AstraZeneca Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory.

As a Software Engineer at AstraZeneca, you will play a critical role in developing and maintaining software solutions that support the company's mission to improve patient outcomes. Key responsibilities include designing, coding, testing, and implementing software applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives. You will be expected to have proficiency in programming languages such as Java or C#, as well as familiarity with Agile development methodologies, database management, and software development best practices. A strong problem-solving mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are essential traits for success in this role.

This guide will equip you with insights and strategies to prepare for your interview, ensuring you can confidently showcase your skills and fit for the position at AstraZeneca.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at AstraZeneca is structured and typically involves multiple stages designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company.

1. Initial Recruiter Screen

The process begins with an initial screening call with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, technical experience, and motivations for applying to AstraZeneca. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that you understand what is expected.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may involve one or two rounds of technical interviews, which can be conducted via video call or in person. During these sessions, you will be asked to solve coding problems, discuss your previous projects, and demonstrate your understanding of relevant technologies. Expect questions that cover core programming concepts, algorithms, and possibly system design, depending on the specific requirements of the role.

3. HR Interviews

After the technical assessments, candidates usually participate in one or two HR interviews. These interviews focus on behavioral questions and assess your soft skills, teamwork, and alignment with AstraZeneca's values. You may be asked about your experiences working in teams, handling challenges, and your long-term career aspirations. This stage is crucial for determining how well you would fit into the company culture.

4. Final Interview

The final stage often includes a direct interview with a team lead or manager. This round may involve more in-depth technical questions related to the specific responsibilities of the role, as well as discussions about your potential contributions to the team. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s future direction.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to showcase their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and enthusiasm for the role.

Now, let’s delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

AstraZeneca values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Familiarize yourself with their mission and recent projects, especially those related to software development. This will not only help you align your answers with their values but also demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect a mix of technical questions that assess your programming skills and understanding of software engineering principles. Be ready to discuss your projects in detail, including the technologies you used and the challenges you faced. Brush up on core concepts relevant to the role, such as data structures, algorithms, and software development methodologies like Agile. Given the emphasis on technical experience, practice coding problems and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

AstraZeneca's interview process often includes behavioral questions that explore your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Prepare to discuss your teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide concrete examples that highlight your capabilities and fit for the company culture.

Know Your Resume Inside and Out

Interviewers will likely ask questions based on your resume, so be prepared to discuss every project and experience listed. Highlight your contributions, the technologies you used, and the outcomes of your work. This is your opportunity to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the role you are applying for.

Emphasize Your Willingness to Learn

AstraZeneca is looking for motivated candidates who are eager to grow and adapt. Be open about your learning journey and express your enthusiasm for tackling new challenges, especially if the role involves working with older technologies. This attitude can set you apart as a candidate who is not only capable but also willing to evolve with the company.

Prepare for Multiple Rounds

The interview process may involve several rounds, including technical and HR interviews. Stay organized and keep track of the different stages. Each round may focus on different aspects, so tailor your preparation accordingly. For instance, the HR rounds may focus more on your fit within the company culture, while technical rounds will dive deeper into your coding skills and problem-solving abilities.

Stay Calm and Engaged

Interviews can sometimes feel intense, but maintaining a calm demeanor can help you perform better. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if AstraZeneca is the right fit for you.

Follow Up

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and it leaves a positive impression.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your interview with confidence and increase your chances of success at AstraZeneca. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at AstraZeneca. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of software development methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, technical knowledge, and how you can contribute to the team.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the concept of normalization in databases and its different types?

Understanding database normalization is crucial for any software engineer, as it helps in designing efficient databases.

How to Answer

Discuss the purpose of normalization, the various forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF), and provide examples of how each form reduces redundancy.

Example

“Normalization is the process of organizing data in a database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. The first normal form (1NF) ensures that all entries in a column are atomic, while the second normal form (2NF) removes partial dependencies. For instance, if we have a table with student information, separating student details from course details into different tables would be an example of achieving 2NF.”

2. Write a program to find the count of duplicate elements in an array.

This question tests your coding skills and understanding of data structures.

How to Answer

Explain your thought process before coding, including the choice of data structures and algorithms.

Example

“I would use a hash map to store the count of each element as I iterate through the array. This allows me to efficiently count duplicates in a single pass. Here’s a simple implementation: I loop through the array, updating the count in the hash map, and finally return the elements with a count greater than one.”

3. What is Agile Development, and how have you applied it in your projects?

Agile methodologies are widely used in software development, and understanding them is essential.

How to Answer

Discuss the principles of Agile, your experience with Agile frameworks (like Scrum or Kanban), and how you’ve contributed to Agile teams.

Example

“I have worked in Agile teams where we held daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions. In my last project, we used Scrum, which allowed us to adapt quickly to changes in requirements. I contributed by ensuring that our user stories were well-defined and that we completed our tasks within the sprint timelines.”

4. How can you SSH into an EC2 instance in a private subnet?

This question assesses your knowledge of cloud technologies and networking.

How to Answer

Explain the steps involved in accessing an EC2 instance in a private subnet, including the use of a bastion host.

Example

“To SSH into an EC2 instance in a private subnet, I would first connect to a bastion host in the public subnet using SSH. From there, I can use the private IP address of the target instance to establish a connection. This setup ensures that the private instance remains secure while still being accessible for management.”

5. What are the core principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?

Understanding OOP is fundamental for software engineering roles.

How to Answer

Discuss the four main principles: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction, and provide examples of each.

Example

“The core principles of OOP include encapsulation, which restricts access to certain components; inheritance, which allows a class to inherit properties from another; polymorphism, which enables methods to do different things based on the object; and abstraction, which simplifies complex systems by modeling classes based on essential properties. For instance, in a banking application, a ‘BankAccount’ class can encapsulate account details while allowing subclasses like ‘SavingsAccount’ to inherit its properties.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell us about a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the challenges.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Describe the project, the specific challenges faced, and the steps you took to overcome them.

Example

“In a recent project, we faced significant delays due to unexpected technical debt. I organized a series of meetings to identify the root causes and prioritized tasks to address the most critical issues first. By reallocating resources and improving our communication, we were able to get back on track and deliver the project successfully.”

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

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or tools you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I often use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants, which helps me focus on what’s important rather than just what’s urgent. Additionally, I regularly communicate with my team to ensure alignment on priorities.”

3. What do you know about AstraZeneca and why do you want to work here?

This question gauges your interest in the company and its mission.

How to Answer

Research AstraZeneca’s values, recent projects, and contributions to healthcare, and relate them to your personal and professional goals.

Example

“I admire AstraZeneca’s commitment to innovation in healthcare and its focus on improving patient outcomes. I want to work here because I believe my skills in software engineering can contribute to developing solutions that enhance drug discovery and patient care, aligning with my passion for making a positive impact in the healthcare industry.”

4. Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team. What was your role?

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a team project, your role, and how you contributed to the team’s success.

Example

“In my last internship, I was part of a team developing a web application. My role was to implement the front-end features using React. I collaborated closely with the back-end team to ensure seamless integration and participated in code reviews to maintain code quality. Our teamwork resulted in a successful launch ahead of schedule.”

5. How do you stay updated with the latest technology trends?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed, such as online courses, blogs, or tech meetups.

Example

“I regularly follow tech blogs, participate in online courses, and attend webinars to stay updated with the latest trends. I also engage with the developer community on platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow, which helps me learn from others’ experiences and share my knowledge.”