Arista Networks

Role: Software Engineer

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: May 2024

Interview Type: Full-Time

Result: Offered, Accepted

Difficulty: Medium

Rounds: 5 rounds

Topics Asked: Data Structures (Trees), Algorithms (DP), C-language (pointers, memory layout, `memcpy`), OS (Thread vs Process, IPC, synchronization), Networking (DNS resolution), C++ (virtual functions, RAII, smart pointers), System Design, Projects, Behavioral

Experience:

The candidate was contacted by a third-party recruiter via Naukri.com for a Software Engineer role in Pune. The process involved 5 rounds.

Round 1 (Online Assessment - 90 minutes): Consisted of 3 questions.

• Maximum Depth of N-ary Tree (LeetCode problem).
• Rotated Digits (LeetCode problem).
• A Dynamic Programming question (not found on LeetCode).

Round 2 (Technical + Coding Interview - 70 Minutes): Focused on C-language.

• C pointer puzzles.
• Memory layout of process.
• Thread vs Process, IPC related questions.
• Implement Valid Parentheses (LeetCode problem), expected to code in C.

Round 3 (Hiring Manager - 70 Minutes):

• Resume and project discussion (20 minutes).
• OS: Thread synchronization problems (producer-consumer chain) (20 minutes).
• C programming: Implement `memcpy` from scratch.
• Networking: How does DNS resolution work?
• Questions from the candidate for the company.

Round 4 (Director - 40 Minutes):

• Resume walkthrough (10 minutes).
• Discussion on reasons for looking for a change.
• C++: Virtual functions, RAII, and smart pointers.

Round 5 (Offer discussion/Negotiation - 20 minutes): The candidate was happy with the offer.