Palantir Technologies Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Palantir Technologies is a world-changing company that builds leading software for data-driven decisions and operations, empowering partners to tackle critical challenges across various sectors.

As a Software Engineer at Palantir, you will play a vital role in transforming how organizations utilize data by building scalable software solutions. Your key responsibilities will encompass the entire product lifecycle—from idea generation and design to execution and shipping. This role requires collaboration with both technical and non-technical teams to understand customer needs and deliver impactful products. You will be involved in developing high-quality code for platforms like Palantir Gotham, Apollo, or Foundry, allowing users to perform rich analyses, visualize data, and create sophisticated applications.

To excel in this position, you will need a strong engineering background in fields such as Computer Science, Mathematics, or Software Engineering, along with proficiency in programming languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript. Familiarity with data structures, cloud infrastructure, and front-end frameworks is essential. Ideal candidates are those who demonstrate ownership, collaborative spirit, and a willingness to learn and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.

This guide will help you prepare for the interview process by equipping you with insights into the expectations for the role and the types of questions you may encounter, ultimately enhancing your chances of success.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Palantir Technologies is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates can expect multiple rounds of interviews, each focusing on different aspects of their capabilities and experiences.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process typically begins with a 30-minute phone interview conducted by a recruiter. This initial screen focuses on understanding the candidate's background, motivations for applying to Palantir, and general fit for the company culture. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their previous experiences and how they align with the role.

2. Online Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates are often required to complete an online assessment. This assessment usually includes algorithmic and coding challenges that test problem-solving skills and proficiency in data structures. The questions are generally of medium difficulty and may resemble those found on platforms like LeetCode.

3. Technical Interview via Karat

Candidates who pass the online assessment will participate in a technical interview conducted through an external platform, such as Karat. This interview typically involves live coding exercises where candidates solve problems in real-time. Interviewers may ask questions related to time and space complexity, as well as data structure implementation. Candidates should be ready to explain their thought process and approach to problem-solving.

4. Technical Interviews with Team Members

Successful candidates will then move on to a series of technical interviews with members of the engineering team. These interviews may include system design questions, where candidates are asked to architect solutions for complex problems. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to think critically about system architecture, scalability, and performance.

5. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will also undergo a behavioral interview. This round focuses on assessing soft skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within Palantir. Candidates should be prepared to discuss past experiences, challenges faced in previous roles, and how they collaborate with cross-functional teams.

6. Final Interview with Hiring Manager

The final step in the interview process is typically a conversation with the hiring manager. This interview may cover both technical and behavioral aspects, allowing the manager to gauge the candidate's overall fit for the team and the company. Candidates should be ready to discuss their long-term career goals and how they align with Palantir's mission.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions and engage with their interviewers to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.

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

Palantir's interview process can be lengthy and involves multiple stages, including online assessments, technical interviews, and HR discussions. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, as many candidates have reported a mix of coding challenges, system design questions, and behavioral assessments. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and energy effectively throughout the process.

Master Time and Space Complexity

Given the emphasis on algorithmic thinking, be prepared to discuss and analyze the time and space complexity of your solutions. Many candidates have noted that interviewers often ask about Big O notation and expect you to articulate your thought process clearly. Brush up on your understanding of common data structures and algorithms, and practice explaining your reasoning as you solve problems.

Practice Live Coding

Palantir often uses platforms like Karat for live coding interviews. Get comfortable with coding in real-time while explaining your thought process. Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, focusing on medium-level problems that require you to think critically and communicate your approach. Remember, the goal is not just to arrive at the correct solution but to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and coding proficiency.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Palantir values collaboration across teams and disciplines. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in diverse teams and how you’ve effectively communicated with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully navigated challenges through teamwork, as this aligns with Palantir's emphasis on trust and collaboration.

Showcase Your Passion for Problem-Solving

During the interview, convey your enthusiasm for tackling complex problems and your desire to make a meaningful impact. Palantir seeks candidates who are not only technically proficient but also passionate about using technology to solve real-world issues. Share specific examples of projects or challenges that excited you and how you approached them.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within Palantir's culture. Be ready to discuss your past experiences, particularly those that demonstrate ownership, dedication, and a growth mindset. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples.

