Steris Corporation Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Steris Corporation is a leading global provider of innovative healthcare and life science products and services that support patient care, with a strong emphasis on infection prevention.

As a Software Engineer at Steris, you will play a pivotal role in architecting, designing, and developing software solutions for advanced sterilization and disinfection devices used in the healthcare industry. Your key responsibilities will include conducting system analyses to provide effective solutions for current software projects, developing software on existing platforms, and collaboratively designing detailed software specifications to meet defined product requirements. This position will also involve proposing technical directions for existing projects, identifying and resolving inconsistencies in design, and mentoring junior engineers to foster best practices in software development.

To excel in this role, you will need a strong foundation in software architecture, multi-threading, and embedded systems, particularly using C++. Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and a solid understanding of network protocols and security concerns will also be essential. Your ability to work collaboratively in a team, communicate effectively, and navigate complex technical challenges will align with Steris's commitment to creating a safer and healthier world through innovation.

This guide will equip you with insights into the expectations and nuances of the Software Engineer role at Steris, helping you prepare effectively for your interview.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Steris Corporation is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes several rounds of interviews, each designed to evaluate different aspects of their qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30-45 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, skills, and motivations for applying to Steris. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Software Engineer role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video call. This interview usually lasts about an hour and is led by a current Software Engineer or a technical lead. During this session, candidates can expect a mix of technical questions that assess their knowledge of programming languages, software design principles, and problem-solving abilities. Candidates may be asked to explain their past projects, discuss their approach to software architecture, and demonstrate their understanding of relevant technologies.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step often involves a behavioral interview, which is typically conducted by HR and the hiring manager. This round focuses on assessing the candidate's soft skills, teamwork, and how they handle various work situations. Expect questions that explore past experiences, conflict resolution, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. The interviewers aim to gauge how well candidates align with Steris's values and culture.

4. Onsite Interview

For candidates who progress past the initial rounds, an onsite interview may be scheduled. This comprehensive session usually includes multiple one-on-one interviews with team members and managers. Each interview lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers both technical and behavioral aspects. Candidates may be asked to participate in a coding exercise or a technical assessment to demonstrate their problem-solving skills in real-time. Additionally, there may be discussions about the candidate's resume and specific projects they have worked on.

5. Final Review

After the onsite interviews, the hiring team will convene to discuss the candidate's performance across all rounds. This final review will consider technical skills, cultural fit, and overall potential to contribute to the team. Candidates may receive feedback or a decision shortly after this meeting, although some may experience a delay in communication.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during this process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

STERIS values a collaborative and supportive work environment. During your interview, emphasize your ability to work well in teams and your experience mentoring others. Be prepared to discuss how you have contributed to a positive team dynamic in previous roles. This will resonate well with the interviewers, who appreciate candidates that align with their culture of teamwork and innovation.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions that assess how you handle various situations. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your actions clearly.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the technical nature of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with embedded Linux systems, C++, and multi-threaded applications. Review key concepts related to software architecture, design patterns, and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as YOCTO, BSP development, and unit testing frameworks like CppUnit or GTest. You may be asked to explain your thought process in designing software solutions, so practice articulating your technical decisions.

Be Ready for Technical Assessments

Some candidates reported technical assessments that included coding challenges or system design scenarios. Prepare for these by practicing coding problems and system design exercises relevant to embedded systems. Familiarize yourself with common design principles and be ready to discuss how you would approach a given problem, including the technologies you would use and why.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During the interview, maintain a clear and confident communication style. Interviewers noted that they appreciated candidates who could articulate their thoughts well. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your understanding and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Dress Appropriately

While STERIS promotes a relaxed environment, it’s important to dress professionally for your interview. Candidates have noted that attire can influence perceptions, so opt for smart casual or business casual attire to make a good impression. This shows respect for the interview process and the company culture.

