Motional Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Motional is a pioneering driverless technology company focused on making autonomous vehicles safe, reliable, and accessible.

As a Software Engineer at Motional, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software for embedded systems that power autonomous vehicle applications. This involves creating software for various hardware platforms, working on safety-critical applications, and developing firmware components such as device drivers and kernel libraries. You will also be responsible for designing test harnesses, providing technical mentorship to other engineers, and supporting your team with engineering expertise in your product area.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in software development, particularly in C and C++, along with a solid understanding of embedded systems and real-time operating systems. You should possess strong problem-solving skills, the ability to lead technical initiatives, and experience with TDD (Test-Driven Development), as well as debugging on embedded platforms. Proficiency in Python and familiarity with networking protocols is also essential. Understanding of ARM Cortex MCUs and experience in automation with shell scripting can set you apart from other candidates.

At Motional, we value a progressive and inclusive culture, which means that you will have the opportunity to collaborate with engineers, researchers, and innovators who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology in the autonomous vehicle space. This guide will equip you with the insights and preparation needed to excel in your interview, ensuring you stand out as a candidate who aligns with Motional's mission and values.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Motional is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring candidates align with the company's mission and values. The process typically consists of three main stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Motional. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Software Engineer role. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team and the projects you might be working on.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates undergo a technical assessment, which can be conducted either onsite or virtually via platforms like CoderPad. This assessment typically includes live coding exercises that test your proficiency in C++ and Python, as well as your understanding of algorithms and data structures. Expect to solve problems that may involve sorting algorithms or debugging code, reflecting the technical challenges you would face in the role.

3. Final Interviews

The final stage consists of multiple one-on-one interviews with senior engineers and the hiring manager. These interviews delve deeper into your technical expertise, including discussions on embedded systems, firmware development, and software testing methodologies. Additionally, you will engage in behavioral interviews to assess your problem-solving approach, teamwork, and how you align with Motional's values. Each interview lasts about an hour, allowing ample time for in-depth discussions.

As you prepare for these interviews, it's essential to be ready to discuss your past projects and experiences, particularly those relevant to the role. Now, 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 Structure

Motional's interview process typically consists of three stages: an initial HR screening, a technical assessment, and a culture fit interview. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. The technical assessment may involve live coding, so practice coding problems in C++ and Python, focusing on algorithms and data structures. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the role.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on embedded systems and safety-critical software, ensure you are well-versed in C and C++ programming, as well as the principles of Test-Driven Development (TDD). Brush up on your knowledge of embedded Linux, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and networking protocols like Ethernet and CAN. Be prepared to solve problems related to these areas during the technical assessment, as candidates have reported questions on sorting algorithms and debugging on embedded platforms.

Highlight Relevant Experience

When discussing your background, focus on experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor other engineers. Motional values candidates who can break down complex problems and guide teams through execution. Be specific about your contributions to past projects, especially those involving safety-critical applications or autonomous systems.

Emphasize Problem-Solving Abilities

Motional seeks engineers who are motivated to tackle challenging problems. During the interview, share examples of how you've approached difficult technical challenges in the past. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within Motional's culture. The company values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you contribute to a positive team environment. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated these values, and be prepared to discuss how you handle conflict or work with diverse teams.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Motional's interviewers are described as professional and friendly. Use this to your advantage by engaging them in conversation. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company's vision for the future of autonomous vehicles. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention any key points from the interview that you found particularly interesting. This will help keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for Motional. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Motional. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and your approach to software development in safety-critical environments.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between C and C++?

Understanding the distinctions between these two languages is crucial, especially in embedded systems where performance and memory management are key.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences, such as C being a procedural language while C++ supports object-oriented programming. Highlight how these differences impact software design and performance.

Example

"C is a procedural programming language that focuses on function and procedure calls, while C++ is an extension of C that includes object-oriented features like classes and inheritance. This allows for better data encapsulation and code reusability, which is particularly beneficial in complex systems like those used in autonomous vehicles."

2. Describe your experience with embedded Linux or RTOS.

This question assesses your familiarity with operating systems used in embedded systems, which is essential for the role.

How to Answer

Share specific projects or experiences where you worked with embedded Linux or real-time operating systems, detailing the challenges faced and how you overcame them.

Example

"I have worked extensively with embedded Linux in a project where I developed a device driver for a sensor module. I faced challenges with real-time data processing, which I addressed by optimizing the interrupt handling and ensuring minimal latency in data acquisition."

3. How do you approach debugging on embedded platforms?

Debugging is a critical skill in software engineering, especially in safety-critical applications.

How to Answer

Discuss your debugging process, tools you use, and any specific techniques that are effective in embedded environments.

Example

"I typically start by replicating the issue and using tools like GDB for debugging. I also utilize logging to capture system states and behavior leading up to the fault. In one instance, I identified a memory leak in a device driver by analyzing the memory usage patterns over time."

4. What is Test-Driven Development (TDD), and how have you applied it?

TDD is a key practice in ensuring code quality, especially in safety-critical software.

How to Answer

Explain the TDD process and provide an example of how you implemented it in a project.

Example

"TDD is a software development approach where tests are written before the code itself. I applied TDD in a project where I developed a safety monitoring system for an autonomous vehicle. By writing unit tests first, I ensured that each component met its requirements before integration, which significantly reduced bugs in the final product."

5. Can you discuss your experience with multi-threaded programming?

Multi-threading is often necessary in embedded systems to handle concurrent tasks.

How to Answer

Share your experience with multi-threading, including any specific challenges and how you addressed them.

Example

"I have implemented multi-threading in a radar processing application where multiple data streams needed to be processed simultaneously. I used mutexes to manage shared resources and prevent race conditions, ensuring that the system remained stable under high load."

Problem Solving

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

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and technical expertise.

Example

"In a previous project, I encountered a performance bottleneck in the data processing pipeline. After profiling the application, I discovered that the data serialization was inefficient. I optimized the serialization algorithm, which improved the throughput by 30%."

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

Time management and prioritization are essential skills in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

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

Example

"I prioritize tasks based on their impact on project deadlines and overall system functionality. I use tools like JIRA to track progress and ensure that critical tasks are completed first. Regular communication with my team also helps in aligning priorities."

3. Can you give an example of how you have mentored junior engineers?

Mentorship is important in fostering a collaborative team environment.

How to Answer

Share specific instances where you provided guidance or support to less experienced colleagues.

Example

"I mentored a junior engineer during a project where we developed a new firmware component. I guided them through the design process, encouraged them to ask questions, and provided feedback on their code. This not only helped them grow but also improved the overall quality of our work."

4. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies in software engineering?

Continuous learning is vital in the tech industry.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for keeping your skills current, such as online courses, reading, or attending conferences.

Example

"I regularly read industry blogs and participate in online forums. I also take courses on platforms like Coursera to learn about new technologies. Recently, I completed a course on machine learning applications in embedded systems, which I found particularly relevant to my work."

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

Code quality is crucial in safety-critical applications.

How to Answer

Discuss your practices for maintaining high code quality, including code reviews and automated testing.

Example

"I ensure code quality by adhering to coding standards and conducting regular code reviews with my team. I also implement automated testing to catch issues early in the development process, which helps maintain a high standard of code quality throughout the project lifecycle."