Mode Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Mode is a pioneering company at the intersection of enterprise hardware and cloud-based software, dedicated to solving complex problems in the IoT space.

As a Software Engineer at Mode, you will join a dynamic Product Engineering team that tackles challenges involving the design and implementation of robust backend systems. Key responsibilities include creating and enhancing systems for organizing, processing, and storing IoT data, with potential involvement in areas like server-side support for IoT devices, scalable time series databases, and intelligent chatbot development. You'll be expected to take on a technical lead role for significant projects, guiding and mentoring other engineers while actively participating in on-call rotations to address service issues.

The ideal candidate will possess over eight years of experience in cloud-based backend system design and implementation, with strong expertise in AWS and Linux environments. A knack for effective communication is crucial, as you will need to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, personal traits such as empathy for your team and users, a team-first mentality, and a genuine curiosity to share knowledge will align well with Mode's collaborative culture.

This guide is designed to prepare you for your interview by providing insights into the role’s expectations and the skills that will be assessed, giving you a competitive edge as you engage with the interviewers.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Mode is structured yet flexible, reflecting the company's innovative approach to technology and collaboration.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process typically begins with a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This conversation serves as an introduction to the company and the role, where the recruiter will discuss your resume, past experiences, and motivations for applying. It's also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company culture and expectations.

2. Technical Phone Screen

Following the initial call, candidates usually participate in a technical phone screen with the hiring manager. This session is designed to assess your technical skills and problem-solving abilities through case study questions. You may be asked to elaborate on recent projects and how you approached specific challenges, as well as hypothetical scenarios that test your critical thinking and system design skills.

3. Onsite Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the technical screen are invited to an onsite interview, which typically lasts around four hours. During this time, you will meet with multiple team members, including engineers and possibly product managers. The interviews will focus on a mix of technical and behavioral questions, often emphasizing hypothetical scenarios to gauge your thought process and approach to problem-solving. You may also be asked to discuss your experience with cloud-based systems, IoT data management, and your familiarity with the technology stack used at Mode.

4. Wrap-Up and Communication

After the onsite interviews, there is usually a wrap-up session with the recruiter to discuss the next steps. However, candidates have noted that communication can sometimes be delayed or inconsistent, so it's advisable to follow up if you do not hear back within a reasonable timeframe.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise based on the experiences of previous candidates.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Mode can vary, but it typically includes a recruiter call, a technical phone screen, and an onsite interview. Be prepared for a mix of behavioral and technical questions, with a focus on your past experiences and problem-solving abilities. Since the interviewers may not follow a strict structure, it’s essential to stay adaptable and ready to tackle questions that may seem random or hypothetical.

Prepare for Hypothetical Case Studies

Mode's interviewers often favor hypothetical questions that assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Familiarize yourself with common case study formats and practice articulating your thought process clearly. When presented with a scenario, take a moment to structure your response, outlining your approach before diving into the details. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on system design and backend development, ensure you are well-versed in the technologies relevant to the role, such as Go, AWS, and Linux. While coding on the spot may not be a focus, understanding the principles behind cloud-based systems and being able to discuss your previous projects in detail will be crucial. Be ready to explain your design choices and how they align with best practices in software engineering.

Communicate Effectively

Mode values clear communication, especially in a remote-first environment where team members are spread across different time zones. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders. This skill will not only help you during the interview but will also be vital in your day-to-day interactions if you join the team.

Emphasize Collaboration and Teamwork

The Product Engineering team at Mode thrives on collaboration. Highlight your experiences working in diverse teams and your ability to support and mentor colleagues. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team success and fostered a positive work environment. This will resonate well with the company’s team-first mentality and commitment to knowledge sharing.