Familiarize Yourself with Palantir's Products

Understanding Palantir's core products—Gotham, Foundry, and Apollo—will give you an edge in the interview. Research how these platforms are used in various industries and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the company's mission. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

Be Ready for Technical Depth

Depending on the role, you may encounter in-depth technical questions related to system design, distributed systems, or specific programming languages. Review relevant concepts and be prepared to discuss your technical decisions and their implications. Candidates have noted that demonstrating a strong understanding of system architecture and design principles can set you apart.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, consider sending a follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This can help reinforce your enthusiasm and keep you top of mind as they make their decisions.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your experiences with Palantir's values and expectations, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Palantir Technologies. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment. Be prepared to demonstrate your coding proficiency, understanding of algorithms, and system design capabilities.

Technical Skills

1. What is the time and space complexity of this algorithm?

Understanding time and space complexity is crucial for evaluating the efficiency of your code.

How to Answer

Explain the algorithm step-by-step, highlighting the key operations that contribute to its complexity. Use Big O notation to express your answer clearly.

Example

“The time complexity of this algorithm is O(n log n) due to the sorting step, while the space complexity is O(n) because of the additional array used to store the sorted elements.”

2. Can you implement a hashmap in your chosen programming language?

This question tests your understanding of data structures and your coding skills.

How to Answer

Discuss the key operations of a hashmap (insert, delete, search) and implement them while explaining your thought process.

Example

“I would create a hashmap using an array of linked lists to handle collisions. The insert function would compute the index using a hash function and add the key-value pair to the linked list at that index.”

3. Describe a time you had to debug a complex issue in your code. What was your approach?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and debugging techniques.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you took to identify the issue, the tools you used, and how you resolved it.

Example

“I encountered a memory leak in my application. I used a memory profiler to track down the source, which was a forgotten reference in a closure. I refactored the code to eliminate the reference, resolving the issue.”

4. How would you design a system for managing large amounts of real-time data?

This question evaluates your system design skills and understanding of distributed systems.

How to Answer

Discuss the architecture you would use, including data storage, processing, and retrieval methods.

Example

“I would use a microservices architecture with Kafka for real-time data streaming, Cassandra for scalable storage, and Spark for processing. This setup allows for high availability and low latency.”

5. What are the differences between a stack and a queue?

This question tests your knowledge of fundamental data structures.

How to Answer

Explain the key characteristics and use cases of both data structures.

Example

“A stack follows a Last In First Out (LIFO) principle, while a queue follows a First In First Out (FIFO) principle. Stacks are used in function call management, whereas queues are used in scheduling tasks.”

System Design

1. How would you approach designing an API for a new feature?

This question assesses your understanding of API design principles.

How to Answer

Discuss the steps you would take, including defining endpoints, request/response formats, and authentication.

Example

“I would start by gathering requirements from stakeholders, then define RESTful endpoints with clear request and response formats. I would also implement OAuth for secure access.”

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

This question evaluates your project management and teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific project, the challenges faced, and the strategies you used to overcome them.

Example

“I worked on a project with tight deadlines and shifting requirements. I organized daily stand-ups to ensure clear communication and prioritized tasks using Agile methodologies, which helped us deliver on time.”

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

This question tests your understanding of software development best practices.

How to Answer

Discuss the practices you follow, such as code reviews, testing, and documentation.

Example

“I ensure code quality by conducting regular code reviews, writing unit tests for critical components, and maintaining comprehensive documentation to facilitate onboarding and future development.”

4. How do you handle conflicting priorities in a project?

This question assesses your ability to manage time and resources effectively.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization and communication with stakeholders.

Example

“I assess the impact of each task on project goals and communicate with stakeholders to align on priorities. I use project management tools to track progress and adjust timelines as needed.”

5. Can you explain the CAP theorem?

This question tests your understanding of distributed systems.

How to Answer

Define the CAP theorem and its implications for system design.

Example

“The CAP theorem states that in a distributed system, you can only achieve two of the following three guarantees: Consistency, Availability, and Partition Tolerance. This means that when designing a system, trade-offs must be made based on the specific use case.”