# Software Engineer
**Role:** Software Engineer · **Level:** L3
**Company:** [Verkada](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/verkada)
**Difficulty:** Medium
**Salary:** US$90000 - US$130000
**Experience:** 0 - 3
**Timeline:** ~7 days
Verkada's Software Engineer (L3) interview process is designed to assess a candidate's foundational technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. The process typically involves multiple rounds, starting with an initial HR screening, followed by technical interviews focusing on data structures, algorithms, and system design, and concluding with a behavioral and managerial interview.
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/interviews/verkada/l3-software-engineer
---
## Overall evaluation

- Technical Skills
- Communication & Collaboration
- Cultural Fit

## Questions asked

- 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.
- Design a URL shortening service.
- Tell me about a time you faced a technical challenge and how you overcame it.
- How would you design a system like Twitter's feed?
- What are the differences between processes and threads?
- Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult teammate.

## Preparation tips

### lists

- Review fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash maps) and algorithms (sorting, searching, graph traversal, dynamic programming).
- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Coderbyte, focusing on medium-difficulty problems.
- Understand time and space complexity (Big O notation).
- Study basic system design concepts, such as scalability, availability, and common architectural patterns.
- Prepare to discuss your past projects in detail, focusing on your contributions, challenges, and learnings.
- Research Verkada's products and mission to understand the company's context.
- Prepare behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

### studyPlan

- {"title":"Data Structures and Complexity Analysis","longDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Focus on core data structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables) and their common operations. Practice implementing them and analyzing their time/space complexity. Solve 10-15 LeetCode Easy/Medium problems related to these structures.","shortDescription":"Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Complexity. Practice 10-15 Easy/Medium problems."}
- {"title":"Algorithms","longDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Dive into algorithms, including Sorting (Merge Sort, Quick Sort), Searching (Binary Search), Graph Traversal (BFS, DFS), and basic Dynamic Programming. Aim to solve 15-20 LeetCode Medium problems covering these topics.","shortDescription":"Weeks 3-4: Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Graphs, DP). Practice 15-20 Medium problems."}
- {"title":"System Design Fundamentals","longDescription":"Week 5: Begin exploring system design fundamentals. Understand concepts like load balancing, caching, databases (SQL vs. NoSQL), and API design. Read articles and watch videos on common system design interview questions.","shortDescription":"Week 5: System Design Fundamentals. Read articles/watch videos."}
- {"title":"Behavioral Preparation","longDescription":"Week 6: Focus on behavioral preparation. Identify key projects and experiences that showcase your skills and fit with Verkada's culture. Prepare stories using the STAR method for common behavioral questions.","shortDescription":"Week 6: Behavioral Preparation. Prepare STAR stories for projects."}
- {"title":"Mock Interviews and Review","longDescription":"Week 7: Mock interviews and final review. Practice coding problems under timed conditions and conduct mock interviews (technical and behavioral) to simulate the actual interview experience. Review notes and weak areas.","shortDescription":"Week 7: Mock Interviews & Final Review. Practice coding and behavioral."}

## Location differences

- {"location":"San Mateo, CA","differences":{"tips":["Highlight projects where you demonstrated initiative and quick learning.","Be prepared to discuss your contributions to team success and how you navigate team dynamics."],"interviewFocus":["Adaptability to new technologies and problem-solving approaches.","Collaboration and communication skills in a fast-paced environment."],"commonQuestions":["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."]}}
- {"location":"Austin, TX","differences":{"tips":["Brush up on fundamental data structures and algorithms.","Be ready to discuss your experience with cloud services and how you've used them to build or scale applications."],"interviewFocus":["Proficiency in core computer science concepts and practical application.","Experience with scalable systems and cloud infrastructure."],"commonQuestions":["How do you approach debugging complex issues?","Can you explain the trade-offs between different data structures?","Describe your experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure)."]}}

## Round 1: HR Screening
**Type:** HR Screening · **Difficulty:** Easy · **Duration:** 30 min
Initial screening to assess basic fit and interest.
The initial HR screening is a brief conversation to assess your overall fit for the role and Verkada. The recruiter will discuss your background, career aspirations, and understanding of the company. They will also cover logistical aspects of the interview process and answer any initial questions you may have.
**Interviewers look for:** Clear communication; Genuine interest in the role and company; Basic alignment with Verkada's values
**Evaluation criteria:** Basic communication skills; Understanding of the role and company; Enthusiasm for Verkada
**Common rejection reasons:** Inability to articulate thought process.; Poor communication skills.; Lack of basic coding proficiency.
## Questions

- Tell me about yourself and your background.
- Why are you interested in Verkada?
- What are your salary expectations?

