GoodRx Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

GoodRx is America’s leading healthcare marketplace, providing consumers with easy access to affordable prescription medications and telehealth services.

As a Software Engineer at GoodRx, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining core software solutions that enhance the user experience for millions of customers. Key responsibilities include contributing to the development of applications and services, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality, and writing high-quality, testable code. You will also engage in code reviews, mentor junior developers, and uphold best practices in software development.

To thrive in this role, you should possess strong skills in programming languages such as Swift, Java, and Python, alongside a solid understanding of cloud services and database technologies. A collaborative mindset is crucial, as you will work closely with product designers and managers to translate business requirements into technical solutions. Additionally, a passion for problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning will serve you well in a fast-paced, innovative environment focused on making healthcare more accessible to all Americans.

This guide aims to equip you with specific insights and strategies to prepare effectively for your interview at GoodRx, enhancing your chances of making a memorable impression.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at GoodRx 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 Recruiter Call

The process typically begins with a 15 to 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This initial conversation focuses on discussing the available positions, understanding the candidate's background, and gauging their interest in the role. The recruiter will also provide insights into GoodRx's culture and values, ensuring alignment with the candidate's career goals.

2. Technical Screening with Manager

Following the recruiter call, candidates will have a technical screening with a hiring manager. This interview lasts about 30 minutes and delves into the candidate's past experiences, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Expect questions related to specific technologies relevant to the role, such as SQL, architecture projects, and implementation strategies.

3. Coding Assessment

Candidates will then participate in a coding interview, which typically involves two engineers. This session lasts for about an hour and includes multiple coding questions that progressively increase in complexity. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their coding skills in real-time, often using a shared coding platform.

4. System Design Interview

Next, candidates will engage in a system design interview, also lasting about an hour. This round assesses the candidate's ability to design scalable and efficient systems. Candidates may be asked to explain their thought process and approach to designing a system that meets specific requirements.

5. Behavioral Interview

The final stage of the interview process includes a behavioral interview with a senior leader, such as a VP. This 30-minute session focuses on the candidate's past experiences, teamwork, and how they handle challenges. Candidates should be ready to discuss their contributions to previous projects and how they align with GoodRx's mission and values.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and how they can contribute to the collaborative environment at GoodRx.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Interview Process

GoodRx has a structured interview process that typically includes multiple stages, such as phone screens with recruiters and managers, technical assessments, and coding interviews. Familiarize yourself with each stage and prepare accordingly. For instance, expect to discuss your past experiences in detail and be ready for technical questions that may cover SQL, Regex, and architecture projects. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Software Engineer, you will be expected to demonstrate strong coding abilities, particularly in languages like Swift, Python, or Java. Brush up on your coding skills and practice common algorithms and data structures. Be prepared for live coding sessions where you may need to solve problems in real-time. Additionally, familiarize yourself with GoodRx's tech stack, including any specific frameworks or tools mentioned in the job description, such as GraphQL or CI/CD practices.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

GoodRx values teamwork and collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you have worked effectively in cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as this is crucial in a collaborative environment. Share examples of how you have mentored others or contributed to a positive team culture.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral interviews are a significant part of the process at GoodRx. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss challenges you've faced, how you overcame them, and what you learned. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise answers that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Align with Company Values

GoodRx is committed to making healthcare affordable and accessible. Research the company's mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss why you are passionate about the healthcare industry and how you can contribute to GoodRx's goals. This alignment can set you apart from other candidates.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Ask about the team dynamics, the challenges they are currently facing, or how they measure success in the engineering department. Thoughtful questions can leave a lasting impression and show that you are genuinely interested in the position.

Stay Positive and Resilient

Some candidates have reported a less-than-ideal experience during the interview process, including instances of being ghosted. Regardless of these experiences, maintain a positive attitude throughout your interview. Show resilience and adaptability, as these traits are highly valued in a fast-paced environment like GoodRx. Remember, every interview is a learning opportunity, and your attitude can make a significant difference.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at GoodRx. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at GoodRx. The interview process will likely cover a range of topics, including technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration experiences. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their knowledge of software development principles, coding practices, and their ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between REST and GraphQL?

Understanding the distinctions between these two API architectures is crucial for a software engineer, especially in a company that utilizes both.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences in how data is requested and returned, emphasizing the flexibility of GraphQL compared to REST.

