Tempus Labs Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Tempus Labs is at the forefront of precision medicine, harnessing technology to provide actionable insights that enhance clinical care.

As a Software Engineer at Tempus Labs, you will play a pivotal role in developing innovative software solutions that support the healthcare industry, particularly in the realm of cancer research and treatment. Your responsibilities will encompass both frontend and backend development, leveraging technologies such as Node.js, React, Python, and various database systems (like MySQL and PostgreSQL). You will work within small, autonomous teams, where collaboration with engineers, scientists, and product managers is essential to set goals, build software, and deploy code that impacts real-world clinical outcomes.

To excel in this role, you should possess strong programming skills, a deep understanding of software engineering principles, and experience in cloud computing environments, preferably with platforms like AWS and Google Cloud Platform. Familiarity with container orchestration (such as Kubernetes) and CI/CD practices will be advantageous. Additionally, a passion for working in an agile environment and a genuine interest in precision medicine and biotechnology are crucial traits for success at Tempus Labs.

This guide aims to equip you with insights into the specific expectations and interview processes at Tempus Labs for the Software Engineer role, allowing you to prepare effectively and present your best self during the interview.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Tempus Labs is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and compatibility with the team.

1. Initial Recruiter Screen

The process begins with a brief phone call with a recruiter, lasting around 30 minutes. During this conversation, the recruiter will discuss your background, experience, and interest in the role. They will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the position. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company and the team dynamics.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates are usually required to complete a technical coding challenge. This challenge is often hosted on platforms like Codility and typically includes a mix of algorithmic problems and practical coding tasks relevant to the technologies used at Tempus, such as Python, Java, or JavaScript. Candidates are generally given a set time to complete this assessment, which can take around 2-3 hours.

3. Virtual Onsite Interviews

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment are invited to a virtual onsite interview. This stage usually consists of multiple rounds, typically including:

• Technical Coding Interview: This round focuses on live coding exercises where candidates are asked to solve problems in real-time, often using a shared coding environment. Expect questions that test your understanding of data structures, algorithms, and specific programming languages relevant to the role.

• System Design Interview: In this session, candidates are asked to design a system or application, demonstrating their ability to think through architecture, scalability, and integration with other systems. This is crucial for understanding how you approach complex engineering problems.

• Behavioral Interviews: These interviews are conducted by team members, including engineers and product managers. They focus on assessing your soft skills, teamwork, and how you align with Tempus's values and culture. Expect questions about past experiences, challenges faced, and how you handle collaboration and conflict.

4. Final Interview with Leadership

The final stage often includes a conversation with a senior leader or director within the engineering team. This interview may cover both technical and strategic aspects of the role, as well as your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's mission.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for precision medicine and their ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages.

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

Understand the Interview Process

Tempus Labs has a structured interview process that typically includes a recruiter screen, a coding challenge, and multiple rounds of technical and behavioral interviews. Familiarize yourself with each stage, as candidates have reported varying experiences. Be prepared for a mix of coding exercises, system design discussions, and behavioral questions. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your time and energy effectively throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Challenges

Given the emphasis on coding skills, ensure you are well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as TypeScript, Python, and cloud services like AWS and GCP. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, focusing on algorithms and data structures. Additionally, be ready to discuss your approach to system design, as candidates have noted the importance of articulating your thought process during these discussions.

Showcase Your Collaboration Skills

Tempus values teamwork and collaboration, as evidenced by their small, autonomous teams. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in cross-functional teams, how you handle conflicts, and your approach to mentoring junior engineers. Highlight specific examples where you contributed to team success or improved processes, as this aligns with the company culture.

Emphasize Your Passion for Precision Medicine

Tempus is deeply committed to advancing healthcare through technology. Demonstrating your passion for precision medicine and how your skills can contribute to this mission will resonate well with interviewers. Share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase your interest in healthcare technology, data science, or AI applications in clinical settings.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral interviews are a significant part of the process. Prepare for questions that explore your past experiences, decision-making processes, and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that reflect your problem-solving abilities and adaptability.

Stay Informed About Industry Trends

Tempus operates at the intersection of technology and healthcare, so staying updated on industry trends, particularly in AI and precision medicine, can give you an edge. Be prepared to discuss recent advancements or challenges in the field and how they relate to the work Tempus is doing. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the company’s mission.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to your interviewers. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in joining the Tempus team.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Tempus Labs. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Tempus Labs. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the team. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of software development, cloud technologies, and your experience in agile environments.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between REST and GraphQL?

Understanding the distinctions between these two API architectures is crucial for a software engineer at Tempus, as they may work with both.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences in how data is requested and returned, emphasizing the flexibility of GraphQL compared to REST.

Example

"REST APIs return fixed data structures, which can lead to over-fetching or under-fetching of data. In contrast, GraphQL allows clients to specify exactly what data they need, reducing the amount of data transferred and improving efficiency."

2. Describe your experience with container orchestration tools like Kubernetes.

Given Tempus's focus on cloud-native applications, familiarity with container orchestration is essential.

How to Answer

Share specific projects where you utilized Kubernetes, highlighting your role and the outcomes.

Example

"I led a project where we migrated our application to Kubernetes, which improved our deployment speed by 30%. I configured the cluster, set up CI/CD pipelines, and ensured that our services were resilient and scalable."

3. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

Quality assurance is vital in software development, especially in healthcare applications.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to testing, code reviews, and adherence to coding standards.

Example

"I implement unit tests and integration tests for all new features. Additionally, I participate in code reviews to ensure adherence to best practices and to catch potential issues early."

4. Can you walk us through a challenging bug you encountered and how you resolved it?

Problem-solving skills are critical for a software engineer.

How to Answer

Describe the bug, your troubleshooting process, and the final resolution.

Example

"I encountered a memory leak in a microservice that caused performance degradation. I used profiling tools to identify the source, refactored the code to optimize memory usage, and implemented monitoring to catch similar issues in the future."

5. What is your experience with cloud technologies, specifically GCP or AWS?

Tempus utilizes cloud services extensively, so familiarity with these platforms is important.

How to Answer

Detail your experience with specific services and how you have leveraged them in past projects.

Example

"I have worked with AWS S3 for storage and GCP BigQuery for data analysis. In my last project, I designed a data pipeline that utilized GCP services to process and analyze large datasets efficiently."

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a cross-functional team.

Collaboration is key at Tempus, where teams are composed of diverse skill sets.

How to Answer

Share an example that highlights your communication and teamwork skills.

Example

"I collaborated with data scientists and product managers to develop a new feature for our platform. By holding regular meetings and using collaborative tools, we ensured everyone was aligned, which led to a successful launch."

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

Working in a fast-paced environment requires effective stress management.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks and maintaining productivity under pressure.

Example

"When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on impact and urgency. I also communicate openly with my team to ensure we are all aligned and can support each other."

3. Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism. How did you respond?

Being open to feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance and how you used the feedback to improve.

Example

"I received feedback on my presentation skills during a project review. I took a public speaking course and practiced regularly, which significantly improved my confidence and delivery in future presentations."

4. Why do you want to work at Tempus?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company's mission.

How to Answer

Express your passion for precision medicine and how your skills align with Tempus's goals.

Example

"I am passionate about using technology to improve healthcare outcomes. Tempus's commitment to leveraging AI for precision medicine resonates with my desire to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry."

5. Describe a project where you had to learn a new technology quickly.

Adaptability is crucial in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

How to Answer

Provide an example that showcases your ability to learn and apply new skills effectively.

Example

"I was tasked with implementing a new feature using React, a framework I had limited experience with. I dedicated time to online courses and built a small project to practice, which allowed me to successfully deliver the feature on time."