Eli Lilly And Company Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical leader dedicated to discovering and developing innovative medicines that help improve patient outcomes.

The Software Engineer role at Eli Lilly involves developing and maintaining software applications that support various business functions, including research, manufacturing, and customer engagement. Key responsibilities include designing, coding, testing, and debugging software solutions, as well as collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and implement technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency. A successful candidate should possess strong programming skills, familiarity with software development methodologies, and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues. Additionally, traits such as effective communication, teamwork, and a proactive approach to problem-solving resonate well with Eli Lilly’s emphasis on collaboration and innovation in its mission to enhance patient care.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations of the role and the company culture, allowing you to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate ready to contribute to Eli Lilly's goals.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Eli Lilly is structured and designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes various types of interviews, each focusing on different aspects of their qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening call, often conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This call lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, motivations for applying to Eli Lilly, and general fit for the company culture. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their resume and any relevant experiences that align with the role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a coding challenge or a series of technical questions related to software engineering principles, data structures, algorithms, and specific programming languages relevant to the position. The assessment is designed to evaluate the candidate's problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment will move on to a technical interview, which is typically conducted by one or more engineers from the team. This interview may include a mix of coding exercises, system design questions, and discussions about past projects. Interviewers often focus on the candidate's approach to problem-solving and their ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical skills, Eli Lilly places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and interpersonal skills. Candidates can expect a behavioral interview where they will be asked situational questions that require them to demonstrate their soft skills, teamwork, and conflict resolution abilities. Utilizing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure responses can be particularly effective in this round.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a meeting with higher-level management or team leaders. This interview often focuses on the candidate's long-term career goals, alignment with Eli Lilly's values, and their potential contributions to the team. Candidates may also have the opportunity to ask questions about the company culture and expectations.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a friendly yet professional atmosphere, as Eli Lilly values a collaborative work environment.

As you prepare for your interview, here are some of the questions that candidates have encountered during the process.

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

Embrace the Company Culture

Eli Lilly is known for its friendly and supportive work environment. During your interview, be sure to reflect this culture in your demeanor. Engage with your interviewers, show genuine interest in their experiences, and be open about your own. This will not only help you feel more comfortable but also demonstrate that you would be a good cultural fit for the team.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions during your interviews. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability. Given the emphasis on interpersonal skills, be ready to discuss how you've handled conflicts or challenges with colleagues.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

While the interview process may include behavioral questions, technical proficiency is still crucial. Review key programming concepts and data structures, as well as any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Practice coding problems, especially those related to algorithms and data structures, as these are commonly tested. Familiarize yourself with the frameworks and tools relevant to the role, as interviewers may ask you to explain your experience with them.

Be Ready for a Collaborative Interview Style

Interviewers at Eli Lilly often adopt a collaborative approach, providing assistance if you get stuck on a technical question. This means it's important to communicate your thought process clearly. If you encounter a challenging question, don't hesitate to verbalize your reasoning and ask for hints if needed. This shows your willingness to learn and collaborate, which aligns with the company’s values.

Know Your Resume Inside and Out

Expect interviewers to delve into your resume, asking detailed questions about your projects and experiences. Be prepared to discuss your technical skills, internships, and any relevant coursework. Highlight how your background aligns with the role and the company’s mission. This is also a great opportunity to showcase your passion for the pharmaceutical industry and how you can contribute to Eli Lilly's goals.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful inquiries that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Consider asking about team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the company supports professional development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if Eli Lilly is the right fit for you.

Stay Patient and Positive

The interview process at Eli Lilly can be lengthy, with multiple rounds and various interviewers involved. Maintain a positive attitude throughout, even if the process feels slow. Use this time to reflect on your experiences and how they relate to the role. Remember, a calm and collected demeanor can leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and a clear strategy, increasing your chances of success at Eli Lilly. Good luck!

Experience and Background

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Eli Lilly. The interview process will likely focus on both technical skills and behavioral aspects, reflecting the company's emphasis on teamwork, problem-solving, and alignment with their values. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their past experiences, technical knowledge, and how they can contribute to the company culture.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between object-oriented programming and functional programming?

Understanding programming paradigms is crucial for a software engineer role, and this question assesses your foundational knowledge.

How to Answer

Discuss the key principles of both paradigms, highlighting their differences in terms of state management, data handling, and use cases.

Example

"Object-oriented programming focuses on encapsulating data and behavior within objects, promoting code reusability and inheritance. In contrast, functional programming emphasizes immutability and first-class functions, making it easier to reason about code and avoid side effects. Each paradigm has its strengths, and I often choose based on the project requirements."

2. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and ability to handle adversity in a technical context.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to structure your response, detailing the situation, the task at hand, the actions you took, and the results achieved.

Example

"In a previous project, we faced performance issues with our application. I analyzed the code and identified a bottleneck in our database queries. I optimized the queries and implemented caching, which improved the response time by 40%, significantly enhancing user experience."

3. What is your experience with data structures and algorithms?

A solid understanding of data structures and algorithms is essential for software engineering roles, especially in coding interviews.

How to Answer

Briefly outline your experience with various data structures and algorithms, and mention any relevant projects or challenges you’ve tackled.

Example

"I have a strong grasp of data structures like arrays, linked lists, trees, and hash tables. In my last project, I implemented a binary search tree to efficiently manage and retrieve data, which improved our application's performance during data-heavy operations."

4. How would you explain a technical problem to a non-technical person?

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

How to Answer

Emphasize the importance of clarity and simplicity in your explanation, and provide an example of how you've done this in the past.

Example

"I would break down the problem into simple terms, using analogies if necessary. For instance, if explaining a database issue, I might compare it to a filing cabinet, where the organization of files affects how quickly someone can find what they need."

5. What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and why?

This question helps interviewers understand your technical proficiency and preferences.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you are proficient in, along with your reasons for favoring them based on project requirements or personal interest.

Example

"I am most comfortable with Python and Java. Python's simplicity and readability make it ideal for rapid development and data analysis, while Java's robustness and performance are beneficial for large-scale applications."

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker.

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate workplace dynamics.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to describe the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the outcome.

Example

"I had a disagreement with a coworker over the direction of a project. I initiated a one-on-one discussion to understand their perspective and shared my concerns. We found common ground and agreed on a compromise that ultimately improved our project outcome."

2. Why do you want to work at Eli Lilly?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company's values and mission.

How to Answer

Express your interest in the company’s mission, culture, and how your skills align with their goals.

Example

"I admire Eli Lilly's commitment to innovation in healthcare and its focus on improving patient outcomes. I believe my technical skills and passion for developing impactful software can contribute to the company's mission."

3. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly.

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to grow.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully learned a new technology under pressure, detailing your approach and the results.

Example

"When our team decided to adopt a new cloud platform, I took the initiative to learn it quickly. I dedicated extra hours to online courses and hands-on practice, which allowed me to lead the migration project successfully within the deadline."

4. How do you handle tight deadlines?

This question assesses your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing time effectively and ensuring quality work under pressure.

Example

"I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, breaking larger projects into manageable parts. During a recent project with a tight deadline, I created a detailed timeline and communicated regularly with my team to ensure we stayed on track."

5. What motivates you in your work?

This question helps interviewers understand your values and what drives you professionally.

How to Answer

Share what aspects of your work you find most fulfilling, whether it's problem-solving, collaboration, or making a difference.

Example

"I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and contribute to projects that have a meaningful impact on people's lives. Knowing that my work can help improve healthcare outcomes drives me to excel in my role."