BNSF Railway Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

BNSF Railway is one of the largest freight rail networks in the United States, transporting essential goods across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces.

As a Software Engineer at BNSF Railway, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining advanced technological solutions that drive innovation and efficiency within the organization. Your primary responsibilities will involve creating custom real-time applications for edge systems related to locomotives and measurement technologies, ensuring a robust IT infrastructure, and enhancing cybersecurity measures. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, develop effective solutions, and communicate project progress to stakeholders. Proficiency in C, C++, and Python is essential, as is a strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and multithreading. Familiarity with cloud technologies like AWS or Azure will be advantageous, as you will leverage these platforms to optimize system performance and implement best practices for security and compliance.

To excel in this role, you should be a proactive problem-solver with a passion for technology and a commitment to safety and quality. BNSF Railway values diversity and inclusion, and candidates who can demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset will stand out. This guide aims to equip you with the insights and knowledge needed to prepare effectively for your interview, helping you to articulate your experiences and align your skills with BNSF's mission and values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at BNSF Railway is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates align with the company's values of safety, diversity, and excellence.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening, which may be conducted via a video call or phone interview. This session usually lasts around 30 minutes and involves discussions about your background, work experience, and how it relates to the role. Interviewers will also gauge your understanding of the company's operations and culture, as well as your motivations for applying.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a coding challenge on platforms like HackerRank, where you will be tested on your proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, and Python. Expect questions that focus on algorithms, data structures, and multithreading, as these are critical skills for the role. The assessment may also include scenario-based questions to evaluate your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations.

3. Behavioral Interview

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will typically move on to a behavioral interview. This round often involves multiple interviewers and focuses on your soft skills, teamwork, and conflict resolution abilities. You may be asked to provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively, manage deadlines, and handle disagreements with peers.

4. HireVue Interview

Some candidates may encounter a HireVue interview, which consists of recorded questions that you will answer on video. This format allows the company to assess your communication skills and how you present yourself. Be prepared for questions that may require you to describe your experiences or how you would react in specific scenarios related to the job.

5. Final Interview

The final interview is usually conducted by a panel that may include HR representatives and technical leads. This round will delve deeper into your technical knowledge and may include discussions about your previous projects, your approach to software development, and your familiarity with cloud technologies like AWS or Azure. You may also be asked about your understanding of best practices in security and data governance.

Throughout the interview process, it is essential to demonstrate not only your technical expertise but also your alignment with BNSF Railway's commitment to safety and teamwork.

Next, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

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

Emphasize Safety and Teamwork

BNSF Railway places a strong emphasis on safety, diversity, and teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritize safety in your work and how you have successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Highlight experiences where you contributed to a safe working environment or resolved conflicts within a team. This will demonstrate that you align with the company’s core values.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions during your interview. Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.

Showcase Technical Proficiency

While soft skills are essential, don’t neglect the technical aspects of the role. Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and embedded systems development using C and C++. Be ready to discuss your experience with Linux-based development and any relevant projects you’ve worked on. If you have experience with cloud technologies like AWS or Azure, be sure to mention it, as this is highly relevant to the role.

Understand the Company’s Technology Stack

Familiarize yourself with the specific technologies and tools used at BNSF Railway, such as OpenCV, Docker, and Azure DevOps. If you have hands-on experience with these technologies, prepare to discuss how you have utilized them in your previous roles. This knowledge will not only help you answer technical questions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.

Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

You may encounter scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle real-world challenges. Practice articulating your thought process in response to hypothetical situations, particularly those related to safety and operational efficiency. This will showcase your critical thinking skills and your ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Engage with Your Interviewers

During the interview, take the opportunity to engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company culture. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if BNSF Railway is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This simple gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your enthusiasm for the role. Mention specific points from the interview that resonated with you to personalize your message.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at BNSF Railway. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at BNSF Railway. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you work within a team. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, particularly in relation to embedded systems, software development, and collaboration in a diverse environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between C and C++?

Understanding the nuances between these two programming languages is crucial for embedded system development.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences, such as C being a procedural language while C++ supports object-oriented programming. Highlight how these differences impact software design and performance.

Example

"C is a procedural programming language that focuses on function and procedure calls, while C++ is an extension of C that includes object-oriented features like classes and inheritance. This allows for better data abstraction and code reuse, which is particularly useful in complex embedded systems."

2. Describe your experience with multithreading in software development.

Multithreading is essential for optimizing performance in embedded systems.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of projects where you implemented multithreading, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

Example

"In my last project, I developed a real-time monitoring system that required multithreading to handle multiple sensor inputs simultaneously. I used mutexes to manage shared resources, which significantly improved the system's responsiveness and reliability."

3. How do you approach debugging complex applications?

Debugging is a critical skill for any software engineer, especially in embedded systems.

How to Answer

Discuss your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use to identify and resolve issues.

Example

"I typically start by reproducing the issue consistently, then use debugging tools like GDB to step through the code. I also employ logging to track variable states and identify where the logic fails. This methodical approach helps me isolate the problem efficiently."

4. What is your experience with version control systems?

Version control is vital for managing code changes in collaborative environments.

How to Answer

Explain your familiarity with version control systems, particularly Git, and how you use them in your workflow.

Example

"I have extensive experience using Git for version control. I regularly create branches for new features, conduct code reviews through pull requests, and ensure that the main branch remains stable. This practice has helped my team maintain a clean and organized codebase."

5. Can you discuss a project where you utilized cloud technologies like AWS or Azure?

Cloud technologies are increasingly important in modern software development.

How to Answer

Share a specific project where you leveraged cloud services, detailing the architecture and benefits achieved.

Example

"In a recent project, I used AWS to deploy a data processing application that analyzed sensor data from our embedded systems. By utilizing AWS Lambda for serverless computing, we reduced costs and improved scalability, allowing us to handle varying data loads efficiently."

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to resolve a conflict within your team.

Team dynamics are crucial in collaborative environments like BNSF.

How to Answer

Describe the situation, your role in resolving the conflict, and the outcome.

Example

"In a previous project, two team members disagreed on the implementation approach. I facilitated a meeting where each could present their perspective. By encouraging open communication, we reached a compromise that combined the best elements of both approaches, ultimately enhancing the project."

2. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

Effective prioritization is key in a fast-paced work environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for assessing project urgency and importance, and how you communicate with stakeholders.

Example

"I use a combination of project management tools and regular check-ins with my team to prioritize tasks. I assess deadlines, project impact, and resource availability to ensure that we focus on the most critical tasks first, while keeping stakeholders informed of our progress."

3. Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the obstacles.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific project, the challenges faced, and the strategies you employed to overcome them.

Example

"I worked on a project that involved integrating new sensors into our existing system. We faced compatibility issues that delayed progress. I organized a series of brainstorming sessions with the team to explore alternative solutions, which led us to successfully adapt our architecture and meet the project deadline."

4. How do you ensure safety and compliance in your work?

Safety is a core value at BNSF, and they will want to know your approach to it.

How to Answer

Discuss your understanding of safety protocols and how you incorporate them into your work.

Example

"I prioritize safety by adhering to established protocols and conducting regular code reviews to ensure compliance with industry standards. I also advocate for a culture of safety within my team, encouraging everyone to voice concerns and report potential hazards."

5. Why do you want to work for BNSF Railway?

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

How to Answer

Express your alignment with BNSF's mission and values, and how you see yourself contributing to the team.

Example

"I admire BNSF's commitment to safety and innovation in transportation. I believe my background in embedded systems and my passion for developing efficient solutions align well with your goals. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team that plays a vital role in supporting communities across the nation."