## Preparation tips

- Research Verkada's mission, values, and products.
- Be prepared to talk about your resume and why you're interested in this specific role.
- Have a few questions ready to ask the recruiter about the company or the role.

## Round 2: Technical Coding Interview
**Type:** Data Structures and Algorithms Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Assess coding proficiency with data structures and algorithms.
This round focuses on your fundamental coding skills. 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 clean and efficient code, and your understanding of time and space complexity.
**Interviewers look for:** Logical thinking; Ability to translate requirements into code; Understanding of data structures and algorithms; Clean and efficient coding practices
**Evaluation criteria:** Problem-solving approach; Correctness of the solution; Efficiency of the solution (time and space complexity); Coding style and clarity; Ability to test and debug code
**Common rejection reasons:** Incorrect or inefficient algorithm.; Inability to explain code logic.; Poor handling of edge cases.; Not writing clean, readable code.
## 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 valid Binary Search Tree.
- Find the kth smallest element in a sorted matrix.

## Preparation tips

- Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode, focusing on arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, and graphs.
- Be prepared to explain your thought process as you code.
- Consider edge cases and test your solution thoroughly.
- Write clean, well-commented code.

## Round 3: System Design Interview
**Type:** System Design Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Assess ability to design scalable software systems.
This round evaluates your ability to design and scale software systems. You'll be given a high-level problem (e.g., design a URL shortener, a social media feed, or a rate limiter) and asked to propose a solution. The focus is on your thought process, how you break down the problem, identify components, consider trade-offs, and address scalability and reliability.
**Interviewers look for:** Ability to design scalable and reliable systems; Understanding of distributed systems concepts; Knowledge of common design patterns; Ability to articulate design decisions and trade-offs
**Evaluation criteria:** System design approach; Scalability considerations; Trade-off analysis; Component selection; Clarity of explanation
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of understanding of system design principles.; Inability to handle scale or trade-offs.; Poor communication of design choices.; Not considering failure scenarios.
## Questions

- Design a system to count unique visitors to a website.
- How would you design a real-time notification system?
- Design an API for a simple e-commerce product catalog.

## Preparation tips

- Study common system design concepts (load balancing, caching, databases, message queues).
- Practice designing systems like Twitter, Instagram, or Uber.
- Be prepared to discuss trade-offs between different design choices.
- Think about potential bottlenecks and how to address them.

## Round 4: Behavioral and Managerial Interview
**Type:** Behavioral and Managerial Interview · **Difficulty:** Medium · **Duration:** 45 min
Assess behavioral competencies, teamwork, and cultural fit.
This round, often conducted by the hiring manager, focuses on your behavioral and situational responses. You'll be asked questions about your past experiences, how you handle challenges, work in teams, and your career aspirations. The goal is to understand your work style, motivation, and how you align with Verkada's culture.
**Interviewers look for:** Teamwork and collaboration skills; Problem-solving approach in real-world scenarios; Adaptability and learning mindset; Cultural alignment with Verkada
**Evaluation criteria:** Behavioral competencies (teamwork, communication, problem-solving); Past experiences and learnings; Alignment with Verkada's culture and values; Motivation and career goals
**Common rejection reasons:** Lack of ownership or initiative.; Poor collaboration or conflict resolution.; Inability to provide specific examples.; Mismatch with company values.
## Questions

- Tell me about a time you disagreed with a teammate and how you resolved it.
- Describe a project where you had to take initiative to solve a problem.
- What are your long-term career goals?

## Preparation tips

- Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for common behavioral questions (e.g., teamwork, conflict, failure, success).
- Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Think about your career goals and how this role fits into them.
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of Verkada's culture.