Evolent Health Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Evolent Health partners with health plans and providers to improve outcomes for individuals with complex and costly health conditions, aiming to connect the fragmented healthcare system and ensure everyone receives the compassionate care they deserve.

As a Software Engineer at Evolent Health, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining software solutions that support healthcare data integration and operations. This position requires proficiency in programming languages such as SQL and .NET, and a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that engineering efforts align with business objectives while adhering to healthcare regulations like HIPAA.

Key responsibilities include developing and enhancing data pipelines, ensuring data quality and accessibility, and collaborating with other engineers and stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a passion for working in a team-oriented environment. Prior experience with cloud services and data engineering tools is a plus, as is familiarity with healthcare systems and standards.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and knowledge areas that are crucial for success in the Software Engineer role at Evolent Health. By understanding the expectations and company culture, you can approach the interview confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the position.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Evolent Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes several rounds of interviews, each designed to evaluate different competencies.

1. Initial Phone Screening

The process typically begins with a phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your resume, work experience, and motivation for applying to Evolent Health. The recruiter will also assess your communication skills and gauge your fit with the company culture.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates usually undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via a video call with a technical interviewer. During this session, you can expect questions related to programming languages such as .NET, SQL, and Python, as well as concepts in object-oriented programming (OOP) and software design principles. You may also be asked to solve coding problems or design algorithms, which will test your problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge.

3. Team Interview

If you successfully pass the technical assessment, the next step is a team interview. This round typically involves multiple team members and focuses on your technical skills in greater depth. You may be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in C#, API design, and database management. Expect to engage in discussions about your previous projects and how you approached various technical challenges.

4. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical skills, Evolent Health places a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Therefore, candidates will likely participate in a behavioral interview. This round assesses your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and alignment with the company's values. You may be asked to provide examples of how you've handled challenges in the workplace, your approach to collaboration, and how you align with Evolent's mission of improving healthcare outcomes.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a meeting with higher-level management or cross-functional team members. This round is often more informal and focuses on your long-term career goals, leadership potential, and how you can contribute to Evolent's objectives. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company and the team dynamics.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for potential delays or rescheduling, as there have been reports of logistical challenges in the interview scheduling.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let’s delve into the specific questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at Evolent Health.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Evolent Health emphasizes a supportive and inclusive work environment. Familiarize yourself with their mission to improve healthcare outcomes and their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Highlight experiences where you’ve worked effectively in diverse teams or contributed to a positive workplace culture.

Prepare for Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on SQL and .NET in the role, ensure you are well-versed in these technologies. Brush up on your SQL skills, focusing on complex queries, joins, and data manipulation. For .NET, be ready to discuss your experience with .NET Core and the Entity Framework. Practice coding exercises that involve these technologies, as technical interviews may include live coding or problem-solving scenarios.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

While technical skills are crucial, Evolent also values interpersonal skills. Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership experiences. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear examples that demonstrate your capabilities and how you handle challenges.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

During the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Given the feedback about interviewers being distracted or unprepared, it’s essential to maintain professionalism and focus. If you encounter any unexpected situations, such as a change in the interview format or delays, remain adaptable and composed. This will showcase your ability to handle pressure and maintain a positive attitude.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, the technologies they are currently using, and how they measure success in their projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Professionally

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Mention specific points from the conversation that resonated with you, reinforcing your interest in the position. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Evolent Health. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Evolent Health. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, particularly in programming languages like SQL and .NET, as well as your understanding of software engineering principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data management, healthcare systems, and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the SOLID principles of object-oriented design?

Understanding SOLID principles is crucial for writing maintainable and scalable code.

How to Answer

Discuss each principle briefly and provide examples of how you have applied them in your previous projects.

Example

“The SOLID principles are a set of design principles that help create more understandable and maintainable software. For instance, I applied the Single Responsibility Principle in a project where I separated the data access logic from the business logic, making the code easier to test and maintain.”

2. How would you optimize a SQL query that is running slowly?

Performance optimization is key in software engineering, especially when dealing with large datasets.

How to Answer

Mention techniques such as indexing, query restructuring, and analyzing execution plans.