Be Prepared for Cultural Fit Questions

Mode places importance on personal traits such as empathy, intellectual curiosity, and a team-first mentality. Reflect on your values and how they align with the company culture. Be ready to discuss how you’ve demonstrated these traits in your previous roles, as this will help you stand out as a candidate who not only possesses the technical skills but also fits well within the team.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, consider sending a thoughtful follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. This can help you leave a positive impression and keep the lines of communication open, especially given the feedback about communication challenges in the interview process.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and clarity, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Mode. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Mode. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience with cloud-based systems and IoT technologies. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to system design, and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with cloud-based backend systems?

This question aims to assess your familiarity with designing and implementing cloud solutions, particularly in an enterprise context.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you designed or improved cloud-based systems, emphasizing your role and the technologies used.

Example

“In my previous role, I led a project to migrate our on-premise application to AWS, which involved designing a microservices architecture that improved scalability and reduced downtime. I utilized services like EC2 and S3 to optimize our storage and compute resources.”

2. How do you approach system design for IoT applications?

This question evaluates your understanding of the unique challenges posed by IoT systems.

How to Answer

Explain your design process, including considerations for scalability, data processing, and security.

Example

“When designing IoT applications, I prioritize scalability and data integrity. I typically start by defining the data flow and storage requirements, then select appropriate technologies like time series databases for efficient data handling. Security is also a key focus, ensuring that data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.”

3. What is your experience with AWS services, and how have you utilized them in your projects?

This question seeks to understand your practical experience with AWS and its various services.

How to Answer

Highlight specific AWS services you have used and how they contributed to the success of your projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS, particularly with services like Lambda for serverless computing and RDS for database management. In a recent project, I implemented a serverless architecture using Lambda, which significantly reduced our operational costs and improved deployment speed.”

4. Can you explain the concept of microservices and your experience with them?

This question assesses your knowledge of microservices architecture and its implementation.

How to Answer

Discuss your understanding of microservices and provide examples of how you have implemented them in your work.

Example

“I believe microservices are essential for building scalable applications. In my last project, I transitioned a monolithic application to a microservices architecture, which allowed different teams to work independently on various services, improving our deployment frequency and reducing the time to market.”

5. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

This question evaluates your approach to writing clean, maintainable code.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for code reviews, testing, and documentation.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by implementing thorough code reviews and using automated testing frameworks. I also ensure that all code is well-documented, which helps new team members onboard quickly and reduces the risk of introducing bugs during future updates.”

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

1. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question aims to gauge your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced significant latency issues with our data processing pipeline. I conducted a thorough analysis and identified bottlenecks in our data flow. By implementing a more efficient queuing system and optimizing our database queries, we reduced processing time by 40%.”

2. How would you approach designing a system to support over-the-air updates for IoT devices?

This question tests your ability to think critically about system design in the context of IoT.

How to Answer

Outline your design considerations, including security, reliability, and user experience.

Example

“I would start by ensuring a secure communication channel for updates, using encryption to protect data. I would also implement a rollback mechanism in case an update fails, ensuring that devices can revert to a stable version. Additionally, I would monitor the update process to gather feedback and improve future iterations.”

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

This question assesses your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Asana to prioritize tasks. I assess the impact and urgency of each task, focusing on high-impact items that align with our team’s goals. Regular check-ins with my team also help ensure we’re aligned on priorities.”

4. Can you give an example of how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams?

This question evaluates your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you worked with other teams, highlighting your role and contributions.

Example

“In a recent project, I collaborated with product managers and designers to develop a new feature. I facilitated discussions to ensure technical feasibility and provided insights on potential challenges, which helped us align on a solution that met both user needs and technical constraints.”

5. How would you handle a situation where a project is falling behind schedule?

This question tests your ability to manage project timelines and stakeholder expectations.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to identifying issues, communicating with stakeholders, and implementing solutions.

Example

“If a project is falling behind, I would first analyze the root causes and identify any roadblocks. I would then communicate transparently with stakeholders about the situation and propose a revised timeline or additional resources to get back on track. Regular updates would ensure everyone is aligned on progress.”