United Airlines Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

United Airlines is on a transformative journey to become the leading airline in the aviation industry, focusing on connecting people and uniting the world through a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and technological advancement.

The Software Engineer role at United Airlines is pivotal in developing and maintaining critical applications that enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experiences. Key responsibilities include designing, developing, documenting, testing, and debugging both new and existing software applications, with a strong emphasis on cloud-based solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the full development life cycle, particularly using Agile methodologies, and will serve as a technical expert in collaborative environments. A successful Software Engineer will have experience with AWS technologies, strong backend API development skills, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python and Java. Additionally, a solid grasp of Object-Oriented Design principles and familiarity with databases (both SQL and NoSQL) is essential.

United Airlines values candidates who not only have the requisite technical skills but also demonstrate a passion for the aviation industry and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. This guide will help you prepare for the interview process by highlighting the key skills and experiences that align with the company’s mission and values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at United Airlines is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, usually conducted by a recruiter. This is a friendly conversation where the recruiter will discuss your background, the role, and the company culture. They will also gauge your interest in the position and assess if your skills align with the job requirements.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates often undergo a technical assessment. This may include a coding test or a take-home assignment that evaluates your programming skills, particularly in languages such as Python, Java, or SQL. The assessment is designed to test your problem-solving abilities and understanding of algorithms, which are crucial for the role.

3. Behavioral Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates typically participate in a behavioral interview. This interview focuses on your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Expect questions that utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to understand how you handle challenges, work in teams, and contribute to projects.

4. Technical Interview

The next step is a more in-depth technical interview, often conducted by a panel of engineers or technical leads. This round will delve deeper into your technical expertise, including discussions on software design, cloud technologies (especially AWS), and specific programming challenges. Be prepared to explain your thought process and demonstrate your coding skills in real-time.

5. Final Interview

The final stage usually involves an interview with a senior manager or department head. This interview may cover both technical and behavioral aspects, focusing on your fit within the team and the company’s culture. You may also discuss your long-term career goals and how they align with United Airlines' mission and values.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions about the team dynamics, projects, and company culture to ensure a mutual fit.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let’s explore the types of questions you might encounter during your interviews.

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

Prepare for a Structured Interview Process

United Airlines follows a structured interview process that typically includes multiple rounds, starting with an HR screening, followed by technical interviews and possibly a case study. Familiarize yourself with the format and be ready to discuss your resume in detail. Highlight your relevant experiences and projects, as interviewers will likely ask you to elaborate on them.

Master the STAR Method

Behavioral questions are a significant part of the interview process. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. This approach will help you articulate your experiences clearly and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively. Prepare examples that showcase your technical expertise, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the technical nature of the role, ensure you are well-versed in key programming languages and technologies relevant to the position, such as Java, Python, and AWS. Be prepared to answer questions about algorithms, data structures, and software design patterns. Practice coding problems and be ready to explain your thought process during technical assessments.

Understand the Company Culture

United Airlines values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how your background and experiences align with their mission of "Connecting People, Uniting the World." Show enthusiasm for the airline industry and express your understanding of the challenges and trends within it. This will demonstrate your commitment to the company and its goals.

Prepare for Case Studies and Guesstimates

Some interviews may include case studies or guesstimate questions. Practice thinking on your feet and articulating your thought process clearly. These exercises are designed to assess your analytical skills and how you approach problem-solving. Familiarize yourself with common case study frameworks to help structure your responses.

Communicate Effectively

During the interview, maintain a friendly and professional demeanor. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Follow Up

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and reflect on any key points discussed during the interview. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your technical skills and cultural fit, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at United Airlines. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at United Airlines. The interview process will likely assess both technical skills and behavioral competencies, focusing on your experience with software development, cloud technologies, and teamwork in an agile environment. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, technical knowledge, and how you approach problem-solving.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the software development life cycle (SDLC) and its importance?

Understanding the SDLC is crucial for a software engineer, as it outlines the process of developing software from inception to deployment.

How to Answer

Discuss the phases of the SDLC, such as planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Emphasize how following this cycle ensures quality and efficiency in software development.

Example

“The software development life cycle consists of several phases: planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each phase is essential to ensure that the final product meets user requirements and is delivered on time. By adhering to the SDLC, we can identify potential issues early and improve the overall quality of the software.”

2. What is your experience with cloud technologies, particularly AWS?

Given the emphasis on cloud-based solutions, familiarity with AWS is essential.

How to Answer

Highlight your experience with specific AWS services, such as EC2, S3, or Lambda, and how you have utilized them in past projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS, particularly with EC2 for hosting applications and S3 for storage solutions. In my last project, I used AWS Lambda to create serverless functions that processed data in real-time, which significantly reduced our infrastructure costs.”

3. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, focusing on the technical aspects of the problem and your approach to solving it.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced performance issues with our application due to inefficient database queries. I analyzed the queries and identified several that could be optimized. By implementing indexing and rewriting some queries, we improved the application’s response time by 40%, which greatly enhanced user satisfaction.”

4. How do you ensure code quality in your projects?

Code quality is vital for maintainability and performance.

How to Answer

Discuss practices such as code reviews, unit testing, and using static analysis tools to maintain high code quality.

Example

“I ensure code quality by conducting regular code reviews with my team and implementing unit tests for all new features. Additionally, I use static analysis tools to catch potential issues early in the development process, which helps maintain a high standard of code quality.”

5. Can you explain the concept of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and its principles?

OOP is a fundamental concept in software development, and understanding its principles is crucial.

How to Answer

Define OOP and discuss its core principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.

Example

“Object-Oriented Programming is a programming paradigm based on the concept of ‘objects,’ which can contain data and code. The four main principles of OOP are encapsulation, which restricts access to certain components; inheritance, which allows a new class to inherit properties from an existing class; polymorphism, which enables methods to do different things based on the object; and abstraction, which simplifies complex systems by modeling classes based on essential properties.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal.

Collaboration is key in software development, and this question assesses your teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where you contributed to a team effort, focusing on your role and the outcome.

Example

“In my last role, I worked on a project with a cross-functional team to develop a new feature for our application. I collaborated closely with designers and product managers to ensure that the technical implementation aligned with user needs. Our teamwork resulted in a successful launch that increased user engagement by 25%.”

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

This question evaluates your ability to manage stress and prioritize tasks.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for time management and maintaining quality under pressure.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. I also communicate openly with my team to ensure we’re aligned on our goals. For instance, during a recent project, we had to deliver a critical feature within a week. I organized daily stand-ups to track progress and address any blockers, which helped us meet the deadline without compromising quality.”

3. Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism. How did you respond?

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

How to Answer

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

Example

“During a code review, a colleague pointed out that my code could be more efficient. Initially, I felt defensive, but I took a step back and reviewed their suggestions. I implemented their feedback and learned new techniques for optimizing my code, which improved my skills significantly.”

4. Why do you want to work at United Airlines?

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

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the company’s goals and how your values align with theirs.

Example

“I am excited about the opportunity to work at United Airlines because I admire your commitment to innovation and customer service. I believe that my skills in software development can contribute to enhancing the travel experience for millions of customers, and I am eager to be part of a team that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the aviation industry.”

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

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to keep your skills current, such as online courses, blogs, or tech meetups.

Example

“I stay updated with the latest technology trends by following industry blogs, participating in online courses, and attending tech meetups. I also engage with communities on platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow, where I can learn from others and share my knowledge.”