Waystar Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Waystar is a leading provider of healthcare payment solutions, dedicated to simplifying the revenue cycle for healthcare providers through innovative cloud-based technology and exceptional client support.

As a Software Engineer at Waystar, you will play a vital role in developing and delivering high-quality software solutions that enhance the company's business intelligence applications. Key responsibilities will include overseeing the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen ability to translate complex healthcare challenges into effective technology solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess 5-10 years of experience in analytics engineering, along with a solid understanding of self-service analytics, enterprise reporting, and data visualization best practices. You should be familiar with the Google Cloud framework and have experience working with relational databases like SQL Server or Snowflake. Additionally, a collaborative mindset and an aptitude for mentoring team members will be crucial, as Waystar values teamwork and innovation. The company thrives on a culture of curiosity and a commitment to customer-centric solutions, making it essential for candidates to showcase their ability to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

This guide will equip you with specific insights and tailored questions to help you prepare effectively for your interview at Waystar, ensuring you present yourself as a strong candidate who aligns with the company's values and mission.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Waystar is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several structured steps that allow candidates to showcase their abilities and learn more about the company.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process begins with a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter. This initial call serves as an opportunity for the recruiter to understand your background, skills, and motivations. You will discuss your previous work experiences, particularly focusing on relevant projects and your day-to-day responsibilities. The recruiter will also provide insights into Waystar's culture and the expectations for the role.

2. Assessment Tests

Following the initial call, candidates are required to complete a series of assessments, which may include IQ and personality tests. These tests are designed to evaluate cognitive abilities and how well you align with the company's values and work style. Each part of the assessment typically takes around 40 minutes, and it is important to approach these tests with focus and preparation.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the assessment stage will move on to a technical interview. This interview is often conducted via video conferencing and focuses on evaluating your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to solve coding challenges, discuss algorithms, and demonstrate your understanding of software engineering principles. Be prepared to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving during this stage.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical skills, Waystar places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and teamwork. The behavioral interview will explore how you handle various workplace scenarios, including ethical dilemmas and collaboration with colleagues. Expect questions that assess your ability to work in a team, manage conflicts, and prioritize customer needs.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process typically involves a more in-depth discussion with senior team members or management. This interview may cover both technical and behavioral aspects, allowing you to demonstrate your leadership potential and alignment with Waystar's mission. You may also have the opportunity to ask questions about the team dynamics and future projects.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during these stages.

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

Emphasize Your Learning Agility

Waystar values candidates who demonstrate a strong ability to learn and adapt. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you had to quickly acquire new skills or knowledge to solve a problem. Highlight your curiosity and willingness to experiment, as this aligns with the company’s culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect to undergo technical assessments that may include coding challenges or problem-solving exercises. Brush up on your programming skills, particularly in languages relevant to the role, and familiarize yourself with the tools and technologies mentioned in the job description, such as SQL and cloud-based BI solutions. Practice articulating your thought process as you work through these challenges, as interviewers appreciate candidates who can communicate their reasoning clearly.

Showcase Your Customer-Centric Mindset

Waystar places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. Be ready to discuss how you have prioritized customer needs in your previous roles. Share examples of how you have gathered feedback, identified pain points, and implemented solutions that improved user experience. This will demonstrate your alignment with the company’s values and your ability to contribute to their mission.

Be Personable and Engaging

Interviews at Waystar are described as thorough yet personable. Approach the interview as a conversation rather than a formal interrogation. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture is a good fit for you.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess how you handle various workplace situations. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure or challenging scenarios.

Understand the Company Culture

Waystar’s culture is built on values such as honesty, kindness, and a fanatical focus on delivering the best work. Familiarize yourself with these values and think about how they resonate with your own work ethic and professional philosophy. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you can contribute to fostering a positive team environment.

Follow Up with Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team’s current projects, challenges they face, or how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gather valuable insights into the position and the company’s future direction.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at Waystar. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Waystar. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical projects, and how you approach challenges in software development.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe a project where you had to implement a complex algorithm? What challenges did you face?

This question assesses your technical expertise and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Discuss the specific algorithm you implemented, the context of the project, and the challenges you encountered. Highlight how you overcame these challenges and the impact of your solution.

Example

“I worked on a project that required implementing a machine learning algorithm for predictive analytics. The main challenge was dealing with incomplete data. I utilized data imputation techniques to fill in the gaps, which improved the model's accuracy by 20%.”

2. How do you ensure the quality and maintainability of your code?

This question evaluates your coding practices and commitment to software quality.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to writing clean, maintainable code, including practices like code reviews, unit testing, and documentation.

Example

“I follow best practices such as writing modular code and conducting regular code reviews with my team. I also implement unit tests to ensure that my code functions as intended and is easy to maintain over time.”

3. Describe your experience with cloud technologies, particularly Google Cloud.

This question gauges your familiarity with cloud platforms, which is crucial for the role.

How to Answer

Share specific projects where you utilized Google Cloud services, detailing the services used and the outcomes achieved.

Example

“In my last role, I developed a data processing pipeline using Google Cloud Functions and BigQuery. This setup allowed us to process large datasets efficiently, reducing processing time by 30%.”

4. How do you approach debugging a complex issue in your code?

This question tests your problem-solving skills and debugging methodology.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use to identify and resolve issues.

Example

“When debugging, I first reproduce the issue and then use logging to trace the problem. I also utilize debugging tools to step through the code, which helps me pinpoint the exact location of the error.”

5. Can you explain the importance of data governance in software development?

This question assesses your understanding of data governance principles and their relevance to software engineering.

How to Answer

Discuss the significance of data governance in ensuring data quality, security, and compliance, especially in healthcare applications.

Example

“Data governance is crucial in software development as it ensures that data is accurate, secure, and compliant with regulations. In healthcare, this is particularly important to protect patient information and maintain trust.”

Behavioral Questions

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

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your role in the team, the goal, and how you contributed to achieving it.

Example

“I was part of a cross-functional team tasked with launching a new feature. I coordinated with designers and product managers to ensure our technical implementation aligned with user needs, which led to a successful launch.”

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure in your work?

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

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing time and stress, including prioritization and communication with stakeholders.

Example

“When facing tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on their impact and communicate openly with my team about progress. This approach helps us stay aligned and focused on delivering quality work on time.”

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

This question evaluates your receptiveness to feedback and your ability to grow from it.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you received feedback, how you processed it, and the steps you took to improve.

Example

“I once received feedback on my presentation skills. I took it to heart and enrolled in a public speaking course, which significantly improved my ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.”

4. How would you handle a situation where a coworker is not following best practices in coding?

This question tests your conflict resolution and leadership skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to addressing the issue constructively, focusing on collaboration and improvement.

Example

“I would approach the coworker privately to discuss my observations and share best practices. I believe in fostering a supportive environment where we can learn from each other and improve our coding standards together.”

5. What motivates you to work in the software engineering field?

This question seeks to understand your passion and commitment to the profession.

How to Answer

Share your motivations, whether they stem from problem-solving, innovation, or making a positive impact through technology.

Example

“I’m motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create solutions that can improve people’s lives, especially in the healthcare sector where technology can make a significant difference.”