# Developer I
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** E
**Company:** [BNY Mellon](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/bny-mellon)
**Difficulty:** Medium
**Salary:** US$65000 - US$85000
**Experience:** 0 - 2
**Timeline:** ~14 days
BNY Mellon is seeking a Developer I (Software Engineer) to join our dynamic technology team. This role is focused on contributing to the design, development, and implementation of innovative software solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in software engineering principles and a passion for building high-quality, scalable applications.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/bny-mellon/e-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical Skills & Problem Solving
- Behavioral & Cultural Fit

## Questions asked

- Tell me about yourself.
- Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.
- What are your favorite programming languages and why?
- How do you approach learning a new technology?
- Can you explain the difference between a process and a thread?
- What is polymorphism?
- Describe a time you worked effectively in a team.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why are you interested in this role at BNY Mellon?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Review fundamental computer science concepts: data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming.
- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or similar.
- Understand the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and common methodologies (Agile, Waterfall).
- Research BNY Mellon's business, values, and recent projects.
- Prepare to discuss your resume in detail, focusing on projects and accomplishments.
- Practice answering common behavioral interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of software design principles and best practices.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture.

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Data Structures and Algorithms","longDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, recursion). Practice implementing these in your preferred language and analyze their time and space complexity. Familiarize yourself with Big O notation.","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice coding and complexity analysis."}
- {"title":"Object-Oriented Programming & Design","longDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Deep dive into object-oriented programming (OOP) principles (encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction). Review common design patterns and their applications. Understand software design principles like SOLID.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Object-Oriented Programming and Design Patterns. Focus on OOP principles and SOLID."}
- {"title":"Development Processes & Tools","longDescription":"Week 5: Study the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban). Understand version control systems like Git and common branching strategies. Review database concepts (SQL, NoSQL) and basic query writing.","shortDescription":"Week 5: SDLC, Agile, Git, and Databases. Understand development processes and data management."}
- {"title":"Company Research & Behavioral Prep","longDescription":"Week 6: Research BNY Mellon's company culture, values, and recent news. Prepare answers to common behavioral questions using the STAR method. Practice articulating your projects and experiences clearly and concisely.","shortDescription":"Week 6: Company Research and Behavioral Preparation. Practice STAR method and articulate experiences."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"New York","differences":{"tips":["Research BNY Mellon's presence and projects in this specific region.","Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with local business needs.","Emphasize collaboration and teamwork, as it's highly valued across all locations."],"interviewFocus":["Adaptability to different project methodologies.","Understanding of local market technology trends.","Communication style and cultural fit within the specific office."],"commonQuestions":["Tell me about a challenging project you worked on.","How do you handle tight deadlines?","Describe a time you disagreed with a team member.","What are your strengths and weaknesses?","Why are you interested in BNY Mellon?"]}}
- {"location":"San Francisco","differences":{"tips":["Highlight any experience with technologies that are prominent in the tech hub.","Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving approach with concrete examples.","Showcase your ability to adapt and learn new technologies efficiently."],"interviewFocus":["Proficiency in specific programming languages and frameworks relevant to the tech hub.","Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.","Experience with agile development methodologies."],"commonQuestions":["Describe your experience with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP).","How do you approach debugging complex issues?","What are your thoughts on microservices architecture?","Tell me about a time you had to learn a new technology quickly.","What motivates you in a work environment?"]}}
- {"location":"London","differences":{"tips":["Be prepared to discuss your approach to writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code.","Demonstrate a solid understanding of fundamental computer science concepts.","Express your enthusiasm for learning and developing your career at BNY Mellon."],"interviewFocus":["Understanding of data structures and algorithms.","Knowledge of software development best practices.","Potential for growth and long-term commitment to the company."],"commonQuestions":["How do you ensure code quality and maintainability?","Describe your experience with database technologies (SQL, NoSQL).","What are your thoughts on test-driven development (TDD)?","Tell me about a time you received constructive feedback and how you acted on it.","What are your career aspirations?"]}}

## Round 1: Human Resources Screening
**Type:** HR Screening · **Difficulty:** Easy · **Duration:** 30 min
HR screening to assess basic fit and interest.
This initial round is conducted by an HR Recruiter to assess your overall fit for the role and the company. They will review your resume, ask about your background and career aspirations, and gauge your interest in BNY Mellon. This is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company culture and the specifics of the role.
**Interviewers look for:** Clear communication.; Basic problem-solving ability.; Positive attitude.; Interest in BNY Mellon.
**Evaluation criteria:** Basic understanding of programming concepts.; Communication skills.; Enthusiasm for the role.
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process clearly.; Lack of fundamental programming knowledge.; Poor problem-solving approach.; Negative attitude or lack of enthusiasm.
## Questions

- Tell me about your background and experience.
- Why are you interested in BNY Mellon?
- What are your career goals?
- What are your salary expectations?

## Preparation tips

- Be prepared to talk about your resume and key projects.
- Research BNY Mellon's mission, values, and recent achievements.
- Practice answering common behavioral questions.
- Have questions ready to ask the recruiter.

## Round 2: Technical Coding Round
**Type:** Technical Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Coding assessment focusing on data structures and algorithms.
This technical round focuses on your coding abilities and fundamental computer science knowledge. You will be asked to solve one or two coding problems, typically involving data structures and algorithms. The interviewer will assess your approach to problem-solving, your ability to write correct and efficient code, and your understanding of complexity analysis.
**Interviewers look for:** Correctness and efficiency of code.; Ability to explain the thought process.; Understanding of time and space complexity.; Attention to detail in coding.
**Evaluation criteria:** Proficiency in a core programming language.; Understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms.; Ability to write clean and efficient code.; Problem-solving skills.
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to solve basic coding problems.; Poor understanding of data structures and algorithms.; Difficulty explaining code logic.; Lack of attention to detail in code.
## Questions

- Write a function to reverse a string.
- Implement a binary search algorithm.
- Find the missing number in an array of consecutive integers.
- Given a binary tree, perform a level order traversal.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
- Review common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming).
- Understand Big O notation for time and space complexity.
- Be prepared to explain your code and thought process clearly.

## Round 3: Hiring Manager Interview
**Type:** Behavioral & Managerial Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Managerial discussion on behavioral aspects and past experiences.
In this round, the Hiring Manager will delve deeper into your experience, focusing on behavioral aspects and how you've handled various situations in previous roles. They will assess your problem-solving approach, teamwork skills, and overall fit within the team. Be prepared to provide specific examples using the STAR method.
**Interviewers look for:** Examples of collaboration and teamwork.; Demonstrated problem-solving skills.; Ability to handle challenges and learn from mistakes.; Enthusiasm for the role and BNY Mellon.
**Evaluation criteria:** Behavioral competencies (teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability).; Ability to articulate past experiences and learnings.; Understanding of software development best practices.; Alignment with team and company culture.
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to connect past experiences to the role's requirements.; Lack of clear examples for behavioral questions.; Poor communication of technical concepts.; Appearing unmotivated or uninterested.
## Questions

- Tell me about a time you faced a significant technical challenge and how you overcame it.
- Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult team member.
- How do you prioritize your work when faced with multiple tasks?
- What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?

## Preparation tips

- Review your resume and prepare to discuss specific projects and accomplishments in detail.
- Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.
- Think about examples that demonstrate teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the hiring manager about the team, projects, and work environment.