American Institutes For Research Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

American Institutes For Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to conducting behavioral and social science research to address pressing challenges in education, health, workforce, and international development.

As a Software Engineer at AIR, you will be integral to the Technology Solutions team, driving the design and development of innovative software products that enhance data collection, processing, and reporting for data-intensive projects. Key responsibilities include collaborating with team members to create user-centered solutions, conducting technical research, participating in requirements analysis, and continuously improving existing software applications. You will need a strong foundation in algorithms, database management (SQL and relational databases), and proficiency in programming languages such as C# and Python, as well as experience with frameworks like ASP.NET and cloud infrastructure.

Ideal candidates exhibit not only technical expertise but also a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, reflecting AIR's core values. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and a collaborative mindset are essential traits that will help you thrive in this role.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by highlighting what to focus on and the skills that are most relevant to AIR's mission and operational practices.

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

1. Initial HR Screening

The process begins with an initial phone screening conducted by an HR representative. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to AIR. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you understand the expectations and values of the organization.

2. Technical Phone Interview

Following the HR screening, candidates typically participate in a technical phone interview with a lead software developer or engineer. This interview delves deeper into your technical expertise, particularly in areas such as data structures, algorithms, and programming languages relevant to the role, including C#.NET and SQL. Expect to answer questions that assess your problem-solving skills and your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

3. Onsite Interview

Candidates who successfully navigate the technical phone interview are invited for an onsite interview, which may consist of multiple rounds. During this phase, you will engage in a series of technical interviews with various team members. These sessions will cover a range of topics, including software design, coding challenges, and system architecture. You may also be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of parallel programming and multi-threading concepts. Additionally, behavioral questions will be included to evaluate your interpersonal skills and how well you collaborate with cross-functional teams.

4. Final Assessment

In some cases, a final assessment may be conducted, which could involve a take-home coding challenge or a follow-up interview to discuss your previous projects in more detail. This step is designed to further gauge your technical capabilities and your fit within the team.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will test your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Here are some of the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at the American Institutes for Research. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development principles. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and demonstrate your knowledge in relevant programming languages and technologies.

Data Structures and Algorithms

1. What is the difference between a stack and a queue?

Understanding fundamental data structures is crucial for software engineering roles.

How to Answer

Explain the basic definitions of both data structures, highlighting their key differences in terms of data access and usage scenarios.

Example

“A stack is a Last In, First Out (LIFO) structure, meaning the last element added is the first one to be removed. In contrast, a queue follows a First In, First Out (FIFO) principle, where the first element added is the first to be removed. Stacks are often used in scenarios like function call management, while queues are used in scheduling tasks.”

2. Can you explain Big O notation and its importance?

This question assesses your understanding of algorithm efficiency.

How to Answer

Discuss what Big O notation is and why it is essential for evaluating the performance of algorithms.

Example

“Big O notation is a mathematical representation that describes the upper limit of an algorithm's running time or space requirements in relation to the input size. It helps developers understand the efficiency of algorithms, allowing them to choose the most suitable one for a given problem.”

3. How would you find the nth number in a sorted list of integers?

This question tests your problem-solving skills and understanding of algorithms.

How to Answer

Outline a clear approach to solving the problem, mentioning any algorithms or data structures you would use.

Example

“To find the nth number in a sorted list, I would first ensure the list is sorted. Then, I would simply access the element at index n-1, as lists are zero-indexed. If the list is not sorted, I would sort it first, which would take O(n log n) time, and then access the nth element.”

4. Describe a situation where you had to optimize an algorithm. What steps did you take?

This question evaluates your practical experience with algorithm optimization.

How to Answer

Share a specific example from your past work, detailing the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, I noticed that a sorting algorithm was taking too long with large datasets. I analyzed the algorithm and found that switching from a bubble sort to a quicksort significantly improved performance. I implemented the change and reduced the sorting time from several minutes to just a few seconds.”

5. What data structure would you use to implement a cache?

This question assesses your understanding of data structures in practical applications.

How to Answer

Discuss the characteristics of different data structures and why one would be suitable for caching.

Example

“I would use a hash table to implement a cache because it allows for average O(1) time complexity for both insertions and lookups. This efficiency is crucial for a cache, where quick access to stored data is necessary.”

Programming Languages and Technologies

1. What are the key features of C# that differentiate it from other programming languages?

This question tests your knowledge of C# specifically.

How to Answer

Highlight the unique features of C# and how they contribute to software development.

Example

“C# is an object-oriented language that supports features like properties, events, and delegates, which facilitate event-driven programming. Its strong type-checking and garbage collection also enhance memory management and reduce runtime errors compared to languages like C++.”

2. Can you explain the concept of multi-threading and its benefits?

This question assesses your understanding of concurrent programming.

How to Answer

Define multi-threading and discuss its advantages in software development.

Example

“Multi-threading allows multiple threads to run concurrently within a single process, improving the efficiency of applications by utilizing CPU resources more effectively. It is particularly beneficial for tasks that are I/O bound or require parallel processing, such as handling multiple user requests in a web application.”

3. How do you handle exceptions in C#?

This question evaluates your knowledge of error handling in programming.

How to Answer

Explain the try-catch-finally structure and its purpose in managing exceptions.

Example

“In C#, exceptions are handled using the try-catch-finally blocks. The code that may throw an exception is placed in the try block, while the catch block handles the exception. The finally block can be used for cleanup code that runs regardless of whether an exception occurred, ensuring resources are released properly.”

4. What is the purpose of using SQL in software development?

This question tests your understanding of databases and data management.

How to Answer

Discuss the role of SQL in interacting with relational databases.

Example

“SQL, or Structured Query Language, is used to communicate with relational databases. It allows developers to perform operations such as querying data, updating records, and managing database schemas. Its standardized syntax makes it essential for data manipulation and retrieval in software applications.”

5. Describe your experience with cloud-based infrastructure. Which platforms have you used?

This question assesses your familiarity with cloud technologies.

How to Answer

Share your experience with specific cloud platforms and how you have utilized them in projects.

Example

“I have worked extensively with AWS and Azure for deploying applications. For instance, I used AWS Lambda for serverless computing, which allowed me to run code in response to events without provisioning servers. This approach reduced costs and improved scalability for the applications I developed.”