Databricks Backend Software Engineer interview questions

The first online test a Timed Programming Session (TPS). It’s a live or recorded coding challenge where you need to code quickly and accurately under strict time constraints. The problems test your ability to write clean, working solutions fast, often focusing on data structures, algorithms, and implementation detail (e.g., building a cache, parsing structured text, or designing an efficient API). The key expectation is not only to get the correct output but to demonstrate strong coding discipline under pressure — clear logic, edge-case handling, and working code within a short time window (typically around 60–90 minutes). If you pass that round, the next stage typically combines system design and live coding.

Sent in my CV through the open roles portal for a SWE (Backend) role. Sourcer reached out to schedule a 30 min recruiter call describing the role and giving me the opportunity to discuss my background (ML PhD, somewhat unrelated to the role), after which we scheduled a 1h technical screen (algorithms/data structures). Got notified same day that feedback was very positive and that they'd like to proceed to an onsite loop. Onsite loop was scheduled about a week out, 2 1h interviews per day on Monday and Tuesday. Monday was behavioral with Directer of Engineering + algorithms/data structures, Tuesday coding + systems programming. Got notified on Wednesday that feedback was good again and that they'd like to proceed with reference checks. Submitted references and synced with them about the process by Monday of the next week, and the calls were happened on Wednesday and Thursday. Due to how the hiring committee works, it took until Tuesday of the next week before I got the confirmation they would be extending an offer, after which it took a few more days to get a concrete offer, which I negotiated for about another week before signing. The CoderPad platform was used for writing code and Google Meet for the call. Recruiters have access to a fairly complete list of recommended resources for the interviews, so make sure to ask if they don't send it over automatically.