Zoetis Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Zoetis is a global leader in animal health, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of animals and supporting the veterinary profession.

The Software Engineer role at Zoetis focuses on designing, developing, and implementing innovative software solutions that support the company's mission in the animal health industry. This involves creating Azure-based API services to facilitate the movement of precision animal health data, including genetic information, health records, and quality metrics. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical proficiency, particularly in Python and cloud computing, alongside a commitment to data integrity and effective communication with cross-functional teams.

Key responsibilities include leading the development of scalable software solutions, integrating advanced technologies such as machine learning, and ensuring that products are aligned with commercial objectives. Candidates should exhibit a strong foundation in database design, REST APIs, and a variety of programming languages, particularly C# and .NET. The role also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability to dynamic project requirements, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Software Engineer position at Zoetis, ensuring you can confidently showcase your qualifications and alignment with the company's goals.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Zoetis is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative and innovative environment of the company.

1. Initial Contact

The process begins with an initial contact, typically through a recruiter. This may involve a brief phone call or a messaging platform where candidates are asked to provide their resume and discuss their background, including educational qualifications, work experience, and salary expectations. Candidates may also be asked about their proficiency in English and any relevant industry experience, particularly in animal health or related fields.

2. Technical Screening

Following the initial contact, candidates usually undergo a technical screening. This is often conducted via a video call with a technical interviewer. During this session, candidates are evaluated on their proficiency in programming languages, particularly Python, and their understanding of software architecture and design principles. Expect questions that assess your experience with cloud platforms like Azure, database management, and API development. Candidates may also be asked to solve coding problems or discuss past projects that demonstrate their technical capabilities.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical screening, candidates typically participate in a behavioral interview. This round focuses on assessing soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Interviewers will explore how candidates have handled past challenges, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and adapted to changing project requirements. This is an opportunity to showcase your leadership abilities and how you mentor others, as these qualities are valued at Zoetis.

4. Onsite Interview or Final Round

The final stage of the interview process may involve an onsite interview or a series of final interviews conducted virtually. This round usually consists of multiple interviews with different team members, including technical leads and project managers. Candidates can expect to discuss their approach to software development, including methodologies, cybersecurity practices, and their experience with data integrity and quality assurance. Additionally, candidates may be asked to present a proof of concept or a project they have worked on, demonstrating their ability to integrate emerging technologies and innovative solutions.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If successful, candidates will receive an offer, which may include discussions around salary, benefits, and other employment terms. This is also the time to clarify any questions regarding the role, team dynamics, and company culture.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the specific skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Software Engineer role at Zoetis. Next, let’s delve into the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

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

Understand the Role and Its Impact

Before your interview, take the time to deeply understand the responsibilities of a Software Engineer at Zoetis, particularly in the context of BioDevices and Precision Animal Health. Familiarize yourself with how your role contributes to the overall mission of improving animal health through technology. This understanding will allow you to articulate how your skills and experiences align with the company's goals, making you a more compelling candidate.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on advanced software development skills, particularly in Python and Azure, ensure you can discuss your technical expertise confidently. Prepare to share specific examples of projects where you utilized Python for data analysis or machine learning, and be ready to discuss your experience with Azure-based API services. Highlight any relevant experience with database management, REST APIs, and cloud technologies, as these are critical for the role.

Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Expect to encounter problem-solving questions that assess your analytical skills and ability to think critically. Be prepared to walk through your thought process when faced with a technical challenge. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly outline the context, your role, the actions you took, and the outcomes of your efforts.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Zoetis values collaboration across teams, so be ready to discuss your experience working in cross-functional environments. Share examples of how you have effectively communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders or collaborated with business leaders to align on project goals. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and business needs.

Highlight Your Adaptability

The role requires the ability to adapt to dynamic project requirements. Prepare to discuss instances where you successfully navigated changes in project scope or priorities. Emphasize your flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies or methodologies, as this aligns with Zoetis's focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

Familiarize Yourself with Company Culture

Zoetis places a strong emphasis on its mission and values. Research the company culture and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with those of Zoetis. This could include your commitment to animal health, innovation, or ethical practices in technology development. Showing that you resonate with the company’s culture can set you apart from other candidates.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how Zoetis measures success in this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also aligned with Zoetis's mission and values. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Zoetis. The interview will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with software development, particularly in the context of cloud technologies and data management. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to software design, and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain your experience with Azure and how you have utilized it in your previous projects?

Understanding your familiarity with Azure is crucial, as this role heavily relies on Azure-based services.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you used Azure, detailing the services you implemented and the outcomes achieved.

Example

“In my last role, I developed an API service using Azure Functions and Azure SQL Database to manage health data for livestock. This service improved data retrieval times by 30% and allowed for seamless integration with our existing systems.”

2. Describe a challenging software development problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex issues.

How to Answer

Outline the problem, your thought process in addressing it, and the final solution, emphasizing any innovative approaches you took.

Example

“I encountered a significant performance issue with a data processing pipeline. After profiling the application, I identified bottlenecks in the data retrieval process. I optimized the SQL queries and implemented caching, which reduced processing time by 50%.”

3. How do you ensure the security of the applications you develop?

Security is a key concern in software development, especially in the health sector.

How to Answer

Discuss your knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and how you apply them in your development process.

Example

“I follow secure coding practices, such as input validation and using parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection. Additionally, I regularly conduct code reviews and security audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.”

4. Can you walk us through your experience with RESTful API design?

RESTful APIs are essential for the role, and understanding your experience with them is important.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to designing RESTful APIs, including any tools or frameworks you’ve used.

Example

“I designed RESTful APIs using ASP.NET Core, focusing on clear endpoint definitions and proper HTTP methods. I also implemented Swagger for API documentation, which improved collaboration with front-end developers.”

5. What is your experience with data integration and management?

Data management is critical in this role, especially with animal health data.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of how you have managed and integrated data in your previous roles.

Example

“I developed a data integration solution that consolidated genetic data from multiple sources into a single database. I used Azure Data Factory for ETL processes, ensuring data integrity and completeness.”

Collaboration and Communication

1. Describe a time when you had to work with cross-functional teams. How did you ensure effective communication?

Collaboration is key in this role, and they want to see how you handle it.

How to Answer

Provide an example that highlights your communication skills and ability to work with diverse teams.

Example

“I worked on a project that required collaboration between the engineering and marketing teams. I scheduled regular check-ins to align on goals and used project management tools to keep everyone updated on progress.”

2. How do you handle feedback from peers or stakeholders?

This question assesses your openness to feedback and ability to adapt.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to receiving and implementing feedback constructively.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive feedback, I take time to reflect on it and discuss it with the team to understand different perspectives. I then implement changes where necessary to improve the project.”

3. Can you give an example of how you mentored a junior developer?

Mentorship is an important aspect of collaboration and team development.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you guided a junior developer, focusing on the impact of your mentorship.

Example

“I mentored a junior developer on our team by pairing with them on coding tasks and conducting code reviews. I provided them with resources and encouraged them to ask questions, which helped them gain confidence and improve their skills.”

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

Time management and prioritization are essential skills for this role.

How to Answer

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks and managing your workload effectively.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools to prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project impact. I regularly reassess priorities during team stand-ups to ensure alignment with project goals.”

5. What strategies do you use to keep up with new technologies and industry trends?

Staying current with technology is vital in a rapidly evolving field.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to continuous learning and professional development.

Example

“I regularly attend webinars and conferences, and I’m an active member of several online tech communities. I also dedicate time each week to read industry blogs and experiment with new technologies in personal projects.”