UCLA Health Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

UCLA Health is a leading healthcare provider dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities through innovation and compassion.

As a Software Engineer at UCLA Health, you will play a crucial role in developing and maintaining software applications that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include designing software solutions tailored to the healthcare environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate technology into clinical workflows, and ensuring the reliability and security of applications. The ideal candidate will possess strong programming skills, particularly in SAS, and have experience with software development methodologies. A commitment to patient-centered care and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders are essential traits that align with UCLA Health's mission of providing exceptional healthcare.

This guide is designed to help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the role and the company’s expectations, enhancing your confidence and readiness to showcase your skills.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at UCLA Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening call, usually conducted by an associate director or a member of the HR team. This conversation is generally focused on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to UCLA Health. It serves as an opportunity for the interviewer to gauge your fit for the role and the organization’s culture.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment. This assessment may involve coding challenges or problem-solving tasks relevant to the software engineering role. Candidates are typically given a set time limit to complete the assessment and may need to explain their thought process and methodologies to the interviewers afterward. Familiarity with specific programming languages or tools, such as SAS, may be evaluated during this stage.

3. Panel Interview

The final stage of the interview process usually consists of a panel interview. This involves multiple interviewers, including technical leads and possibly a director. During this session, candidates can expect a mix of technical questions, behavioral inquiries, and discussions about their previous experiences. The panel will assess not only technical competencies but also how well candidates align with UCLA Health's values and mission.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their technical skills, problem-solving approaches, and how they can contribute to the team and the organization as a whole.

Next, let’s explore the types of questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at UCLA Health.

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

Understand the Role and Its Impact

Before your interview, take the time to deeply understand the responsibilities of a Software Engineer at UCLA Health. Familiarize yourself with how your role contributes to patient care and the overall mission of the organization. This will not only help you articulate your fit for the position but also demonstrate your commitment to the values of UCLA Health. Be prepared to discuss how your technical skills can enhance the healthcare experience for patients and staff alike.

Master SAS and Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on SAS in the interview process, ensure you are well-versed in its procedures and functionalities. Be ready to discuss specific SAS procedures you have used in past projects and rate your proficiency honestly. Practice explaining your thought process and methodologies clearly, as you may need to walk interviewers through your assessment results. Additionally, brush up on other relevant programming languages and tools that are commonly used in healthcare software development.

Prepare for a Panel Interview

Expect to face a panel of interviewers, as this is a common format at UCLA Health. Prepare to engage with multiple stakeholders, including technical leads and management. Practice concise yet informative responses to common questions, and be ready to pivot your answers based on the interests of different panel members. This will showcase your ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

While technical skills are crucial, UCLA Health also values cultural fit. Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated these qualities, and be ready to share specific examples. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you align with the company culture.

Stay Professional and Engaged

While some candidates have noted a stiff atmosphere during interviews, it’s important to remain professional and engaged throughout the process. Approach the interview with a positive attitude, and don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and company culture. This will not only help you gauge if UCLA Health is the right fit for you but also leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, consider sending a thoughtful follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Mention specific points from the interview that resonated with you, which can help reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at UCLA Health. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Be prepared to discuss your experience with software development, programming languages, and any relevant tools or methodologies.

Technical Skills

1. What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and how have you applied them in your previous projects?

UCLA Health is interested in your technical proficiency and how you leverage programming languages to solve real-world problems.

How to Answer

Discuss the programming languages you are proficient in, providing specific examples of projects where you utilized these languages effectively.

Example

“I am most comfortable with Python and Java. In my last project, I developed a web application using Python’s Flask framework, which streamlined patient data management, improving efficiency by 30%.”

2. Can you explain a complex software project you worked on and the challenges you faced?

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

How to Answer

Choose a project that highlights your technical skills and detail the challenges you encountered, along with the solutions you implemented.

Example

“I worked on a telehealth application where we faced significant data security challenges. I implemented encryption protocols and conducted thorough testing, which ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations and safeguarded patient information.”

3. Describe your experience with SAS and the types of procedures you commonly use.

Given the emphasis on SAS in the interview process, they want to assess your familiarity and expertise with this tool.

How to Answer

Be honest about your experience level with SAS, and provide examples of specific procedures you have used in your work.

Example

“I have used SAS extensively for data analysis and reporting. I frequently utilize PROC SQL for data manipulation and PROC REPORT for generating detailed reports, which have been crucial in my previous roles.”

4. How do you approach debugging a piece of software?

This question tests your analytical skills and your methodical approach to problem-solving.

How to Answer

Outline your debugging process, emphasizing your systematic approach and any tools you use.

Example

“When debugging, I first replicate the issue to understand its context. I then use logging tools to trace the error and isolate the problematic code. This methodical approach has helped me resolve issues efficiently in past projects.”

5. What software development methodologies are you familiar with, and which do you prefer?

Understanding your familiarity with methodologies helps assess your fit within their development team.

How to Answer

Discuss the methodologies you have experience with, explaining why you prefer a particular one based on your past experiences.

Example

“I am familiar with Agile and Waterfall methodologies. I prefer Agile because it promotes flexibility and continuous feedback, which I find enhances collaboration and leads to better end products.”

Cultural Fit

1. Why do you want to work at UCLA Health?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company’s mission and values.

How to Answer

Express your genuine interest in the organization and how its values resonate with your personal and professional goals.

Example

“I admire UCLA Health’s commitment to improving patient care through innovative technology. I want to contribute to a team that prioritizes patient outcomes and leverages technology to make a meaningful impact.”

2. How do you handle working in a team with diverse perspectives?

UCLA Health values collaboration and diversity, so they want to know how you navigate team dynamics.

How to Answer

Share your experiences working in diverse teams and how you foster an inclusive environment.

Example

“I believe that diverse perspectives lead to better solutions. In my last role, I encouraged open discussions during team meetings, ensuring everyone felt comfortable sharing their ideas, which ultimately improved our project outcomes.”

3. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project.

This question evaluates your adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a project where you had to pivot and how you managed the transition.

Example

“During a project, we had to switch our technology stack mid-development due to performance issues. I quickly researched alternatives and led the team in adapting our approach, which ultimately resulted in a more robust application.”

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

This question assesses your time management skills and ability to handle competing priorities.

How to Answer

Discuss your prioritization strategy and any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I use a combination of task management tools and the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize my tasks. This helps me focus on what’s urgent and important, ensuring that I meet deadlines without compromising quality.”

5. What do you believe is the most important quality for a software engineer to possess?

This question seeks to understand your values and what you believe contributes to success in the role.

How to Answer

Reflect on qualities that you think are essential for a software engineer and relate them to your own experiences.

Example

“I believe adaptability is crucial for a software engineer. The tech landscape is constantly evolving, and being open to learning new technologies and methodologies has allowed me to stay relevant and effective in my roles.”