Follow Up

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is not only courteous but also reinforces your interest in the position. Mention specific topics discussed during the interview to personalize your message and leave a lasting impression.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at STERIS. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Steris Corporation. The interview process will likely focus on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience in software development, particularly in embedded systems. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to software design, and how you work within a team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain your experience with embedded Linux systems and how you have utilized C++ in your projects?

This question assesses your hands-on experience with embedded systems, which is crucial for the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you implemented embedded Linux solutions using C++. Highlight the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example

“In my previous role, I developed an embedded Linux application for a medical device that required real-time data processing. I utilized C++ to create a multi-threaded architecture that efficiently handled sensor data while maintaining system responsiveness. This project not only improved device performance but also enhanced user experience.”

2. Describe a complex technical problem you encountered and how you resolved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical thinking and technical skills. Explain the problem, your approach to finding a solution, and the outcome.

Example

“While working on a sterilization device, I encountered a memory leak issue that caused system crashes. I used tools like Valgrind to identify the source of the leak and refactored the code to ensure proper memory management. This not only resolved the issue but also improved the overall stability of the application.”

3. What design patterns are you familiar with, and how have you applied them in your work?

Understanding design patterns is essential for creating maintainable and scalable software.

How to Answer

Mention specific design patterns you have used, such as Singleton, Factory, or Observer, and provide examples of how they improved your projects.

Example

“I frequently use the Factory pattern to create objects in my applications. For instance, in a recent project, I implemented a Factory pattern to manage different types of sterilization processes, which allowed for easier scalability and maintenance as new processes were added.”

4. How do you ensure your software meets performance requirements?

This question assesses your understanding of performance optimization in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss the techniques you use to measure and optimize performance, such as profiling, benchmarking, and code reviews.

Example

“I utilize profiling tools to identify bottlenecks in my applications. For example, in a project involving real-time data processing, I discovered that a specific algorithm was slowing down the system. By optimizing the algorithm and implementing caching strategies, I improved the processing speed by 30%.”

5. Can you explain your experience with multi-threading and how you handle concurrency issues?

Concurrency is a critical aspect of embedded systems, and this question evaluates your expertise in this area.

How to Answer

Provide examples of how you have implemented multi-threading in your projects and the strategies you used to manage concurrency.

Example

“In a project for a medical device, I implemented multi-threading to handle simultaneous data collection from multiple sensors. I used mutexes to prevent race conditions and ensure data integrity. This approach allowed the system to process data in real-time without delays.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work closely with a team to complete a project.

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your role in the team, the challenges faced, and the successful outcome.

Example

“During a project to develop a new sterilization device, I collaborated with hardware engineers and product managers. We faced tight deadlines, but by holding regular meetings and maintaining open communication, we successfully launched the product on time, which received positive feedback from our clients.”

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

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Jira to prioritize tasks. I assess the urgency and impact of each task and adjust my focus accordingly. This approach has helped me meet deadlines consistently while maintaining high-quality work.”

3. Tell us about a time you received constructive criticism. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your ability to accept feedback and grow from it.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you received feedback, how you responded, and what you learned from the experience.

Example

“During a code review, my lead pointed out that my code lacked proper documentation. I took this feedback seriously and made it a point to improve my documentation practices. This not only helped my team understand my code better but also enhanced my own coding discipline.”

4. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends?

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

How to Answer

Mention specific resources, such as online courses, conferences, or professional groups, that you utilize to stay informed.

Example

“I regularly attend industry conferences and participate in online forums related to embedded systems. Additionally, I take online courses to learn about new technologies, such as IoT solutions, which are becoming increasingly relevant in our field.”

5. Describe a situation where you had to adapt to significant changes in a project.

This question evaluates your flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project where changes occurred and how you adjusted your approach to meet new requirements.

Example

“While working on a software solution for a sterilization device, the project scope changed due to new regulatory requirements. I quickly adapted by revising our development plan and collaborating with the compliance team to ensure we met all necessary standards. This proactive approach allowed us to stay on track and successfully launch the product.”