US Foods Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

US Foods is a leading foodservice distributor in America, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to provide innovative food offerings and technology solutions.

The Software Engineer role at US Foods emphasizes the design, delivery, and implementation of high-quality integration solutions, particularly for systems supporting Supply Chain and Warehouse Management operations. The ideal candidate should possess at least five years of experience in IT or related fields, demonstrating proficiency in full-stack enterprise and web application development. A strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), combined with a strategic mindset to tackle complex business and technical challenges, is crucial.

In this position, you'll collaborate with technical leads and team members to refine technical specifications into workable solutions, ensuring scalability and maintainability. Your responsibilities will include coding, conducting peer reviews, and mentoring junior engineers, all while adhering to best practices and coding standards. Familiarity with Agile methodologies and DevOps concepts is important, as is proficiency in Java, particularly the Spring Boot framework, and experience with databases like MongoDB or Oracle. Knowledge of tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS will give you an additional edge in this collaborative, remote work environment.

This guide will help you prepare for your job interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that US Foods values in their Software Engineers, enabling you to present yourself confidently and effectively.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at US Foods is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative and innovative environment of the company. The process typically consists of three main stages:

1. Recruiter Phone Screen

The first step is a phone interview with a recruiter, lasting about 30 minutes. This conversation focuses on your background, experience, and motivations for applying to US Foods. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Software Engineer role. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company and the position.

2. Technical Interview with Engineering Manager

Following the initial screen, candidates will participate in a video interview with the engineering manager. This session is primarily focused on verbal technical questions rather than coding exercises. You may be asked to explain concepts such as REST APIs, including the differences between various HTTP methods like POST and GET. This interview assesses your understanding of software engineering principles and your ability to communicate technical information clearly.

3. Final Behavioral Interview with Hiring Manager

The last stage involves a behavioral video interview with the hiring manager. This interview aims to evaluate your soft skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Expect questions that explore how you handle challenges, work within a team, and contribute to a positive work environment. The hiring manager will be looking for evidence of your alignment with US Foods' values and culture.

As you prepare for these interviews, consider the specific skills and experiences that will showcase your qualifications for the role. Next, let's delve into the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at US Foods typically includes a recruiter phone screen, a technical video interview with an engineering manager, and a final behavioral video interview with the hiring manager. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Be ready to discuss your technical skills and experiences in detail, as well as how you approach problem-solving in a team environment.

Master Key Technical Concepts

As a Software Engineer, you will likely be asked about REST APIs, including the differences between POST and GET requests. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly. Additionally, ensure you have a solid understanding of full-stack development, Java (especially with the Spring Boot framework), and DevOps principles. Being able to articulate your experience with these technologies will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

US Foods values candidates who can tackle complex business and technical challenges. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully solved difficult problems. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your thought process and the impact of your solutions.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Given the collaborative nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you work with cross-functional teams, including product owners and scrum masters. Highlight your interpersonal skills and provide examples of how you’ve effectively communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This will show that you can bridge the gap between technical and business needs.

Align with Company Culture

US Foods emphasizes diversity, innovation, and a customer-first mindset. Research the company’s values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment and how you can help drive innovation within the team.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

The final interview will likely focus on behavioral questions. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare to discuss how you’ve handled challenges, worked in teams, and contributed to project success. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to adapt, lead, and mentor others, as these are key aspects of the role.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Focus on both technical and behavioral questions, and seek feedback on your responses. This will help you refine your answers and improve your overall presentation.

Follow Up

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from your conversation that reinforces your fit for the role. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at US Foods. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at US Foods. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience with software development methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to coding, and how you collaborate with teams.

Technical Knowledge

1. What is a REST API, and how does it differ from SOAP?

Understanding APIs is crucial for a software engineer, especially in a company that focuses on integration solutions.

How to Answer

Explain the principles of REST, such as statelessness and resource-based architecture, and contrast it with SOAP's protocol-based approach.

Example

“A REST API is an architectural style that uses standard HTTP methods to interact with resources, making it stateless and lightweight. In contrast, SOAP is a protocol that relies on XML messaging and has stricter standards, which can make it more complex and less flexible for web services.”

2. Can you explain the difference between a POST and a GET request?

This question tests your understanding of HTTP methods, which are fundamental in web development.

How to Answer

Discuss the purpose of each method, including their use cases and how they handle data.

Example

“A GET request is used to retrieve data from a server and should not change the state of the server, while a POST request is used to send data to the server, often resulting in a change in state or side effects on the server.”

3. Describe your experience with Java and the Spring Boot framework.

Java is a key technology for this role, and familiarity with Spring Boot is often essential.

How to Answer

Share specific projects where you utilized Java and Spring Boot, highlighting your contributions and the outcomes.

Example

“I developed a microservices-based application using Java and Spring Boot, which improved our deployment speed by 30%. I implemented RESTful services that allowed seamless communication between different services, enhancing the overall system performance.”

4. What is your approach to debugging a complex application?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers, and your approach can reveal your problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“I start by reproducing the issue to understand its context, then I use logging and debugging tools to trace the problem. I also review recent changes in the codebase to identify potential causes, and I collaborate with team members to gather insights.”

5. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability?

This question assesses your commitment to best practices in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with code reviews, testing, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

“I ensure code quality by participating in peer reviews and using static analysis tools. I also write unit tests to cover critical functionalities, which helps maintain the codebase and makes it easier to refactor in the future.”

Collaboration and Agile Methodologies

1. Describe your experience working in an Agile environment.

Agile methodologies are common in software development, and your experience can demonstrate your adaptability.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of how you’ve contributed to Agile teams, including your role in sprints and ceremonies.

Example

“I have been part of Agile teams for over three years, where I actively participated in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. I contributed to improving our workflow by suggesting tools that enhanced our tracking of tasks and progress.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is essential for maintaining a productive work environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to addressing conflicts, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and respectfully. I encourage open dialogue to understand different perspectives and work towards a solution that aligns with our team goals.”

3. Can you give an example of a challenging technical problem you solved?

This question allows you to showcase your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

How to Answer

Describe the problem, your approach to solving it, and the impact of your solution.

Example

“I faced a challenge with a performance bottleneck in our application. I analyzed the database queries and identified inefficient joins. By optimizing the queries and implementing caching, I reduced the response time by 50%, significantly improving user experience.”

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

Time management and prioritization are key skills for software engineers.

How to Answer

Explain your method for assessing priorities and managing your workload effectively.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and the impact on the project. I use tools like Kanban boards to visualize my workload and adjust my focus as needed, ensuring that I meet critical deadlines without compromising quality.”

5. What role do you typically take in team projects?

This question assesses your teamwork and leadership skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your preferred role and how you adapt to different team dynamics.

Example

“I often take on the role of a facilitator, ensuring that everyone’s ideas are heard and that we stay aligned with our goals. I also enjoy mentoring junior developers, helping them grow while contributing to the team’s success.”