Starkey Hearing Technologies Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Starkey Hearing Technologies is a world leader in the manufacturing and delivery of advanced hearing solutions, dedicated to connecting people and enhancing lives through innovative technology.

As a Software Engineer at Starkey, you will be an integral member of the desktop fitting software team, focusing on developing cutting-edge software solutions that directly impact the audiology field. Your key responsibilities will include working collaboratively across various teams—including audiologists, audio systems engineers, and product managers—to translate complex hearing needs into effective software applications. You will leverage the latest .NET technologies, including C# and WPF, to create user-friendly interfaces that prioritize high-quality user experiences.

The ideal candidate for this role possesses a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering and has at least five years of professional software engineering experience. A strong proficiency in object-oriented programming principles, an innovative mindset, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment are essential traits that will make you a great fit at Starkey. The company values professional growth and offers a supportive work culture that encourages knowledge sharing, making this an excellent opportunity for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of others through technology.

This guide will prepare you for your interview by outlining the key aspects of the role and the skills needed to succeed at Starkey, allowing you to present yourself as both a competent candidate and a good cultural fit for the company.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Starkey Hearing Technologies is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically unfolds over several stages, allowing candidates to showcase their expertise and collaborative spirit.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 30-minute phone interview, usually conducted via Zoom. This initial screen is led by a recruiter and may include one or two engineers from the team. During this conversation, candidates can expect to discuss their background, motivations for applying, and relevant experiences. The focus will also be on assessing the candidate's fit for Starkey's culture and values.

2. Technical Phone Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates will participate in a technical phone interview. This session lasts about 30 minutes and is typically conducted by two engineers, including the candidate's potential manager. The interview will cover fundamental concepts in object-oriented programming, particularly focusing on WPF and C#. Candidates should be prepared to answer technical questions and may be asked to solve problems or discuss their approach to software design.

3. Presentation of Past Work

Candidates who progress beyond the technical interview will be required to present a research project or a significant piece of work they have previously completed. This presentation is typically one hour long and allows candidates to demonstrate their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. It also provides an opportunity for candidates to engage with their future teammates and receive feedback.

4. Onsite Interviews

The final stage of the interview process consists of onsite interviews, which may include multiple one-on-one sessions with various team members, including HR, managers, and potential colleagues. These interviews will delve deeper into technical skills, collaborative experiences, and the candidate's ability to contribute to Starkey's mission of improving lives through innovative hearing solutions. Behavioral questions will also be a key component, assessing how candidates align with the company's values and culture.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and collaborative experiences.

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

Prepare for Technical Discussions

Given the emphasis on object-oriented principles and design, be ready to discuss your experience with these concepts in detail. Brush up on your knowledge of C# and WPF, as these are critical technologies for the role. Prepare to explain your past projects, focusing on how you applied these principles to solve real-world problems. Consider using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, making it easier for interviewers to follow your thought process.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

Starkey values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, especially with audiologists and product managers. Be prepared to discuss how you have successfully worked in teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you contributed to a project by collaborating with others, and emphasize your ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your fit within their culture of knowledge sharing and professional growth.

Present Your Research Project Effectively

As part of the interview process, you may be asked to present a research project you've worked on. Choose a project that showcases your technical skills and innovative mindset. Structure your presentation to clearly outline the problem, your approach, the technologies used, and the impact of your work. Practice delivering this presentation to ensure you can communicate your ideas confidently and concisely.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. Reflect on past experiences where you faced obstacles and how you overcame them. Be honest about your experiences, including any failures, and focus on what you learned from those situations. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your growth mindset.

Understand the Company Culture

Starkey prides itself on a fun-loving work environment and a strong work/life balance. During your interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a positive team culture. Share examples of how you have fostered a collaborative and enjoyable work atmosphere in previous roles. This will show that you align with their values and are eager to be a part of their team.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and the company. If you feel comfortable, you can also mention a specific topic discussed during the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at Starkey Hearing Technologies. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Starkey Hearing Technologies. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to work collaboratively within a team. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, particularly those that demonstrate your proficiency in software development and your understanding of user-centered design principles.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the principles of object-oriented programming and how you have applied them in your projects?

Understanding object-oriented programming (OOP) is crucial for this role, as it forms the foundation of many software applications.

How to Answer

Discuss the four main principles of OOP: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Provide examples from your experience where you applied these principles to solve specific problems.

Example

“In my last project, I utilized encapsulation to create a class that managed user data securely. By restricting access to certain properties, I ensured that sensitive information was protected. This approach not only improved security but also made the codebase easier to maintain.”

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

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your ability to navigate obstacles in software development.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and creativity. Explain the problem, your thought process, and the solution you implemented.

Example

“I encountered a performance issue in a desktop application where loading times were excessively long. After profiling the application, I discovered that inefficient database queries were the culprit. I optimized the queries and implemented caching, which reduced load times by over 50%.”

3. What experience do you have with .NET technologies, specifically C# and WPF?

Given the focus on .NET technologies in this role, familiarity with C# and WPF is essential.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with C# and WPF, including specific projects where you used these technologies. Highlight any advanced features or design patterns you implemented.

Example

“I have over five years of experience with C# and WPF, having developed several desktop applications. In one project, I used MVVM design patterns to separate the user interface from the business logic, which improved the maintainability of the code and facilitated easier testing.”

4. How do you ensure a high-quality user experience in your software applications?

User experience is critical in Starkey's products, so demonstrating your understanding of UX principles is important.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to user-centered design, including user research, prototyping, and usability testing. Provide examples of how you have incorporated user feedback into your projects.

Example

“I prioritize user experience by conducting user interviews and usability tests during the development process. For instance, in a recent project, I gathered feedback on the interface design and made iterative improvements based on user input, resulting in a more intuitive application.”

Collaboration and Teamwork

5. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with cross-functional teams. How did you handle it?

Collaboration is key in this role, especially when working with audiologists and product managers.

How to Answer

Share an example that illustrates your ability to work effectively with diverse teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you navigated any challenges.

Example

“In a previous role, I collaborated with product managers and audio engineers to develop a new feature for a hearing aid fitting application. I facilitated regular meetings to ensure everyone was aligned on goals and timelines, which helped us deliver the project on schedule.”

6. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining a productive work environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and understanding different perspectives.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. In one instance, two team members disagreed on the implementation approach for a feature. I organized a meeting where each could present their viewpoint, and we collaboratively reached a compromise that satisfied both parties.”

7. What motivates you to work in the medical device industry, particularly at Starkey?

Understanding your motivation can help the interviewers gauge your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Express your passion for technology and its impact on people's lives, particularly in the context of hearing solutions.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to create technology that significantly improves people's quality of life. Working at Starkey, a leader in hearing solutions, aligns perfectly with my desire to contribute to meaningful innovations that help individuals connect with the world around them.”

8. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in software development?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

How to Answer

Share specific resources, communities, or practices you engage with to stay informed about industry trends.

Example

“I regularly attend software development meetups and webinars, and I follow several influential tech blogs and podcasts. Additionally, I participate in online coding challenges to sharpen my skills and learn new technologies.”