# Software Engineer I **Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** Grade 9 **Company:** [NCR](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/ncr) **Difficulty:** Medium **Salary:** US$75000 - US$95000 **Experience:** 1 - 3 **Timeline:** ~7 days This interview process is designed to assess candidates for the Software Engineer I (Grade 9) position at NCR. It evaluates technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the organization. Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/ncr/grade-9-software-engineer --- ## Overall evaluation - Technical Proficiency - Communication and Collaboration - Behavioral and Cultural Fit ## Questions asked - Write a function to reverse a linked list. - Explain the difference between a process and a thread. - Describe a time you had to debug a complex issue. - How would you design a URL shortening service? - What are your strengths and weaknesses? - Why are you interested in NCR? ## Preparation tips ### lists - Review fundamental data structures and algorithms. - Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. - Understand common software design patterns. - Prepare examples for behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). - Research NCR's products, services, and company culture. - Be ready to discuss your resume and past projects in detail. - Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company. ### studyPlan - {"title":"Data Structures and Algorithms","longDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash tables) and their common operations. Practice algorithms like sorting, searching, recursion, and dynamic programming. Understand time and space complexity analysis (Big O notation).","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms (Arrays, Lists, Trees, Graphs, Sorting, Searching, Recursion, DP, Big O)."} - {"title":"Object-Oriented Programming and System Design Fundamentals","longDescription":"Week 3: Study object-oriented programming (OOP) principles (encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction) and common design patterns (e.g., Singleton, Factory, Observer). Review database concepts (SQL, NoSQL) and basic networking principles.","shortDescription":"Week 3: OOP, Design Patterns, Databases, Networking."} - {"title":"Behavioral and Project Discussion Preparation","longDescription":"Week 4: Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences. Use the STAR method to structure your answers. Research NCR's values and mission, and think about how your experiences align. Practice explaining your projects and technical decisions clearly.","shortDescription":"Week 4: Behavioral questions (STAR method), Company Research, Project explanations."} ## Location differences - {"location":"North America","differences":{"tips":["Research NCR's presence and projects in this specific region.","Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with local industry needs."],"interviewFocus":["Adaptability to local market demands","Understanding of regional technology trends"],"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."]}} - {"location":"Europe","differences":{"tips":["Highlight your understanding of core data structures and algorithms.","Showcase your ability to work effectively in a team setting."],"interviewFocus":["Emphasis on foundational computer science principles","Problem-solving approach in a collaborative environment"],"commonQuestions":["Can you explain a complex technical concept in simple terms?","How do you stay updated with new technologies?","Describe a situation where you had to learn a new programming language quickly."]}} - {"location":"Asia","differences":{"tips":["Be ready to discuss your experience with Agile/Scrum.","Emphasize your contributions to team success and learning."],"interviewFocus":["Understanding of software development lifecycle","Collaboration and communication skills"],"commonQuestions":["What are your thoughts on agile methodologies?","How do you approach code reviews?","Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it."]}} ## Round 1: Coding Challenge **Type:** Technical Interview - Coding · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min Assess core coding skills with data structures and algorithms problems. This round focuses on assessing your core programming skills. You will be asked to solve one or two coding problems, typically involving data structures and algorithms. The interviewer will observe your thought process, how you approach the problem, your coding style, and your ability to explain your solution. **Interviewers look for:** Ability to translate requirements into working code.; Logical thinking and systematic approach to problem-solving.; Understanding of algorithmic concepts. **Evaluation criteria:** Correctness of code; Efficiency of solution (time and space complexity); Code readability and style; Problem-solving approach **Common rejection reasons:** Inability to solve basic coding problems.; Poor understanding of fundamental data structures.; Lack of clear communication during problem-solving. ## Questions - Given an array of integers, find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum. - Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a Binary Search Tree (BST). ## Preparation tips - Practice coding on a whiteboard or a shared editor. - Think out loud and explain your approach before coding. - Test your code with edge cases. - Be prepared to discuss the time and space complexity of your solution. ## Round 2: System Design and Architecture **Type:** Technical Interview - System Design · **Difficulty:** Hard · **Duration:** 60 min Assess system design and architectural skills for scalable applications. This round evaluates your ability to design and architect software systems. You will be presented with a high-level problem (e.g., design a social media feed, a URL shortener) and asked to propose a solution. The focus is on scalability, reliability, and the choices you make regarding databases, APIs, caching, and other system components. **Interviewers look for:** Ability to design robust and scalable systems.; Understanding of trade-offs in system design.; Knowledge of common architectural patterns.; Ability to communicate complex technical ideas effectively. **Evaluation criteria:** Scalability of the proposed design; Understanding of distributed systems concepts; Trade-off analysis; Clarity and structure of the design; Consideration of various components (databases, caching, APIs) **Common rejection reasons:** Lack of understanding of system design principles.; Inability to scale solutions.; Poor consideration of trade-offs.; Weak communication of design choices. ## Questions - Design a system like Twitter's news feed. - How would you design a rate limiter? ## Preparation tips - Study common system design concepts (load balancing, caching, databases, message queues). - Practice designing popular applications. - Be prepared to discuss trade-offs for different design choices. - Clearly articulate your design decisions and rationale. ## Round 3: Behavioral and Managerial Fit **Type:** Behavioral Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 30 min Assess behavioral competencies, teamwork, and cultural fit. This round focuses on your behavioral aspects and how you fit into the team and NCR's culture. You'll be asked questions about your past experiences, how you handle specific situations, your strengths and weaknesses, and your career aspirations. The goal is to understand your work style, collaboration skills, and overall suitability for the role and company. **Interviewers look for:** How you handle challenges and collaborate with others.; Your motivation and passion for software engineering.; Your cultural fit within the team and company.; Self-awareness and ability to learn from experiences. **Evaluation criteria:** Communication clarity; Behavioral competencies (teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability); Motivation and career goals; Alignment with NCR's culture and values **Common rejection reasons:** Poor communication skills.; Lack of self-awareness.; Inability to provide specific examples.; Poor cultural fit or misalignment with company values. ## Questions - Tell me about a time you faced a conflict with a colleague and how you resolved it. - What are your career goals for the next 3-5 years? ## Preparation tips - Prepare specific examples using the STAR method. - Be honest and authentic in your responses. - Show enthusiasm for the role and the company. - Ask thoughtful questions about the team and work environment.