Harris Health System Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Harris Health System is a vital public healthcare safety-net provider dedicated to serving the residents of Harris County, Texas, particularly focusing on low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients.

As a Software Engineer within Harris Health System, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining PeopleSoft applications that support the organization's intricate healthcare business processes. Key responsibilities will include performing technical fit-gap analysis, implementing code upgrades, and developing custom applications utilizing the PeopleTools technology stack. You will be expected to write complex SQL queries, facilitate the development of RESTful Web Services, and ensure the security of PeopleSoft applications.

To excel in this role, you should possess expert-level knowledge in PeopleTools, PeopleCode, and related technologies, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Additionally, a proactive attitude towards learning, collaboration, and coaching junior programmers will align with the company's mission to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, will enhance your capacity to work within a team-oriented environment that values patient-centered care and innovation.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the type of questions you may encounter, allowing you to articulate your experience and skills confidently.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Harris Health System is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step is a phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Harris Health. The recruiter will also provide insights into the role and the organization, ensuring that candidates understand the expectations and culture of the workplace.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates may be invited to a technical interview. This can take place either in-person or via a virtual platform like WebEx. During this interview, you will be assessed on your technical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to PeopleSoft applications, algorithms, and programming structures. Expect to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the technical requirements of the role.

3. Behavioral Interview

Candidates often participate in a behavioral interview with multiple team members or managers. This round focuses on your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle various workplace scenarios. Questions may revolve around teamwork, conflict resolution, and your approach to challenges, allowing the interviewers to gauge your fit within the team and the organization.

4. Final Interview with Executives

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with higher-level executives, such as the CFO or other senior leaders. This interview is typically more conversational and aims to assess your alignment with the organization's mission and values. It may also cover your long-term career goals and how they align with the direction of Harris Health.

5. Offer and Onboarding

If you successfully navigate the interview stages, you may receive a job offer. The onboarding process will follow, where you will be introduced to the team and provided with the necessary resources to start your role effectively.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during each stage of the process.

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

Understand the Healthcare Context

Given that Harris Health System is a public healthcare provider, familiarize yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities within the healthcare sector. Understand how technology can improve patient care and operational efficiency. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your commitment to the organization's mission.

Prepare for a Conversational Interview Style

Interviews at Harris Health tend to be more conversational than formal. Be ready to engage in discussions about your experiences and how they relate to the role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will help you connect with your interviewers on a personal level. Remember, they are looking for a good fit for their team, so showing your personality can be just as important as showcasing your technical skills.

Highlight Relevant Technical Skills

The role requires a strong foundation in algorithms and programming, particularly with PeopleSoft applications. Be prepared to discuss your experience with PeopleTools, PeopleCode, and SQL in detail. Consider preparing examples of past projects where you successfully implemented these technologies, focusing on the impact your work had on the organization. This will demonstrate not only your technical proficiency but also your ability to apply these skills in a real-world context.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions. Prepare for scenarios that explore your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and how you handle disagreements or challenges in the workplace. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that highlight your skills and experiences.

Emphasize Communication Skills

Given the emphasis on communication in the job description, be prepared to showcase your verbal and written communication skills. You may be asked about how you would handle situations involving team disagreements or how you would present technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Practice articulating complex ideas in simple terms, as this will be crucial in a collaborative environment.

Show Enthusiasm for the Role

Express genuine interest in the position and the work being done at Harris Health. Research recent initiatives or projects the organization has undertaken and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate that you are not just looking for any job, but are specifically interested in being part of their team.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Harris Health System. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you fit within the team and organizational culture. Be prepared to discuss your experience with PeopleSoft applications, algorithms, and your approach to collaboration and communication.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain your experience with PeopleSoft applications and how you have utilized them in previous roles?

This question aims to assess your familiarity with PeopleSoft and its applications in a healthcare setting.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you implemented or supported PeopleSoft applications, highlighting your role and the impact of your work.

Example

“In my previous role, I was responsible for upgrading our PeopleSoft applications to the latest version. I conducted a fit-gap analysis to identify areas needing improvement and collaborated with the team to retrofit code, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime.”

2. Describe a complex SQL query you have written and the problem it solved.

This question evaluates your SQL skills and your ability to solve real-world problems using data.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a SQL query you wrote, the context in which it was used, and the outcome it achieved.

Example

“I developed a complex SQL query to analyze patient data trends over the past year. This query helped identify areas where we could improve patient care, leading to a 15% increase in patient satisfaction scores.”

3. How do you approach debugging a piece of code that is not functioning as expected?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your methodology for troubleshooting.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to debugging, including tools you use and how you collaborate with others if needed.

Example

“When debugging, I first replicate the issue to understand its context. I then use logging tools to trace the code execution and identify where it deviates from expected behavior. If necessary, I consult with team members to gain different perspectives on the problem.”

4. Can you discuss your experience with RESTful web services and how you have implemented them?

This question focuses on your knowledge of web services and integration technologies.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of projects where you implemented RESTful web services, detailing the technologies used and the benefits achieved.

Example

“I implemented RESTful web services to facilitate data exchange between our PeopleSoft applications and external systems. This integration improved data accuracy and reduced processing time by 30%, enhancing overall operational efficiency.”

5. What strategies do you use to ensure code quality and maintainability?

This question evaluates your understanding of best practices in software development.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to writing clean, maintainable code, including any tools or methodologies you employ.

Example

“I prioritize writing modular code and adhere to naming conventions to enhance readability. I also conduct code reviews with my peers to ensure quality and share knowledge, and I utilize automated testing tools to catch issues early in the development process.”

Behavioral Questions

1. How do you handle disagreements with team members regarding project direction?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Describe a specific instance where you faced a disagreement and how you resolved it while maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Example

“In a previous project, a team member and I disagreed on the implementation approach. I suggested we hold a meeting to discuss our perspectives and evaluate the pros and cons of each approach. This open dialogue led us to a compromise that combined elements from both ideas, ultimately improving the project outcome.”

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

This question aims to understand your passion for the field and how it aligns with the company’s mission.

How to Answer

Share your personal motivations and how they connect to the values and goals of Harris Health System.

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 care and outcomes, which is incredibly fulfilling for me.”

3. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a technology you learned and the steps you took to become proficient.

Example

“When tasked with implementing a new PeopleSoft feature, I dedicated time to online courses and documentation to familiarize myself with the technology. I also reached out to colleagues who had experience with it, which accelerated my learning process and allowed me to contribute effectively to the project.”

4. How do you prioritize your 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 tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and prioritization frameworks, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to assess the urgency and importance of tasks. This helps me focus on high-impact activities while ensuring that deadlines are met across all projects.”

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

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where your contributions positively impacted the team or project.

Example

“I led a team initiative to streamline our development process by implementing Agile methodologies. This shift improved our delivery speed and team morale, resulting in a 25% increase in project completion rates within deadlines.”