Scale Engineer

Software Engineer I

Software EngineerL3Medium

The Software Engineer I (L3) interview at Upstart is designed to assess foundational technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. It typically involves multiple rounds focusing on data structures, algorithms, system design basics, and behavioral aspects.

Rounds·3

Timeline·~7d

Experience·0 - 3 yrs

Comp band·US$90000 - US$120000

Interview time·120 min

Evaluation

What they measure.

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Algorithmic thinking
  • Data structure knowledge
  • Coding proficiency
  • System design fundamentals
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Cultural fit

Preparation

How to prepare.

Tips

  1. Review fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming, recursion).
  2. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Coderbyte, focusing on medium-difficulty problems.
  3. Understand basic system design concepts, such as scalability, availability, and common architectural patterns.
  4. Prepare to discuss your past projects, highlighting your contributions, challenges, and learnings.
  5. Research Upstart's mission, values, products, and recent news.
  6. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the role, team, and company culture.

Study plan

Fig · Study plan — 05 phases

01 / 05
01

Phase 01 of 05

Data Structures Fundamentals

Weeks 1-2: Data Structures (Arrays, Lists, Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables). Practice implementations and basic problems.

Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables) and their common operations and time complexities. Practice implementing these structures and solving problems related to them.

Questions

Commonly asked.

  • Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.
  • Reverse a linked list.
  • Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a Binary Search Tree.
  • Design a URL shortening service.
  • Tell me about a time you faced a technical challenge and how you overcame it.
  • How do you stay updated with new technologies?
  • Describe your experience with [specific programming language/framework mentioned in resume].

Locations

Regional differences.

Fig · Regions — 02 locations

01 / 02

Location

Remote

Interview focus

Adaptability to new technologies and team dynamics.Understanding of core CS concepts.Communication skills.

Common questions

  • Tell me about a challenging project you worked on.
  • How do you handle disagreements within a team?
  • Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly.

Tips

  • Research Upstart's mission and values.
  • Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail.
  • Practice explaining technical concepts clearly.

Rounds

Round-by-round.

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

DSA

Coding questions at Upstart.

Frequently reported on Upstart loops

View all at Upstart

Other guides

More at Upstart.