Example

“To optimize a slow SQL query, I would first analyze the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. Then, I might add indexes to the columns used in WHERE clauses or JOIN conditions, and consider restructuring the query to reduce complexity.”

3. Describe your experience with .NET Core and how you have used it in your projects.

.NET Core is a significant technology for backend development at Evolent.

How to Answer

Share specific projects where you utilized .NET Core, focusing on the features you leveraged.

Example

“I developed a microservices-based application using .NET Core, which allowed for better scalability and performance. I utilized dependency injection and middleware to enhance the application’s modularity and maintainability.”

4. What is your approach to API design?

APIs are essential for integrating different systems, especially in healthcare.

How to Answer

Discuss RESTful principles, versioning, and security considerations.

Example

“When designing APIs, I follow RESTful principles, ensuring that endpoints are intuitive and stateless. I also implement versioning to maintain backward compatibility and use OAuth for secure access.”

5. Can you explain the concept of garbage collection in .NET?

Understanding memory management is crucial for efficient application performance.

How to Answer

Explain how garbage collection works in .NET and its impact on application performance.

Example

“Garbage collection in .NET automatically manages memory by reclaiming memory occupied by objects that are no longer in use. This helps prevent memory leaks, but I also monitor memory usage to ensure that the application remains performant.”

Problem-Solving and Algorithms

1. How would you find a substring within a string without using built-in functions?

This question tests your algorithmic thinking and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Outline your approach to solving the problem step-by-step.

Example

“I would iterate through the main string and check for matches character by character. If a mismatch occurs, I would reset my index and continue until I either find the substring or exhaust the main string.”

2. Explain how you would implement a linked list in JavaScript.

This question assesses your understanding of data structures.

How to Answer

Discuss the structure of a linked list and how you would implement basic operations.

Example

“I would create a Node class to represent each element, containing data and a reference to the next node. Then, I would implement methods for adding, removing, and traversing the list.”

3. What is the difference between an array and a linked list?

Understanding data structures is fundamental for software engineering.

How to Answer

Highlight the key differences in terms of memory allocation, access time, and use cases.

Example

“Arrays have a fixed size and allow for fast access to elements via indices, while linked lists are dynamic and allow for efficient insertions and deletions. However, accessing elements in a linked list requires traversal, making it slower for random access.”

4. How would you determine the median value of a linked list with minimal memory usage?

This question tests your analytical skills and understanding of algorithms.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to finding the median without using extra space.

Example

“I would use a two-pointer technique to find the middle of the linked list. By maintaining a slow and fast pointer, I can reach the median in a single pass without additional memory.”

5. Can you explain function overloading and provide an example?

Function overloading is a common concept in programming languages.

How to Answer

Define function overloading and give a practical example.

Example

“Function overloading allows multiple functions to have the same name with different parameters. For instance, I can have a function add(int a, int b) and another add(double a, double b) to handle both integer and double addition.”

Behavioral Questions

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

This question assesses your problem-solving and teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Example

“In a recent project, we faced significant delays due to unexpected technical challenges. I organized daily stand-ups to identify blockers and reallocated resources to critical tasks, which helped us meet our deadline.”

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

Time management is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and any tools you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and ensure that I focus on high-impact tasks first while keeping track of deadlines.”

3. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is essential for maintaining a collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Share your approach to addressing conflicts constructively.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I encourage open communication to understand different perspectives. I facilitate discussions to find common ground and ensure that everyone feels heard, which often leads to a collaborative solution.”

4. Can you give an example of how you have contributed to a team’s success?

This question evaluates your teamwork and leadership skills.

How to Answer

Highlight a specific instance where your contributions made a difference.

Example

“I led a team project where we developed a new feature. I organized brainstorming sessions that encouraged input from all team members, which resulted in innovative solutions and ultimately a successful launch.”

5. What motivates you to work in the healthcare industry?

Understanding your motivation can help assess cultural fit.

How to Answer

Share your passion for healthcare and how it aligns with Evolent’s mission.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives through technology. Working in healthcare allows me to contribute to solutions that improve patient outcomes, which is incredibly fulfilling.”