to open-source projects.”

3. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly.

This question evaluates your adaptability and learning agility.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that highlights your ability to learn and apply new technologies.

Example

“When our team decided to adopt a new cloud platform, I took the initiative to learn it quickly. I dedicated time to online tutorials and hands-on practice, which allowed me to lead the migration process and train my colleagues effectively.”

4. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

This question assesses your openness to growth and collaboration.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and how you use it to improve.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive constructive criticism, I take time to reflect on it and implement changes. For instance, after receiving feedback on my code documentation, I improved my practices, which enhanced team collaboration.”

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question explores your career aspirations and alignment with the company’s growth.

How to Answer

Share your professional goals and how they align with Stantec’s trajectory.

Example

“In five years, I see myself in a leadership role, guiding projects that leverage technology for sustainable solutions. I believe Stantec’s focus on innovation will provide the perfect environment for me to grow and contribute meaningfully.”