Via Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Via is a visionary market leader dedicated to transforming transportation worldwide through innovative technology solutions.

As a Software Engineer at Via, you will play a crucial role in developing scalable and efficient software solutions that enhance the company’s robust technological infrastructure. Your responsibilities will include designing, coding, and maintaining systems that support various transportation services while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. This role emphasizes hands-on coding, system architecture, and operational work in production environments, allowing you to directly impact the efficiency and reliability of transportation for millions of riders globally.

To excel in this position, you should possess a strong foundation in backend development with experience in both high-level and low-level programming languages. A deep understanding of distributed systems, microservices architecture, and cloud platforms is essential, as is the ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative setting. Your passion for solving complex problems and improving public transit will align with Via’s commitment to creating accessible, equitable transportation solutions for all communities.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by highlighting the key competencies and cultural fit required for success at Via, ensuring you can confidently convey your skills and align with the company’s mission.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Via is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several rounds that evaluate your problem-solving abilities, technical knowledge, and alignment with Via's mission-driven approach.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, usually conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for wanting to work at Via. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specific challenges Via is addressing in the transportation sector.

2. Technical Screen

Following the initial screening, candidates undergo a technical screen, which may be conducted via video call. This session typically involves hands-on coding challenges and technical questions that assess your proficiency in relevant programming languages and concepts. Expect to discuss your past projects and how you approached various technical challenges, as well as your understanding of system architecture and design principles.

3. Cross-Functional Interviews

Candidates will then participate in a series of interviews with team members from various functions, including engineering, product, and strategy. These interviews are designed to evaluate your ability to collaborate across teams and your understanding of the broader context of the work being done at Via. Questions may focus on your problem-solving approach, your interest in the specific challenges Via is tackling, and how you can contribute to the company's mission.

4. In-Person or Final Technical Assessment

The final stage of the interview process often includes an in-person or virtual technical assessment. This may involve a whiteboard session where you will be asked to design systems or solve complex problems in real-time. This assessment is not only about finding the right answer but also about demonstrating your thought process and ability to communicate technical concepts clearly.

5. Cultural Fit and Behavioral Interview

Lastly, candidates will engage in a behavioral interview to assess cultural fit. This round focuses on your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and alignment with Via's values. Expect to discuss scenarios from your past experiences that highlight your ability to work collaboratively, adapt to change, and drive innovation.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, as they will help you articulate your experiences and demonstrate your fit for the role.

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

Embrace the Mission-Driven Culture

Via is a mission-driven organization focused on transforming transportation and reducing environmental impact. During your interview, express your passion for these goals and how your skills can contribute to their mission. Be prepared to discuss why you are specifically interested in the challenges Via is tackling and how you can help advance their objectives. This alignment with their mission will resonate well with the interviewers.

Prepare for Cross-Functional Discussions

Expect to engage with interviewers from various functions, including engineering, product, and strategy. Familiarize yourself with the different roles and how they contribute to Via's overall mission. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your understanding of the collaborative nature of the work environment at Via. Be ready to discuss how you can work across teams to solve complex problems.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

The interview process will likely include a hands-on technical screen and a systems architecture session. Brush up on your coding skills in relevant languages such as Python, Go, or Java, and be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of distributed systems and microservices architectures. Practice whiteboarding your thought process for system design questions, as this is a common format used in interviews at Via.

Be Ready for Deep-Dive Questions

Interviewers at Via are known to dig deep into your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Prepare for questions that may challenge your limits and require you to think critically. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t know the answer to every question; instead, focus on articulating your thought process and how you approach problem-solving. This will showcase your analytical skills and adaptability.

Highlight Your Collaborative Skills

Via values strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively. Be prepared to discuss examples of how you have successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Emphasize your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, as this is crucial in a dynamic environment like Via.

Understand the Importance of Scalability and Reliability

Given Via's focus on building scalable and reliable systems, be ready to discuss your experience with large-scale production environments and your understanding of cloud platforms like AWS or GCP. Highlight any relevant projects where you contributed to system performance, uptime, and scalability. This will demonstrate your alignment with Via's technical needs and your ability to contribute to their infrastructure goals.

