Scale Engineer

Software Engineer

Software EngineerSoftware Engineer 2Medium to Hard

This interview process is designed to assess candidates for a Software Engineer position at Akamai, focusing on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The process typically involves multiple rounds, starting with an HR screening, followed by technical interviews, and concluding with a hiring manager interview.

Rounds·4

Timeline·~14d

Experience·2 - 5 yrs

Comp band·US$90000 - US$130000

Interview time·195 min

Evaluation

What they measure.

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Algorithmic thinking
  • Data structure knowledge
  • Coding proficiency
  • System design capabilities
  • Scalability and performance considerations
  • Debugging and troubleshooting skills
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Akamai values

Preparation

How to prepare.

Tips

  1. Review fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, graph traversal).
  2. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or AlgoExpert, focusing on medium to hard difficulty.
  3. Study system design principles, including scalability, availability, reliability, and common design patterns.
  4. Understand core computer science concepts such as operating systems, databases, and networking.
  5. Prepare for behavioral questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
  6. Research Akamai's products, services, and company culture.
  7. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company.

Study plan

Fig · Study plan — 05 phases

01 / 05
01

Phase 01 of 05

Data Structures and Algorithms Fundamentals

Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms (Arrays, Strings, Linked Lists, Trees). Solve 20-30 problems.

Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures and algorithms. Practice implementing and analyzing the time and space complexity of common algorithms. Solve at least 20-30 problems related to arrays, strings, linked lists, and basic trees.

Questions

Commonly asked.

  • Given an array of integers, find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum.
  • Design a system to shorten URLs.
  • Implement a function to reverse a linked list.
  • How would you design a rate limiter?
  • Explain the difference between processes and threads.
  • Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult stakeholder.
  • What are the advantages of using a NoSQL database over a SQL database?
  • How do you approach testing your code?
  • Tell me about a time you disagreed with a team member and how you resolved it.
  • Design a news feed system similar to Facebook's.

Locations

Regional differences.

Fig · Regions — 03 locations

01 / 03

Location

North America

Interview focus

Emphasis on practical application of data structures and algorithms.Strong focus on system design and scalability for senior roles.Behavioral questions often probe collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Common questions

  • Discuss a challenging technical problem you solved in a previous role.
  • How do you approach debugging complex issues?
  • Describe your experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • What are your thoughts on microservices architecture?
  • Tell me about a time you had to work under a tight deadline.

Tips

  • Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your contributions in detail.
  • Research Akamai's core business areas and recent news.
  • Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely.
  • Highlight any experience with large-scale distributed systems.

Rounds

Round-by-round.

Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.

DSA

Coding questions at Akamai.

Frequently reported on Akamai loops

View all at Akamai

Other guides

More at Akamai.