United Airlines

Role: Software Engineer

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: September 2025 (Average experience date)

Interview Type: Full-Time

Result: Not Specified

Difficulty: Medium to Hard (for some technical aspects)

Rounds: 5 rounds (Phone Screen, Technical, System Design, Behavioral, Final Onsite)

Topics Asked: Algorithms, Data Structures, System Design (architecture of aviation information systems, API design, networking protocols), Behavioral (STAR method, adapting to change, conflict resolution, customer service), Programming Languages (Java, Python, JavaScript, SQL), Database Design & Optimization, Version Control (Git), Debugging.

Experience:

This describes an average interview experience for a Software Engineer at United Airlines, with an average date of September 2025. Preparation involved brushing up on algorithms and data structures via LeetCode, reviewing system design, practicing coding in Python, and studying the STAR method for behavioral questions.

Round 1: Initial Phone Screen
A 30-minute phone screen with a recruiter, covering the candidate's resume, background, and motivations for the role.

Round 2: Technical Interview
This virtual round lasted about an hour, focusing on algorithms and data structures. Interviewers were friendly but focused on problem-solving methodologies, especially concerning Python code structures and collaborative teamwork experiences.

Round 3: System Design Session
This round discussed the architecture of aviation information systems. Specific aspects of system design that might be covered include designing a flight reservation system to handle high traffic and ensure data integrity, and API design/networking protocols.

Round 4: Behavioral Interview
This round utilized the STAR method to evaluate experiences related to customer service. Example questions included:

• "Talk about a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project at work. How did you handle it?"
• "How would you resolve a conflict within a team during a project deadline?"
• "Describe a time you faced a technical challenge with coding and how you resolved it using Python."

Other common behavioral questions assess interpersonal skills, teamwork, and handling challenges.

Round 5: Final Onsite Interview
A final 45-minute onsite interview, which might involve presenting a group task paired with individual discussions.

Additional Technical Topics Mentioned:

• Programming Languages: Proficiency in Java, Python, JavaScript, and SQL, with examples of their application (e.g., Java for backend, Python for reservation systems).
• Database Design & Optimization: Experience with MySQL and PostgreSQL, focusing on efficiency and scalability (e.g., designing a customer information database).
• Version Control System: Usage of Git for managing code changes, branching, and collaboration.
• Debugging: A systematic approach to identifying root causes, correcting flaws, and thorough testing.

Overall Experience: The process is comprehensive, covering a broad range of technical and behavioral skills essential for a Software Engineer role in the airline industry.