TomTom, renowned for revolutionizing navigation, is on a journey to innovate yet again by developing the world’s first-ever real-time map. As part of the Product Unit Automation team, the Engineering Manager will lead a group of Software Engineers focused on creating systems that produce high-quality map data, crucial for ADAS speed control and L2+ robotics driving.

In this role, you'll manage the complete software development lifecycle, from conceptualizing technical solutions based on client needs to execution and support. You’ll also foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, utilizing machine learning and multi-source data fusion techniques.

Join TomTom to not only influence the future of mobility but also work in a supportive and inclusive environment. For detailed insights into the interview process and to enhance your preparation, explore the resources provided by Interview Query.

Submitting Your Application

The first step is to submit a compelling application that reflects your technical skills and interest in joining TomTom as a Software Engineer. Whether you were contacted by a TomTom recruiter or have taken the initiative yourself, carefully review the job description and tailor your CV according to the prerequisites.

Tailoring your CV may include identifying specific keywords that the hiring manager might use to filter resumes and crafting a targeted cover letter. Furthermore, don’t forget to highlight relevant skills and mention your work experiences.

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the TomTom Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

In some cases, the TomTom Software Engineer hiring manager might be present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also indulge in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the TomTom Software Engineer role usually is conducted through virtual means, including video conference and screen sharing.

Expect questions around data-oriented systems, machine learning techniques, and algorithms. Proficiency with languages like Java, Python, or C++ will be crucial. The interview might also dive into your experience with multi-source fusion and possibly libraries such as GTSAM.

Depending on the seniority of the position, case studies or practical coding challenges may also be included.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Following a second recruiter call outlining the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds will be conducted during your day at the TomTom office. Your technical prowess, including programming and solution design capabilities, will be evaluated throughout these interviews.

You might also interact with different teams to understand the vision and innovation objectives at TomTom. Behavioral and leadership qualities, particularly your ability to communicate complex technical concepts and manage competing priorities, will also be evaluated.

Quick Tips for TomTom Software Engineer Interviews

Here are a few tips for acing your TomTom interview:

• Understand Map Production Systems: Given that TomTom’s team focuses on developing map production systems, familiarize yourself with the basics of map data, ADAS speed control, and robotic driving technologies.
• Brush Up on Machine Learning: Many of TomTom's projects leverage machine learning. Refresh your knowledge of algorithms, data science principles, and machine learning techniques.
• Showcase Your Communication Skills: TomTom values effective communication. Practice breaking down complex technical ideas into layman’s terms and honing your presentation skills.

Typically, interviews at Tomtom vary by role and team, but commonly Software Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

• Write a query to get the average order value by gender. Given three tables representing customer transactions and customer attributes, write a query to get the average order value by gender. Round the answer to two decimal places.

• Write a function missing_number to find the missing number in an array. You have an array of integers, nums of length n spanning 0 to n with one missing. Write a function missing_number that returns the missing number in the array. Complexity of (O(n)) required.

• Find the index where the sum of the left half equals the right half in a list. Given a list of integers, find the index at which the sum of the left half of the list is equal to the right half. If there is no such index, return -1.

• Write a function sorting to sort a list of strings in ascending alphabetical order. Given a list of strings, write a function sorting from scratch to sort the list in ascending alphabetical order. Do not use the built-in sorted function. Return the new sorted list.

• Write a query to extract the earliest date each user played their third unique song. Given a table of song_plays and a table of users, write a query to extract the earliest date each user played their third unique song. If a user has listened to less than three unique songs, display their name with a NULL date and song name.

• How would you build a model to predict which merchants DoorDash should acquire in a new market? As a data scientist at DoorDash, describe the steps and features you would use to build a predictive model for identifying potential merchants for acquisition when entering a new market.

• How would you determine the customer service quality through the chat box for small businesses on Facebook Marketplace? Working at Facebook, explain the methods and metrics you would use to assess the quality of customer service interactions through the chat box for small businesses selling items to consumers on the Marketplace app.

