Southwest Airlines Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Southwest Airlines is a leading American carrier renowned for its customer-focused, friendly, and budget-friendly air travel services.

As a Software Engineer at Southwest Airlines, you will play a vital role in supporting various teams by identifying and resolving production issues while developing and enhancing software systems. This position emphasizes robust technical skills, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the interview process, explore commonly asked Southwest Airlines software engineer interview questions, and provide valuable tips to help you succeed. Let’s get started on your journey to joining Southwest Airlines!

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV is among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the Southwest Talent Acquisition Team will contact you and verify key details like your experiences, skill level, and salary expectations. Behavioral questions may also be part of the screening process.

Sometimes, the hiring manager may also join the call to provide more insights into the role and the team’s working culture. They may engage in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions to understand your fit for the team.

The recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will invite you to the technical screening round. This usually involves a virtual interview through video conference and screen sharing. Questions may cover various languages, coding fundamentals, REST services, and differences between TDD (Test-Driven Development) and BDD (Behavior-Driven Development).

Additionally, expect to demonstrate your proficiency in algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving. They might also ask questions related to your past projects and coding experience with languages like Python or JavaScript.

Onsite Interview Rounds

If you pass the virtual technical interview, you’ll be invited to visit the Southwest campus for an onsite interview, which is typically divided into several stages:

1. Manager and Mid-Level Developer Interview: This stage focuses on personality questions, agile planning, and your coding experience.

2. Senior Developer Panel: A group of senior developers will conduct an in-depth technical interview covering your project experiences, technical challenges, and problem-resolution strategies.

3. Behavioral and Leadership Questions: You’ll be asked about your past leadership roles, teamwork experiences, and scenarios where you’ve had to take initiative.

The entire on-site process may take a few hours, and they ensure that they follow up within the promised timeframe for the next steps.

Typically, interviews at Southwest Airlines vary by role and team, but commonly software engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. What is the difference between covariance and correlation? Provide an example.

Explain the difference between covariance and correlation, and provide an example to illustrate the concepts.

2. Implement a function to find the shortest path in a graph using any shortest path algorithm.

You are given a graph represented as a 2D array where each cell value indicates the cost to traverse to that node. Also given are a start node and an end node. Your task is to implement a function that finds the shortest path from the start node to the end node using any shortest path algorithm.

3. What’s the difference between TDD and BDD?

What’s the difference between TDD and BDD, and in what scenarios would you use each methodology?

4. Describe a REST service that you’ve previously built.

Describe a REST service you built and how you can scale it.

Here are some quick tips to help you prepare for Southwest Airlines software engineer interview:

• Brush Up on Fundamentals: Southwest Airlines emphasizes a strong understanding of coding fundamentals and agile methodologies. Revise key concepts in languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript.
• Be Honest and Candid: It’s better to be upfront about your strengths and gaps in knowledge. Southwest appreciates transparency and is willing to mold the right candidates.
• Prepare For Behavioral Questions: Be ready to discuss past experiences, leadership roles, and how you handle technical challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format for structured responses and our Mock Interview to get real-time feedback from peers before the interview.

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Southwest Airlines?

What qualities does Southwest Airlines look for in candidates for the Software Engineer role?

Southwest Airlines values candidates with strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a proactive mindset. The company looks for individuals who can effectively partner with various teams, manage multiple assignments, and continuously improve their technical capabilities. A passion for learning and growth aligns well with Southwest’s commitment to employee development.

What benefits come with the Software Engineer position at Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines offers competitive salaries, extensive health insurance coverage, company contributions of up to 9.3% of your 401(k), and potential annual profit-sharing contributions. Employees and their eligible dependents can fly for free on open seats on Southwest flights. Additional perks include access to workshops, conferences, and training for continuous learning.

As the airline industry continues to soar to new heights, Southwest Airlines is actively seeking innovative and dedicated Software Engineers to join their dynamic team.

By focusing on the structured and comprehensive preparation provided and showcasing your teamwork, technical know-how, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be well-positioned to excel in the interview process and embark on a rewarding career at Southwest Airlines.

Good luck with your interview!