Zoox Inc. Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Zoox Inc. is pioneering the development of the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet, and the supporting ecosystem to bring this technology to market. With a focus on the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to revolutionize urban mobility by providing the next generation of mobility-as-a-service.

As a Software Engineer at Zoox Inc., you will engage in diverse and cutting-edge projects ranging from real-time motion planning and control algorithms for autonomous vehicles to developing high-performance computing infrastructure and workflow orchestration tools. The role demands strong technical skills in programming (C++, Python, Java), algorithms, and system design.

In this guide, Interview Query will walk you through the interview process, commonly asked Zoox Inc. software engineer interrview questions, and valuable tips to help you succeed. Let’s get started!

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority; however, you can expect the following on a Zoox Inc. software engineer interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from Zoox Inc.’s Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences, skills, and motivations. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

In some cases, the Zoox Inc. hiring manager stays present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also engage in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Phone Interview

The first round usually commences with a phone interview focusing on the fundamentals of a programming language pertinent to the role, often C++ or Python. This call assesses your grasp of basic concepts and your ability to articulate ideas clearly.

Expect challenges that cover basic programming tasks and object-oriented design problems to gauge your foundational knowledge.

Virtual Onsite Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter and technical phone screening will present you with an invitation for the virtual onsite interview, which can span around 5 hours. This rigorous stage involves multiple interview sessions, each evaluating different skill sets such as:

1. Programming Fundamentals: A deep dive into Python fundamentals.
2. Low-Level System Design: Solving low-level design problems, often using C++.
3. Debugging Skills: Conduct a debugging session in C++.
4. Algorithms and Problem-Solving: Discussing algorithmic solutions in pseudo code.
5. Math & Physics: Addressing mathematical problems and applying them to real-world scenarios.
6. Management Interview: Discussion with a director focusing on high-level perspectives and long-term fit.

Between each session, you’ll often be asked how you feel about the previous interview, which adds a feedback loop to your progress.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Finally, a set of onsite interviews may be arranged. These interviews will involve further discussions on system design, additional coding challenges, and problem-solving tasks.

Expect to cover advanced topics like: - Stock buying/selling algorithm design. - Deployment strategies across multiple machines. - Decision-making and motion planning in dynamic environments.

Typically, interviews at Zoox Inc. vary by role and team, but common software engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. Write a function digit_accumulator to sum every digit in a floating-point number string.

You are given a string that represents some floating-point number. Write a function, digit_accumulator, that returns the sum of every digit in the string.

2. Describe strategies to reduce tech debt and improve developer turnaround time.

Suppose that you work at a fintech startup. Recently, management has raised the issue of the increased amount of developer hours needed to implement relatively simple features, citing tech debt as the primary cause. How would you go around decreasing tech debt and decreasing developer turnaround time?

3. Create a function to find the nearest common ancestor of two nodes in a binary tree.

You are given a binary tree of unique positive numbers. Each node in the tree is implemented as a dictionary with the keys left and right, indicating the node’s left and right neighbors, respectively, and data that holds an integer value. Given two nodes as input (value1 and value2), write a function to return the value of the nearest node that is a parent to both nodes. If one of the nodes doesn’t exist in the tree, return -1.

4. Develop a function to determine the robot’s path in a 4x4 matrix.

A robot has been designed to navigate a two-dimensional 4x4 matrix by only moving forward or turning right when blocked by a wall of the matrix. Its starting position is in the top left corner of the matrix, denoted by (0,0), and the robot’s final destination is the bottom right corner. Determine the full path of the robot before it hits the final destination or starts repeating the path. The ‘walls’ of the matrix are either one of the four borders of the map or any block found within.

5. How would you improve Google Maps?

As the PM on Google Maps, what specific features or enhancements would you implement to improve the user experience?

6. What metrics would you check to see if your feature improvements are successful?

Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) you would monitor to evaluate the success of your feature improvements on Google Maps.

7. What factors could have biased Jetco’s boarding time study results?

Jetco’s study showed the fastest average boarding times. What potential biases or factors could have influenced these results, and what would you investigate further?

8. How would you decrease tech debt and developer turnaround time at a fintech startup?

Management has raised concerns about increased developer hours due to tech debt. What strategies would you implement to reduce tech debt and improve developer turnaround time?

9. How would you design an incentive scheme for Uber drivers to go into high-demand city areas?

Working on the Uber app, how would you create an incentive program to encourage drivers to operate in city areas where demand is high?

10. Would you recommend a customer success manager or a free trial for Square’s new software product?

In charge of Square’s small business division, would you advise hiring a customer success manager or instituting a free trial to encourage new or existing customers to use a new software product? Explain your recommendation.

11. How would you evaluate a method or algorithm to match users with their siblings on Facebook?

A product manager at Facebook has asked you to develop a method to match users to their siblings. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of this method or algorithm, and what metrics might you use?

12. How would you decrease tech debt and developer turnaround time at a fintech startup?

Management at a fintech startup has raised concerns about increased developer hours needed to implement simple features due to tech debt. How would you address tech debt and improve developer turnaround time?

13. What metrics and statistical methods would you use to identify dishonest users in a sports app?

You work for a company with a sports app that tracks running, jogging, and cycling data. To identify dishonest users, such as those driving a car while claiming to bike, what metrics (e.g., distance, pace, splits, elevation gain, heart rate) would you analyze, and what statistical methods would you use to detect athletic anomalies?

Here are some tips on how you can successfully ace your Zoox Inc. software engineer interview:

1. Master C++ and Python: Zoox Inc. focuses heavily on these languages, so be ready to answer questions and solve problems using them.

2. Practical System Design: Be prepared with low-level system design questions. Practice designing systems like URL shorteners or stock trading algorithms.

3. Understand Autonomous Systems: Given Zoox Inc.’s work with autonomous vehicles, a solid understanding of algorithms pertinent to this field can set you apart.

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Zoox Inc.?

What is Zoox Inc.’s company culture like?

Zoox Inc. is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that promotes creativity and collaboration. The company values innovative thinking and execution-oriented teamwork to develop the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments.

What are the components of compensation for the Software Engineer position at Zoox Inc.?

The compensation package includes a competitive salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Inc. Stock Appreciation Rights. Additionally, Zoox Inc. offers comprehensive benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and long-term and short-term disability insurance.

If you’re ready to take on the exhilarating challenge of transforming urban mobility with cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology, Zoox Inc. might just be the perfect fit for you. As you prepare for the Software Engineer position, it’s essential to anticipate a comprehensive interview process that rigorously evaluates your technical prowess, problem-solving skills, and domain knowledge.

To master this interview process, we highly recommend exploring our dedicated Zoox Inc. Interview Guide on Interview Query. Dive deep into these materials to bolster your confidence and equip yourself with the strategic knowledge needed to excel.

Want more tips and insights on nailing interviews like a pro? Check out our extensive collection of company interview guides to better prepare you for success.

Good luck with your interview preparation and journey with Zoox Inc.!