# L1
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** Junior Software Engineer
**Company:** [Airbus SE](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/airbus-se)
**Difficulty:** Medium
**Salary:** US$50000 - US$65000
**Experience:** 0 - 2
**Timeline:** ~14 days
This interview process is designed for a Junior Software Engineer role at Airbus SE, focusing on foundational technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The L1 designation indicates an entry-level assessment.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/airbus-se/junior-software-engineer-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical and Soft Skills Assessment
- Candidate Potential

## Questions asked

- Can you explain the concept of recursion with an example?
- What is the difference between an abstract class and an interface?
- Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member.
- How would you optimize a query that is running slowly?
- What are your career aspirations for the next 5 years?
- Write a function to reverse a string.
- Explain the concept of polymorphism.
- Tell me about a time you failed at something. What did you learn?
- What is a deadlock and how can it be prevented?
- Why are you interested in working at Airbus?

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Review fundamental computer science concepts: data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases.
- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or similar.
- Understand the software development lifecycle and common methodologies (Agile, Scrum).
- Prepare to discuss your resume and past projects in detail, focusing on your contributions and learnings.
- Research Airbus SE, its products, and its values to demonstrate genuine interest.
- Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Be ready to explain your thought process clearly and concisely during coding exercises.

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Foundational Computer Science","longDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, hash maps) and their common operations. Study basic algorithms like sorting (bubble, merge, quick), searching (binary search), and recursion. Practice implementing these in your preferred language.","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice implementations."}
- {"title":"Algorithm Optimization","longDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Deep dive into algorithm analysis (Big O notation for time and space complexity). Explore graph algorithms (BFS, DFS) and dynamic programming basics. Work on medium-difficulty problems related to these topics.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Algorithm Analysis & Advanced Topics. Solve medium problems."}
- {"title":"Software Design Principles","longDescription":"Week 5: Review object-oriented programming (OOP) principles (encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism). Understand common design patterns. Practice coding problems that require OOP design.","shortDescription":"Week 5: OOP Principles & Design Patterns. Practice OOP coding."}
- {"title":"Behavioral and Practical Skills","longDescription":"Week 6: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions. Research common interview questions for junior roles and practice answering them using the STAR method. Understand Agile methodologies and version control (Git).","shortDescription":"Week 6: Behavioral Prep, Agile, Git. Practice STAR method."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"Toulouse, France","differences":{"tips":["Be prepared to discuss academic projects in detail.","Showcase your eagerness to learn and adapt.","Practice explaining technical concepts in a simple manner."],"interviewFocus":["Understanding of core computer science concepts.","Ability to articulate thought process clearly.","Enthusiasm for learning and growth."],"commonQuestions":["Tell me about a challenging project you worked on during your studies.","How do you approach learning a new programming language or technology?","Describe a time you had to debug a complex piece of code. What was your process?"]}}
- {"location":"Hamburg, Germany","differences":{"tips":["Brush up on common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs) and algorithms (sorting, searching).","Practice coding on a whiteboard or a shared editor.","Be ready to discuss time and space complexity."],"interviewFocus":["Problem-solving skills using fundamental algorithms and data structures.","Basic understanding of operating systems concepts.","Ability to write clean and efficient code."],"commonQuestions":["What are your favorite data structures and why?","How would you design a simple URL shortener?","Explain the difference between a process and a thread."]}}
- {"location":"Filton, United Kingdom","differences":{"tips":["Be prepared to talk about your experience with Git workflows.","Highlight any experience with testing or code reviews.","Showcase your understanding of teamwork and communication."],"interviewFocus":["Familiarity with software development best practices.","Understanding of collaborative development tools.","Attitude towards teamwork and project management."],"commonQuestions":["Describe your experience with version control systems like Git.","How do you ensure the quality of your code?","What are your thoughts on agile development methodologies?"]}}

## Round 1: Initial HR Call
**Type:** HR Screening · **Difficulty:** Easy · **Duration:** 30 min
HR screening to assess motivation, communication, and basic fit.
This initial round is conducted by an HR representative to assess your general background, motivation for applying to Airbus, and basic communication skills. They will ask about your resume, your interest in the company, and your career goals. It's also an opportunity for you to ask initial questions about the role and the company culture.
**Interviewers look for:** Clear communication.; Basic problem-solving skills.; Enthusiasm for the role.
**Evaluation criteria:** Basic understanding of programming concepts.; Ability to communicate ideas clearly.; Initial assessment of cultural fit.
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process.; Lack of fundamental programming knowledge.; Poor problem-solving approach.; Negative attitude or lack of enthusiasm.
## Questions

- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this role at Airbus?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

## Preparation tips

- Be prepared to talk about your resume and why you are a good fit for Airbus.
- Research Airbus's mission, values, and recent projects.
- Practice answering common behavioral questions.
- Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer.

## Round 2: Data Structures and Algorithms Assessment
**Type:** Technical Interview (DSA) · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 60 min
Technical assessment of problem-solving using data structures and algorithms.
This is a technical interview focused on your problem-solving skills using data structures and algorithms. You will likely be asked to solve one or two coding problems, either on a whiteboard, a shared online editor, or by explaining your approach verbally. The interviewer will assess your ability to break down problems, choose appropriate data structures, write correct code, and analyze its efficiency.
**Interviewers look for:** Logical thinking.; Clean and efficient code.; Understanding of fundamental algorithms.; Ability to communicate the solution process.
**Evaluation criteria:** Problem-solving ability.; Data structures and algorithms knowledge.; Coding proficiency.; Ability to analyze time and space complexity.
**Common rejection reasons:** Incorrect or inefficient algorithm implementation.; Failure to handle edge cases.; Inability to explain the code or logic.; Poor time complexity management.
## Questions

- Given an array of integers, find the two numbers that add up to a specific target.
- Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree (BST).
- Write a function to find the kth smallest element in an unsorted array.
- Reverse a linked list.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems focusing on arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, graphs, and hash maps.
- Understand common algorithms like sorting, searching, recursion, and dynamic programming.
- Be prepared to discuss the time and space complexity of your solutions.
- Practice explaining your thought process out loud as you code.

## Round 3: Hiring Manager Discussion
**Type:** Behavioral and Managerial Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Managerial discussion on behavioral aspects, teamwork, and project experience.
This round is typically with the hiring manager or a senior team member. It focuses on your behavioral aspects, how you approach teamwork, problem-solving in a real-world context, and your understanding of software development practices. You'll be asked about your past projects, how you handle challenges, and your learning style. This is also a good opportunity to understand the team dynamics and the day-to-day responsibilities.
**Interviewers look for:** Teamwork and collaboration skills.; Understanding of software engineering principles.; Ability to learn and adapt.; Proactive attitude.
**Evaluation criteria:** Understanding of software development lifecycle.; Experience with version control and collaboration tools.; Behavioral competencies (teamwork, problem-solving approach).; Potential for growth and learning.
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of understanding of software development best practices.; Poor collaboration or teamwork skills.; Inability to discuss past projects effectively.; Lack of curiosity or initiative.
## Questions

- Describe a challenging technical problem you faced in a project and how you solved it.
- How do you stay updated with new technologies and programming trends?
- Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with others on a project. What was your role?
- What are your thoughts on code reviews and testing?

## Preparation tips

- Prepare to discuss your projects in detail, highlighting your role, challenges, and learnings.
- Think about examples of teamwork, conflict resolution, and overcoming obstacles.
- Understand basic software development methodologies like Agile.
- Be ready to explain your preferred programming languages and tools.
- Show enthusiasm for learning and contributing to the team.