Akamai Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Akamai Technologies is a leading provider in the space of digital experiences, security, and cloud services. Originally built to help deliver content on the Internet more efficiently, Akamai has since evolved to become a critical partner for businesses navigating the complexities of today’s interconnected world. With its expansive and distributed compute platform, Akamai powers billions of digital interactions every day, making the Internet fast, reliable, and secure.

If you’re ready to join an innovative and dynamic environment like Akamai, this guide is designed to equip you for the journey. We’ll walk you through the interview process, provide sample Akamai software engineer interview questions, and share insights from past candidates to help you succeed. Let’s get started!

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority, however, you can expect the following on a Akamai software engineer interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the Akamai Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Aptitude Test

The first round in the interview process usually involves an aptitude test that is conducted online, often using platforms like HackerRank. This round consists of various sections, such as:

• Aptitude and reasoning questions.
• 1 SQL query.
• Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on UNIX commands, web architecture, databases, and testing techniques.
• Basic algorithm and data structure questions.
• 1-2 coding questions.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter and aptitude rounds will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for various roles at Akamai is usually conducted through virtual means including video conferences and screen sharing. The questions in this interview stage may include but are not limited to:

• Data structures and algorithms (Linked lists, memory allocation, palindrome problems, etc.).
• Basic Python, Java, and C++ questions.
• SQL commands and database management.
• Computer networking concepts, such as TCP/UDP and differences between HTTP and HTTPS.
• Questions related to your past projects and any previous internship experiences.

The level of difficulty can range from moderate to advanced.

Onsite Interview Rounds

The onsite interview loop typically consists of multiple rounds, varying with the role and seniority. Common components include:

• Technical Rounds:

  • Coding on a whiteboard (topics like hash tables, dynamic programming, data sorting problems, and network-related questions).
  • System design and architecture (designing a file system, food delivery app, etc.).
  • Questions on OOP, network security, and parallelism.

• Managerial Round:

  • Discussion about your work style, past experiences, and technical challenges you faced in previous roles.
  • Real-time scenarios and problem-solving questions.

• HR Round:

  • Basic questions about your job role, current CTC, projects on your resume, and your future plans.

Typically, interviews at Akamai vary by role and team, but commonly Software Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. How would you design a function to detect anomalies in a univariate dataset?

Given a univariate dataset, describe how you would create a function to identify anomalies.

2. What is the difference between XGBoost and random forest algorithms, and when would you use one over the other?

Explain the key differences between XGBoost and random forest algorithms. Provide an example scenario where one algorithm would be preferred over the other.

3. What is the relationship between PCA and K-means clustering?

Describe how Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering are related. Explain how they can be used together in data analysis.

You should plan to brush up on any technical skills and try as many practice interview questions and mock interviews as possible. A few tips for acing your Akamai software engineer interview include:

• Brush Up on Basics: Akamai’s technical assessments include a variety of fundamental topics such as data structures, algorithms, SQL, and basic networking concepts. Ensure you revisit these areas thoroughly.
• Understand the Role and Prepare Accordingly: Tailor your preparation to the specific role you’re applying for. Whether it’s a focus on Java, Python, system design, or networking, make sure you know the specifics and can discuss them fluently.
• Behavioral and Situational Questions: Alongside technical prowess, be prepared to discuss your past experiences, how you handle projects, work within a team, and solve complex problems. These questions help assess your fit within Akamai’s collaborative and innovative culture.

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Akamai?

What skills are required for a Software Engineer position at Akamai?

To be successful as a Software Engineer at Akamai, you should have strong skills in programming languages like Python, Java, and C++. Proficiency in data structures, algorithms, SQL, and networking concepts is crucial. Experience with cloud technologies like AWS, Docker, multithreading, and system design is highly valued.

What is the company culture like at Akamai?

Akamai fosters a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture. The company values open communication, diversity of thought, and the pursuit of creative solutions. They offer flexibility with their FlexBase program, allowing employees to work from home, the office, or a hybrid of both.

As a prominent leader in the digital landscape, Akamai continuously seeks dynamic and innovative software engineers ready to tackle complex challenges. Throughout the interview process, candidates will face a series of technical and managerial rounds designed to evaluate their aptitude, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency in areas like coding, networking, and system design.

If you want more insights about the company, check out our main Akamai Interview Guide, where we have covered many interview questions that could be asked. Additionally, explore our interview guides for other roles such as data scientist to learn more about Akamai’s interview process for different positions.