• What business health metrics would you track on a dashboard for an e-commerce D2C sock business? If you are managing an e-commerce D2C business that sells socks, list and explain the key business health metrics you would monitor on a company dashboard to ensure optimal performance.

• Write a query to determine if user interactions (likes, comments) lead to higher purchasing volumes. Given three tables (users, transactions, and events), write a SQL query to analyze whether users who interact on the website (through likes and comments) have a higher purchasing volume compared to those who do not interact.

• How does random forest generate the forest and why use it over logistic regression? Explain how random forest generates multiple decision trees and combines their results. Discuss the advantages of using random forest over logistic regression, such as handling non-linear data and reducing overfitting.

• How do we deal with missing square footage data in housing price prediction? You have 100K sold listings with 20% missing square footage data. Describe methods to handle the missing data, such as imputation techniques or using models that can handle missing values directly.

• How would you build a model to predict which merchants DoorDash should acquire in a new market? As a data scientist at DoorDash, outline the steps to build a predictive model for merchant acquisition. Include data collection, feature selection, model training, and evaluation criteria.

• How do you detect and handle correlation between variables in linear regression? Describe methods to detect correlation between variables, such as correlation matrices or VIF. Explain the consequences of ignoring correlation and how to handle it, such as removing variables or using regularization techniques.

• How would you design a model to detect potential bombs at a border crossing? Outline the design of a model to detect bombs, including input features, output labels, accuracy measurement, and testing methods. Discuss the importance of precision and recall in this context.

• How many more samples are needed to decrease the margin of error from 3 to 0.3? Given a sample size (n) with a margin of error of 3, calculate the additional samples required to reduce the margin of error to 0.3.

• What is the mean and variance of the distribution of (2X - Y)? Given (X) and (Y) are independent random variables with normal distributions (X \sim \mathcal{N}(3, 4)) and (Y \sim \mathcal{N}(1, 4)), determine the mean and variance of (2X - Y).

• How do you calculate the sample size and power for an AB test? For an AB test with a test group and a control group:

• How do you calculate the necessary sample size for accurate measurement?
• If the sample size is sufficient, should the power increase or decrease to measure very small differences between the groups?

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Tomtom?

Q: What responsibilities will I have as a Software Engineering Manager at TomTom? As a Software Engineering Manager at TomTom, you will lead a team to develop and operate map production systems. Your tasks will include translating complex customer requirements into technical solutions, managing project plans, overseeing the software development lifecycle, building and retaining a diverse team, and fostering continuous improvement and innovation.

Q: What qualifications and skills are required for the Software Engineering Manager position at TomTom? You need at least 2 years of management experience, strong technical understanding in Data, Analytics, Data Science, and Machine Learning. Proficiency in Java, Python, or C++ is required. Skills in strategic thinking, technical communication, and the ability to handle competing priorities in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Q: What benefits does TomTom offer for the Software Engineering Manager role? TomTom offers a competitive compensation package, flexible work arrangements, home office benefits, the opportunity to work abroad for up to 90 days, and a holiday package including your birthday off. They also provide learning opportunities, chances to participate in innovation events like Hackathons, and a supportive and inclusive company culture.

Q: What makes working at TomTom unique? At TomTom, you will be part of a mission to create the world's smartest and most useful map. You’ll work with over 4,000 passionate problem-solvers, influencing the future of mobility and location technology. TomTom values diversity and unique perspectives, offering a workplace where everyone can thrive and make an impact.

Q: How can I prepare for the interview process at TomTom? To prepare for an interview at TomTom, familiarize yourself with their products and services. Practice technical and behavioral questions, and be ready to discuss your technical projects and experiences. Use Interview Query to sharpen your skills further.

Interested in joining TomTom and being part of the map revolution? Dive deeper with our TomTom Interview Guide on Interview Query, where we cover the interview questions you might face. Whether you're eyeing the Software Engineer role or another position, our guides provide you with insights to navigate the interview process. At Interview Query, we equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and strategic guidance needed to conquer every TomTom interview challenge.

You can also explore our company interview guides for thorough preparation. If you have questions, we are always here to help.

Good luck with your interview journey!