The Trade Desk is looking for a Software Engineer II to join our dynamic team. This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining scalable software solutions that power our advertising platform. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products and contribute to the continuous improvement of our systems.
Rounds·3
Timeline·~10d
Experience·2 - 5 yrs
Comp band·US$110000 - US$150000
Interview time·150 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 04 phases
01 / 04Phase 01 of 04
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Algorithms fundamentals. Practice 2-3 problems/day.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures and algorithms. Practice problems related to arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, and hash maps. Understand time and space complexity analysis. Aim for 2-3 coding problems per day.
Phase 02 of 04
Weeks 3-4: Advanced Algorithms & System Design basics. Practice medium problems.
Weeks 3-4: Deep dive into more advanced algorithms (graphs, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms) and practice coding problems of medium difficulty. Start exploring system design concepts like load balancing, caching, and databases. Read system design case studies.
Phase 03 of 04
Weeks 5-6: System Design practice & Behavioral prep. Focus on distributed systems.
Weeks 5-6: Focus heavily on system design. Practice designing scalable systems for common scenarios (e.g., URL shortener, social media feed, chat system). Understand distributed system concepts like CAP theorem, consensus algorithms, and microservices. Review behavioral questions and prepare STAR answers.
Phase 04 of 04
Week 7: Mock interviews, review weak areas, research TTD.
Week 7: Mock interviews with peers or mentors. Focus on refining communication, problem-solving approach, and time management. Review weak areas identified during practice and mock interviews. Research The Trade Desk's specific challenges and technologies.
Questions
Locations
Fig · Regions — 03 locations
01 / 03Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Rounds
Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.
Technical Phone Screen / Coding Interview · 45 min · Software Engineer (Peer)
This round focuses on your fundamental coding skills and problem-solving abilities. You will be asked to solve one or two coding problems, typically involving data structures and algorithms. The interviewer will assess how you approach the problem, your coding style, and your ability to explain your solution and its complexity.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.
Implement a function to reverse a linked list.
Find the kth smallest element in a binary search tree.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
System Design Interview · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Architect
This round evaluates your ability to design large-scale, distributed systems. You'll be presented with a high-level problem and asked to design a system to solve it, considering aspects like scalability, availability, data storage, and performance. You'll need to discuss various components, their interactions, and the trade-offs involved.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a URL shortening service like Bitly.
Design a system to track user activity on a website in real-time.
Design a distributed cache system.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Behavioral And Managerial Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager / Team Lead
This round focuses on your behavioral aspects, past experiences, and how you fit within the team and company culture. You'll be asked questions about your career, how you handle specific situations, and your motivations. The interviewer wants to understand your working style, your ability to collaborate, and your potential to grow within the company.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you faced a conflict with a coworker and how you resolved it.
Describe a project where you had to learn a new technology quickly.
What are your career goals for the next 3-5 years?
Why are you interested in The Trade Desk and this specific role?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on The Trade Desk loops
Other guides
