Torc Robotics Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Torc Robotics is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, focused on developing software solutions that transform freight transportation through automated trucks.

As a Software Engineer at Torc Robotics, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing software solutions that enhance the performance and reliability of autonomous driving systems. Key responsibilities include implementing algorithms and deep learning models for vehicle perception, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure software quality, and optimizing code performance for real-time processing. The ideal candidate will possess strong proficiency in C++ and have experience with machine learning frameworks, as well as a solid understanding of object-oriented programming and algorithm design. A passion for innovation and a commitment to teamwork are essential traits for success in this role, as you will work in an environment that values collaboration, creativity, and transparency.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the specific skills and qualities Torc Robotics looks for in a Software Engineer, ensuring you're ready to showcase your fit for this exciting opportunity.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Torc Robotics is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several key stages designed to evaluate candidates comprehensively.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. During this initial screening, the recruiter will provide an overview of the role, the team, and the company culture. This conversation is also an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge your background, skills, and motivations to ensure alignment with Torc's values and expectations.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video call. This interview focuses on assessing your proficiency in programming languages, particularly C++, as well as your understanding of algorithms and software development principles. Expect to encounter questions related to object-oriented programming, data structures, and possibly some live coding exercises to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.

3. Case Study Presentation

Candidates are often required to complete a case study relevant to the autonomous vehicle industry. This involves preparing a presentation that showcases your understanding of autonomous driving systems and your approach to solving specific technical challenges. You will present your findings to a panel, which may include team members and technical leads, allowing them to evaluate your communication skills and technical knowledge in a collaborative setting.

4. Final Interview

The final stage typically involves a more in-depth interview with the hiring manager and possibly other senior team members. This session can last up to 90 minutes and is designed to delve deeper into your technical expertise, past experiences, and how you would fit within the team. Expect a mix of technical questions, discussions about your previous projects, and behavioral questions that assess your teamwork and problem-solving skills.

5. Follow-Up and Offer

After the final interview, candidates can expect a prompt follow-up regarding the outcome of their application. If successful, you will receive a verbal offer, followed by a formal offer letter detailing the terms of employment.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage of the process.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Torc Robotics. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of autonomous vehicle technology. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, coding proficiency, and how you approach complex engineering challenges.

Technical Skills

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

Understanding OOP is crucial for software development, especially in C++. Be ready to discuss your experience with classes, inheritance, and polymorphism.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of OOP principles and relate them to a specific project where you implemented these concepts effectively.

Example

“I have utilized OOP principles extensively in my projects. For instance, in a recent project, I created a class hierarchy for different vehicle types, allowing for code reuse and easier maintenance. This approach not only improved the code structure but also facilitated the addition of new vehicle types without significant changes to the existing codebase.”

2. Describe a challenging bug you encountered in your code. How did you identify and resolve it?

This question assesses your debugging skills and problem-solving approach.

How to Answer

Discuss the steps you took to identify the bug, the tools you used, and how you ultimately resolved the issue.

Example

“I once faced a memory leak issue in a C++ application. I used Valgrind to identify the source of the leak, which was due to improper memory management in a class destructor. After pinpointing the issue, I refactored the destructor to ensure all allocated memory was properly released, which resolved the problem.”

3. How do you optimize algorithms for performance in C++?

Optimization is key in software engineering, especially for autonomous systems.

How to Answer

Discuss specific techniques you use for optimization, such as algorithmic improvements, data structure choices, or compiler optimizations.

Example

“I focus on algorithmic efficiency by analyzing time and space complexity. For instance, in a project involving pathfinding, I implemented A* search instead of Dijkstra’s algorithm, which significantly reduced computation time. Additionally, I utilized C++ STL containers for better memory management and performance.”

4. Can you explain how you would implement a data processing pipeline for autonomous vehicle data?

This question tests your understanding of data handling in the context of autonomous systems.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you would take to design and implement a data processing pipeline, including data acquisition, processing, and storage.

Example

“I would start by defining the data sources, such as LIDAR and camera feeds. Then, I would implement a pipeline using a combination of C++ for real-time processing and Python for data analysis. The processed data would be stored in a database for further analysis and model training, ensuring efficient data flow and accessibility.”

Algorithms and Data Structures

5. What is your approach to solving algorithmic problems? Can you walk us through a specific example?

This question evaluates your problem-solving methodology and familiarity with algorithms.

How to Answer

Describe your general approach to tackling algorithmic challenges, and provide a specific example to illustrate your process.

Example

“When faced with an algorithmic problem, I first break it down into smaller components. For example, while solving a shortest path problem, I used Dijkstra’s algorithm. I started by implementing a priority queue to efficiently retrieve the next node to process, which improved the overall performance of the solution.”

6. How do you ensure the safety and reliability of your software in autonomous systems?

Safety is paramount in autonomous vehicle technology.

How to Answer

Discuss the practices you follow to ensure software safety, such as testing, validation, and adherence to industry standards.

Example

“I adhere to safety standards like ISO 26262 when developing software for autonomous systems. I implement rigorous testing protocols, including unit tests, integration tests, and system-level tests. Additionally, I conduct code reviews and use static analysis tools to identify potential issues early in the development process.”

7. Can you describe your experience with parallel computing and how it applies to your work?

Parallel computing is essential for optimizing performance in autonomous systems.

How to Answer

Share your experience with parallel computing techniques and how you have applied them in your projects.

Example

“I have experience using CUDA for parallel processing in C++. In a project involving image processing for LIDAR data, I implemented parallel algorithms to process multiple data streams simultaneously, which significantly reduced processing time and improved system responsiveness.”

Collaboration and Communication

8. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a cross-functional team. How did you ensure effective communication?

Collaboration is key in a multidisciplinary environment like Torc Robotics.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project where you worked with a diverse team and how you facilitated communication.

Example

“In a project to develop a new feature for our autonomous system, I collaborated with hardware engineers and data scientists. I organized regular meetings to discuss progress and challenges, and I used project management tools to keep everyone updated. This approach ensured that all team members were aligned and contributed effectively to the project.”

9. How do you handle feedback and criticism from peers or supervisors?

This question assesses your ability to accept and act on feedback.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you have used it to improve your work.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving constructive criticism on my code’s readability, I took the initiative to refactor it and improve documentation. This not only enhanced the code quality but also made it easier for my teammates to understand and collaborate on the project.”

10. Can you explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical audience?

This question evaluates your communication skills and ability to simplify complex ideas.

How to Answer

Choose a technical concept and explain it in simple terms, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively.

Example

“I often explain the concept of machine learning to non-technical stakeholders by comparing it to teaching a child. Just as a child learns from examples and experiences, a machine learning model learns from data. I emphasize that the more data we provide, the better the model becomes at making predictions, similar to how a child becomes more knowledgeable with more experiences.”