Example

"REST APIs return fixed data structures, which can lead to over-fetching or under-fetching of data. In contrast, GraphQL allows clients to specify exactly what data they need, reducing the amount of data transferred and improving performance."

2. Describe your experience with cloud services like AWS or GCP.

Cloud services are integral to modern software development, and GoodRx relies on these technologies.

How to Answer

Highlight specific projects where you utilized cloud services, focusing on the benefits they provided.

Example

"I have worked extensively with AWS, particularly in deploying microservices using Lambda and managing databases with RDS. This experience has taught me how to optimize costs and improve scalability."

3. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development, especially in a healthcare-related company.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to testing, code reviews, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

"I prioritize writing unit tests and conducting code reviews to maintain high-quality standards. I also use CI/CD pipelines to automate testing and deployment, ensuring that only thoroughly tested code reaches production."

4. Can you walk us through a challenging technical problem you solved?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical thinking and technical skills.

Example

"At my previous job, we faced performance issues with our API. I analyzed the bottlenecks and implemented caching strategies, which improved response times by 50%."

5. What is your experience with version control systems?

Version control is essential for collaborative software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with tools like Git and how you use them in your workflow.

Example

"I use Git for version control, following best practices like branching and pull requests. This approach helps maintain a clean codebase and facilitates collaboration among team members."

Collaboration and Teamwork

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a cross-functional team.

Collaboration is key at GoodRx, and this question evaluates your teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Share an experience where you successfully collaborated with non-technical stakeholders.

Example

"I worked on a project where I collaborated with product managers and designers to develop a new feature. By actively listening to their needs and providing technical insights, we delivered a product that met both user and business requirements."

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Conflict resolution is an important skill in any collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to addressing conflicts constructively.

Example

"When conflicts arise, I prefer to address them directly by facilitating open discussions. I believe in finding common ground and focusing on the project's goals to resolve differences."

3. Can you give an example of how you mentored a junior engineer?

Mentorship is a valuable aspect of team dynamics.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you provided guidance and support to a less experienced colleague.

Example

"I mentored a junior developer by pairing with them on coding tasks and providing feedback on their work. I also encouraged them to ask questions and explore new technologies, which helped them grow in their role."

4. What strategies do you use to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?

Effective communication is crucial in a cross-functional team.

How to Answer

Explain your methods for simplifying complex ideas for a broader audience.

Example

"I use analogies and visual aids to explain technical concepts. For instance, when discussing system architecture, I create diagrams that illustrate how different components interact, making it easier for non-technical stakeholders to understand."

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

Time management is essential in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and organization.

Example

"I use project management tools to track tasks and deadlines. I prioritize based on project impact and urgency, ensuring that I focus on high-priority items while remaining flexible to accommodate changes."

Problem-Solving and Innovation

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

Adaptability is important in the tech industry.

How to Answer

Share an experience where you successfully learned and applied a new technology.

Example

"When our team decided to implement GraphQL, I took the initiative to learn it through online courses and documentation. Within a few weeks, I was able to contribute to the project, helping to improve our API's efficiency."

2. How do you approach debugging a complex issue?

Debugging skills are critical for a software engineer.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues.

Example

"I start by reproducing the issue and gathering relevant logs. Then, I isolate components to identify the root cause, using tools like debuggers and profilers to analyze performance and behavior."

3. Can you provide an example of how you improved a process or system?

Continuous improvement is a key aspect of software development.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you identified an inefficiency and implemented a solution.

Example

"I noticed that our deployment process was manual and error-prone. I proposed and implemented a CI/CD pipeline, which reduced deployment times by 70% and minimized human errors."

4. What is your experience with automated testing?

Automated testing is essential for maintaining code quality.

How to Answer

Share your experience with different types of testing and their importance.

Example

"I have implemented unit, integration, and end-to-end tests using frameworks like Jest and Selenium. Automated testing has significantly improved our code quality and reduced the time spent on manual testing."

5. How do you stay updated with industry trends and technologies?

Staying current is vital in the tech field.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for continuous learning and professional development.

Example

"I regularly read tech blogs, participate in online forums, and attend webinars and conferences. I also engage with the developer community on platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow to share knowledge and learn from others."