Arm Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Arm is a renowned leader in semiconductor technology, designs advanced computing solutions integral to many daily-used devices. From mobile and computing systems to industrial applications, Arm’s influence spans across diverse sectors, defining the cutting-edge of innovation in technology.

In this guide, we’ll outline what to expect during the interview process, including common Arm software engineer interview questions and preparation tips to help you succeed. Let’s dive in!

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

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

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

In some cases, the Arm Software Engineer hiring manager stays present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also indulge in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the Arm Software Engineer role usually is conducted through virtual means, including video conference and screen sharing. Questions in this 1-hour long interview stage may revolve around Arm’s software systems, CI/CD pipelines, and problem-solving using algorithms and data structures.

Depending on the seniority of the position, coding challenges may be incorporated. Your proficiency in programming paradigms, software development lifecycle, and debugging skills may be assessed during the round.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Followed by a second recruiter call outlining the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds, varying with the role, will be conducted during your day at Arm offices. Your technical prowess, including programming and system design capabilities, will be evaluated against the finalized candidates throughout these interviews.

If you were assigned take-home exercises, a presentation round may also await you during the onsite interview for the Software Engineer role at Arm.

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

1. Create an Array class simulating the functionality of fixed-size arrays with additional operations.

Create an Array class simulating the functionality of fixed-size arrays with a fixed size of 6. Implement methods for basic addition operations first, then add deletion and search operations. Ensure to handle exceptions as specified.

2. Create a more extensive Array class simulating the functionality of fixed-size arrays.

The array’s fixed size is 6. In this question, we will be implementing the deletion and search operations.

3. How would you evaluate whether using a decision tree algorithm is the correct model for predicting loan repayment?

You are tasked with building a decision tree model to predict if a borrower will pay back a personal loan. How would you evaluate if a decision tree is the right choice for this problem?

4. How would you evaluate the performance of a decision tree model before and after deployment?

If you decide to use a decision tree model, how would you assess its performance before deploying it and after it is in use?

5. How does random forest generate the forest, and why use it over logistic regression?

Explain how a random forest algorithm generates its forest. Additionally, why might you choose random forest over logistic regression for certain problems?

6. How would you combat overfitting when building tree-based models?

When training a classification model, what strategies would you use to prevent overfitting in tree-based models?

7. What are the assumptions of linear regression?

List and explain the key assumptions that must be met for linear regression to be appropriately applied.

8. Will increasing the number of trees in a random forest always increase model accuracy?

If you sequentially increase the number of trees in a random forest model, will the accuracy continue to improve indefinitely? Explain your reasoning.

9. What is the downside of only using the R-Squared \((R^2)\) value to determine a model’s fit?

You are tasked with analyzing how well a model fits the data and want to determine the relationship between two variables. What are the limitations of relying solely on the R-Squared \((R^2)\) value for this purpose?

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 Arm software engineer interview include:

• Brush Up on C/C++ and Python: Arm interviews often contain questions surrounding these languages, especially for software development roles. Make sure you understand memory management, data structures, and algorithms well.
• Be Prepared for Low-Level Questions: Arm’s technologies frequently involve low-level programming. Be ready to answer questions about computer architecture, embedded systems, and interfacing with hardware.
• Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Practice problem-solving questions, especially those involving real-world coding challenges and system design. Websites like Interview Query can be particularly helpful in honing these skills.

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

What skills are essential for a Software Engineer role at Arm?

You should have strong technical skills in C/C++ and Python, as well as an understanding of computer architecture and embedded systems. Additionally, knowledge of bootloaders, device drivers, and industry specifications like UEFI and ACPI is essential. Experience with debugging and problem-solving is highly valued.

What is the culture like at Arm?

Arm promotes a culture of innovation, diversity, and teamwork. It supports flexible working arrangements and encourages continuous learning and development. The company values collaboration, effective communication, and personal growth, creating a supportive environment for employees.

What makes Arm a unique place to work?

Arm is a leader in the semiconductor industry, powering countless devices and technologies around the world. Working at Arm means contributing to the evolution of computing infrastructure and being part of a company that shapes the future of technology. The diverse and innovative environment at Arm offers significant opportunities for growth and impact.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at Arm is designed to meticulously evaluate candidates’ technical prowess, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. From telephonic interviews with HR to in-depth technical discussions with senior engineers and managers, candidates are assessed on various competencies including programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and system design.

Looking for more insights into Arm’s hiring process? Check out our comprehensive Arm Interview Guide, where we have covered many interview questions that could be asked. We’ve also created specific guides for different roles, such as software engineer and data analyst, to help you understand Arm’s interview process better.

Good luck with your interview!