Stay Authentic and Open-Minded

Via encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, even if they don’t meet every qualification. Approach the interview with authenticity and openness. Share your unique experiences and perspectives, and be willing to discuss how you can grow within the role. This mindset will resonate with Via's commitment to inclusivity and innovation.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to showcase your skills and fit for the Software Engineer role at Via. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a software engineering interview at Via. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your alignment with the company's mission-driven approach to transforming transportation. Be prepared to discuss your experience with backend development, infrastructure, and your ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the microservices architecture and its advantages?

Understanding microservices is crucial for this role, as Via emphasizes scalable and efficient systems.

How to Answer

Discuss the principles of microservices, including how they allow for independent deployment and scaling of services, and mention specific advantages such as improved fault isolation and technology diversity.

Example

“Microservices architecture breaks down applications into smaller, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. This approach enhances fault isolation, allowing one service to fail without affecting the entire system, and enables teams to use different technologies best suited for each service.”

2. Describe your experience with cloud platforms and containerization technologies.

Given Via's focus on cloud infrastructure, familiarity with these technologies is essential.

How to Answer

Highlight your experience with specific cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes), and discuss how you have utilized them in past projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS, where I deployed microservices using Docker containers orchestrated by Kubernetes. This setup allowed for seamless scaling and management of our applications, significantly improving our deployment times and system reliability.”

3. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

Quality assurance is vital in software development, especially in a mission-driven organization like Via.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to code reviews, testing practices, and adherence to coding standards that ensure maintainability.

Example

“I prioritize code quality by implementing thorough code reviews and automated testing. I also follow best practices such as SOLID principles and design patterns, which help maintain clean and maintainable codebases over time.”

4. Can you walk us through a challenging technical problem you solved?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical depth.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical skills, the steps you took to resolve the issue, and the impact of your solution.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced performance issues due to inefficient database queries. I analyzed the queries, identified bottlenecks, and optimized them by implementing indexing and query restructuring, which improved our response times by over 50%.”

5. What strategies do you use for debugging and troubleshooting in production environments?

Debugging in production is critical, especially in a fast-paced environment like Via.

How to Answer

Discuss your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues, including tools and techniques you use.

Example

“I utilize logging and monitoring tools like ELK Stack and Prometheus to track application performance and errors. When issues arise, I follow a structured approach to reproduce the problem, analyze logs, and implement fixes while ensuring minimal downtime.”

Collaboration and Communication

1. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

Collaboration is key at Via, and they want to know how you navigate interpersonal challenges.

How to Answer

Share your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and understanding different perspectives.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I focus on open communication. I encourage team members to express their viewpoints and facilitate a discussion to find common ground. This approach often leads to a collaborative solution that respects everyone’s input.”

2. Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical stakeholder.

This question assesses your ability to communicate effectively across different audiences.

How to Answer

Provide an example that illustrates your ability to simplify complex ideas and ensure understanding.

Example

“I once had to explain our new microservices architecture to a group of non-technical stakeholders. I used analogies and visual aids to illustrate how the architecture works and its benefits, ensuring they understood how it would improve our service delivery.”

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

Time management and prioritization are essential in a dynamic environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for assessing project urgency and importance, and how you communicate with your team.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to assess tasks. I regularly communicate with my team to align on priorities and ensure we are all focused on the most impactful work.”

4. Can you give an example of a successful collaboration with cross-functional teams?

Via values teamwork across different functions, so showcasing your collaborative experiences is important.

How to Answer

Share a specific project where you worked with other teams, highlighting your role and the outcome.

Example

“I collaborated with the product and design teams to launch a new feature. By holding regular sync meetings and using collaborative tools, we ensured that everyone was aligned on goals and timelines, resulting in a successful launch that exceeded user engagement expectations.”

5. What motivates you to work in the transportation technology sector?

Understanding your motivation helps Via assess your alignment with their mission.

How to Answer

Express your passion for technology and its potential to create positive societal impacts, particularly in transportation.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to leverage technology to improve public transportation. I believe that efficient transit solutions can significantly enhance the quality of life for communities, and I am excited to contribute to Via’s mission of making transportation accessible and sustainable for everyone.”