Aetna Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Aetna is a leading health care company dedicated to providing high-quality health insurance and wellness services tailored to meet diverse consumer needs.

As a Software Engineer at Aetna, you will play a critical role in developing and maintaining software applications that support the company's operations and enhance user experience. Key responsibilities include designing scalable software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement system integrations, and conducting rigorous testing to ensure software reliability and performance. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, as well as a strong understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP), is essential for this position. Ideal candidates will demonstrate problem-solving capabilities, effective communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning to keep pace with the evolving technology landscape in the healthcare sector. A strong alignment with Aetna's core values of integrity, respect, and excellence will further enhance your fit for this role.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by offering insights into the role and the types of questions you can expect, allowing you to present your skills and experiences confidently.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Aetna is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several distinct stages:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, usually conducted via phone or video call with a recruiter. This conversation focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Aetna. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing tools and often involves coding exercises or problem-solving tasks. You may be asked to write code to solve specific problems, such as generating sequences or manipulating data structures. Expect questions that assess your knowledge of programming languages, object-oriented programming concepts, and other relevant technical skills.

3. In-Person or Virtual Panel Interview

The next step usually involves a panel interview, which can be either in-person or virtual. During this stage, you will meet with multiple team members, including engineers and possibly managers. The panel will ask a series of technical questions related to your resume and past experiences, as well as behavioral questions to gauge how you handle various work situations. Be prepared for a range of topics, including specific technologies you’ve worked with and coding challenges that may require you to demonstrate your thought process.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with higher-level management or team leads. This interview often focuses on your fit within the team and the company’s culture. It may include discussions about your long-term career goals and how they align with Aetna’s mission. This stage is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics and the projects you would be working on.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a variety of questions that assess both technical proficiency and interpersonal skills.

Next, let’s explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at Aetna.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

Aetna's interview process can involve multiple rounds, including technical assessments and behavioral interviews. Be prepared for a variety of formats, such as phone interviews, video calls, and in-person meetings. Familiarize yourself with the typical structure, as candidates have reported experiences ranging from one-on-one interviews to larger panels. Knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and focused.

Prepare for Technical Questions

As a Software Engineer, you will likely face a range of technical questions, particularly around Java and object-oriented programming concepts. Brush up on your coding skills, especially with basic algorithms and data structures. Practice coding exercises that involve nested classes, abstract classes, and asynchronous tasks. Being able to articulate your thought process while coding is just as important as arriving at the correct solution.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Aetna values candidates who can demonstrate their problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills. Prepare for behavioral questions that explore how you handle difficult situations, work in teams, and manage conflicts. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and adaptability.

Show Enthusiasm and Cultural Fit

Aetna's culture emphasizes respect and communication. While some candidates have noted a lack of transparency in the hiring process, demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and the company can set you apart. Be genuine in your interactions and express your interest in contributing to Aetna's mission. This can help you connect with interviewers and leave a positive impression.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only shows your professionalism but also reinforces your interest in the position. If you experience delays in communication, don’t hesitate to follow up politely. This demonstrates your proactive nature and can help you stay on the radar of the hiring team.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and authenticity, you can enhance your chances of success at Aetna. Good luck!

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

Technical Skills

1. Can you write a program to print all even numbers up to 100?

This question tests your basic programming skills and understanding of loops and conditionals.

How to Answer

Explain your thought process as you write the code. Discuss the logic behind your approach and ensure your code is clean and efficient.

Example

“I would use a simple for loop that iterates from 0 to 100, checking if each number is even by using the modulus operator. If it is, I would print it. Here’s a quick example: for (int i = 0; i <= 100; i++) { if (i % 2 == 0) { System.out.println(i); } }”

2. What are the key principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?

Understanding OOP is crucial for a software engineer, as it forms the basis of many programming languages.

How to Answer

Discuss the four main principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Provide examples of how you have applied these principles in your work.

Example

“OOP is based on four key principles: encapsulation, which hides the internal state of an object; inheritance, which allows a new class to inherit properties from an existing class; polymorphism, which enables methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon; and abstraction, which simplifies complex systems by modeling classes based on the essential properties.”

3. Can you explain the difference between abstract classes and interfaces?

This question assesses your understanding of advanced OOP concepts.

How to Answer

Clarify the distinctions between abstract classes and interfaces, including their use cases and limitations.

Example

“An abstract class can have both abstract methods and concrete methods, while an interface can only have abstract methods (prior to Java 8). Abstract classes are used when classes share a common base, while interfaces are used to define a contract that multiple classes can implement, promoting loose coupling.”

4. How do you handle asynchronous programming in Java?

This question evaluates your knowledge of concurrency and asynchronous programming.

How to Answer

Discuss the various ways to handle asynchronous tasks in Java, such as using CompletableFuture or the Executor framework.

Example

“I typically use CompletableFuture for asynchronous programming in Java. It allows me to write non-blocking code and handle multiple tasks concurrently. For example, I can chain multiple asynchronous calls and handle their results once all tasks are completed using the ‘thenCombine’ method.”

5. Describe a challenging coding problem you faced and how you solved it.

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

How to Answer

Choose a specific example, describe the problem, the steps you took to solve it, and the outcome.

Example

“I once faced a performance issue in a data processing application. The initial implementation was too slow due to inefficient algorithms. I analyzed the bottlenecks, refactored the code to use more efficient data structures, and implemented parallel processing, which improved the performance by over 50%.”

Behavioral Questions

1. How do you manage difficult people in a team setting?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution and maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Example

“I believe in open communication and addressing issues directly. When faced with a difficult team member, I would first try to understand their perspective and find common ground. If necessary, I would involve a mediator to facilitate a constructive conversation, ensuring that we focus on the project goals rather than personal differences.”

2. How has your previous experience prepared you for this position at Aetna?

This question allows you to connect your background to the role you are applying for.

How to Answer

Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with Aetna’s needs.

Example

“My previous role involved developing healthcare applications, which has given me a strong understanding of the industry’s challenges and requirements. I also have experience working in agile teams, which I believe aligns well with Aetna’s collaborative culture.”

3. What led you to become a software engineer?

This question helps interviewers understand your motivation and passion for the field.

How to Answer

Share your journey into software engineering, including any pivotal moments or influences.

Example

“I’ve always been fascinated by technology and how it can solve real-world problems. My interest in programming began in high school when I created a simple game. This passion grew through my studies and internships, leading me to pursue a career in software engineering where I can make a meaningful impact.”

4. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly.

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a technology you learned and how you applied it.

Example

“When my team decided to adopt a new framework for our web application, I took the initiative to learn it quickly. I dedicated time to online courses and documentation, and within a week, I was able to contribute to the project effectively, helping to implement key features using the new technology.”

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

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and set clear milestones. I also communicate regularly with my team to ensure alignment on priorities and adjust as needed based on project developments.”