Varian Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company, is dedicated to realizing a vision of a world without fear of cancer by developing innovative oncology solutions.

As a Software Engineer at Varian, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining software applications that interface with hardware devices and support manufacturing processes. Your responsibilities will include creating efficient software solutions for data acquisition, control systems, and database applications, primarily targeting SQL servers and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, to ensure seamless integration of software with hardware components. Proficiency in object-oriented programming, particularly in languages such as C# and Python, is essential, as is experience in developing multi-threaded applications and performing software validation.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in software development life cycles, including requirement gathering and testing, as well as familiarity with embedded programming on microcontrollers. Additionally, your commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement will be vital in supporting Varian's mission to enhance patient care.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the key responsibilities and skills required for the role, while also aligning with Varian's core values of innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving lives.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Varian is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of three main rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and compatibility with the team.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening call, usually conducted by a recruiter. This 30-minute conversation focuses on your background, motivations, and understanding of the role. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the next steps in the interview process. This is an opportunity for you to express your interest in Varian's mission and how your skills align with their goals.

2. Technical Interviews

The next two rounds are technical interviews, which may be conducted either virtually or in-person, depending on the hiring manager's preference.

• Round 1: This round primarily assesses your understanding of programming fundamentals, particularly in languages such as C#, Java, and Python. Expect questions that cover data structures, object-oriented programming principles, and basic to intermediate-level REST API concepts. You may also be asked to solve coding problems collaboratively, showcasing your problem-solving approach and coding style.

• Round 2: The second technical round dives deeper into your expertise with frameworks and programming languages. Questions may include intermediate-level challenges related to DevOps, deployment, and configuration management. You should be prepared to discuss your past project experiences and how you have applied your technical skills in real-world scenarios.

3. Managerial Round

The final round is a managerial interview, which may include both technical and behavioral questions. This round is designed to evaluate your fit within the team and the organization as a whole. You can expect discussions about your previous projects, your approach to teamwork, and how you handle challenges. The hiring manager will also provide insights into the team's work and expectations, allowing you to gauge how your career goals align with Varian's mission.

As you prepare for these interviews, it's essential to reflect on your experiences and be ready to discuss how they relate to the skills and responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Varian typically consists of three rounds: two technical rounds followed by a managerial round. Familiarize yourself with the structure so you can prepare accordingly. The first round will focus on fundamental concepts in programming languages and frameworks, while the second round will delve deeper into intermediate-level questions, including DevOps and deployment topics. The final round will assess your behavioral fit and may include some technical questions, so be ready to discuss your past projects and experiences in detail.

Master the Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on object-oriented programming and software development, ensure you are well-versed in languages such as C#, Java, and Python. Brush up on your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and design patterns, as these are likely to be focal points in the technical interviews. Additionally, be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of multi-threaded applications and REST APIs, as well as your experience with SQL server database design.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities

Varian values strong analytical and problem-solving skills. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you approach complex problems and the methodologies you use to troubleshoot and resolve issues. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your thought process and the impact of your solutions.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

The interview process will likely include behavioral questions to assess your cultural fit within the team. Varian promotes a collaborative environment, so be ready to discuss how you work with cross-functional teams, including engineers and operators. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Align with the Company’s Mission

Varian is dedicated to fighting cancer and improving lives through innovative technology. Show your passion for this mission during the interview. Discuss how your values align with the company’s goals and how you can contribute to their vision of a world without fear of cancer. This alignment can set you apart as a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also genuinely invested in the company’s purpose.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect to encounter behavioral questions that assess your fit within Varian's inclusive culture. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss how you handle challenges, work in teams, and adapt to change. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples.

Be Ready for a Collaborative Coding Exercise

Candidates have reported that coding exercises during interviews at Varian are collaborative and engaging. Approach these exercises with a mindset of teamwork. Communicate your thought process clearly, ask questions, and be open to feedback. This will not only demonstrate your technical skills but also your ability to work well with others.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your interview at Varian with confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Varian. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, demonstrate your coding skills, and showcase your understanding of software development principles.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and how you have applied them in your projects?

Understanding OOP is crucial for a software engineer, especially in a role that involves developing complex applications.

How to Answer

Discuss the four main principles of OOP: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Provide examples of how you've implemented these principles in your previous work.

Example

“In my last project, I utilized encapsulation by creating classes that contained both data and methods, ensuring that the internal state of the objects was protected. I also used inheritance to create a base class for common functionalities, which allowed me to extend it for specific use cases, promoting code reusability.”

2. Describe a challenging bug you encountered in your code and how you resolved it.

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

How to Answer

Detail the steps you took to identify the bug, the tools you used, and how you ultimately fixed the issue.

Example

“I once faced a memory leak issue in a multi-threaded application. I used profiling tools to monitor memory usage and identified that certain objects were not being released. I refactored the code to ensure proper disposal of resources, which resolved the issue and improved the application’s performance.”

3. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development, especially in a regulated industry like healthcare.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for writing clean code, conducting code reviews, and implementing testing strategies.

Example

“I follow best practices for writing clean and maintainable code, such as adhering to coding standards and using meaningful variable names. I also conduct peer code reviews and write unit tests to ensure that my code functions as intended and is free of defects.”

4. What experience do you have with RESTful APIs?

Understanding APIs is essential for integrating software applications.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with designing, implementing, or consuming RESTful APIs, and mention any specific technologies you’ve used.

Example

“I have designed RESTful APIs using ASP.NET Core, ensuring they follow REST principles. I implemented authentication and authorization mechanisms and used Swagger for API documentation, which made it easier for front-end developers to integrate with the back-end services.”

5. Can you discuss your experience with SQL and database design?

Database management is a key aspect of software engineering, especially in applications that require data storage and retrieval.

How to Answer

Talk about your experience with SQL queries, database design principles, and any specific database management systems you’ve worked with.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL Server, where I designed normalized database schemas to optimize data integrity and performance. I frequently write complex queries involving joins and subqueries to extract meaningful insights from the data.”

Behavioral Questions

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

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

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a project where teamwork was crucial, highlighting your role and contributions.

Example

“During a project to develop a new feature, I collaborated closely with UI/UX designers and other developers. I facilitated regular stand-up meetings to ensure everyone was aligned and encouraged open communication, which helped us deliver the feature ahead of schedule.”

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

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

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for time management and how you maintain productivity under pressure.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. I break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and set milestones to track progress. This approach helps me stay focused and ensures that I meet deadlines without compromising quality.”

3. Can you give an example of a time you received constructive criticism? How did you respond?

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

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you received feedback, how you reacted, and what changes you made as a result.

Example

“I once received feedback on my presentation skills during a project review. I took it to heart and enrolled in a public speaking workshop. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to improve my communication skills, which has positively impacted my ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.”

4. What motivates you to work in the healthcare technology field?

Understanding your motivation can help the interviewers gauge your fit within the company’s mission.

How to Answer

Express your passion for technology and its impact on healthcare, and relate it to your personal experiences or values.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to solutions that can improve patient outcomes. Having seen the impact of technology in healthcare through my family’s experiences, I am passionate about using my skills to develop software that can make a difference in people’s lives.”

5. How do you stay current with technology trends and advancements?

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

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to keep up with industry trends, such as online courses, blogs, or professional networks.

Example

“I regularly follow industry blogs, participate in online forums, and attend webinars to stay updated on the latest technologies. I also take online courses to learn new programming languages and frameworks, ensuring that my skills remain relevant in this fast-paced field.”