Interview Experience: Senior Software Engineer II, Product Engineering, Consumer AV (US Remote Eligible) at Cruise

I recently interviewed for the Senior Software Engineer II, Product Engineering, Consumer AV position at Cruise, and I’d like to share my experience to help others preparing for the interview process. This role focuses on the software engineering side of autonomous vehicles (AVs), especially on developing key systems and tools that help integrate AVs with the riders and the public. It involves a mix of low-level hardware integration, simulation, and high-level system architecture, requiring expertise in C++ and Linux-based systems, particularly within the context of autonomous vehicle operations.

Overview of the Role

The Senior Software Engineer II, Product Engineering, Consumer AV role at Cruise is focused on designing, developing, and implementing software for Cruise’s autonomous vehicles. The responsibilities include developing AV system architectures, working with I/O and data processing nodes, creating simulation tools, and improving software reliability for AVs. You will work closely with teams from Systems Engineering, Product Management, and Fleet Operations to ensure that the software works seamlessly and meets the company’s safety and performance standards.

Interview Process

The interview process at Cruise for this role is multi-phase and aims to assess both your technical capabilities and your ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

1. Initial Screening (HR Interview)

Overview: The first step is a screening call with an HR recruiter. They will review your resume and confirm that your experience aligns with the position requirements. They will also discuss logistics, such as compensation expectations and work location flexibility (remote work options are available for this role).

Example Question:
Why are you interested in working at Cruise, and what excites you about autonomous vehicles?

2. Technical Phone Interview

Overview: If you pass the HR screen, the next step is a technical interview. This typically involves coding challenges and system design questions with a senior engineer or hiring manager. You’ll be asked to demonstrate your skills in C++, object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms.

Key Areas Covered:

• C++ and Linux: Expect to answer questions on writing efficient C++ code, memory management, multithreading, and working with Linux-based systems.
• System Design: You might be asked to design a system or architecture that supports autonomous vehicle operations, like managing vehicle state transitions or handling hardware integration.
• Simulation and Testing: Given Cruise’s focus on safety and reliability, you may also be asked about your experience creating simulation tools or working with testing frameworks.

Example Question:
Design a software architecture to handle vehicle control in an autonomous system that integrates with various hardware components. How would you ensure modularity and reliability?

3. Onsite Interview (Multiple Rounds)

The onsite typically consists of multiple rounds that assess various aspects of your expertise:

Round 1 - Technical Problem Solving

This round focuses on solving complex technical problems related to system design or coding. You might be given a problem related to autonomous vehicle data processing or control systems, and you’ll be asked to write code or walk through your approach to solving the problem.

Example Question:
How would you build a system that controls vehicle trip states for a ride-hailing service, ensuring real-time updates of the vehicle’s status?

Round 2 - System Design and Integration

This round is more focused on system architecture and your ability to design scalable, fault-tolerant systems. You’ll likely be asked to design an end-to-end software solution for AV systems, including how it integrates with hardware components and handles data processing.

Example Question:
Design a data processing pipeline for AV sensors, ensuring low-latency processing and integration with vehicle control systems.

Round 3 - Code Review and Debugging

You’ll be given a piece of code (possibly related to autonomous vehicles) and asked to perform a code review, identifying bugs, performance issues, or areas for optimization.

Example Question:
Here’s a piece of code that processes sensor data in an autonomous vehicle. Can you identify any potential bugs or performance bottlenecks?

Round 4 - Behavioral and Leadership Assessment

As a senior engineer, your leadership and collaboration skills will also be assessed. You’ll be asked to discuss past projects where you worked with cross-functional teams, mentored junior engineers, or led complex technical initiatives.

Example Question:
Tell us about a time when you worked on a large project with multiple stakeholders. How did you manage communication and ensure the project was completed on time?

4. Final Round (Senior Leadership and Culture Fit)

Overview: The final round is often with senior leadership and may involve a discussion about your long-term vision for the role and alignment with Cruise’s mission. They will assess how you approach high-level decision-making and problem-solving within the context of AV technology.

Example Question:
What do you think are the most important challenges in building autonomous vehicle software, and how would you address them at Cruise?

Key Skills and Experience

To excel in this role, you should have the following skills and experience:

• C++ Programming: Extensive experience with modern C++, especially for building scalable and high-performance systems.
• Linux and ROS: Proficiency in Linux-based systems and Robot Operating System (ROS) for developing and integrating with autonomous vehicle hardware.
• System Design: Strong background in designing complex systems, particularly in the context of autonomous vehicles or other real-time, safety-critical applications.
• Simulation and Testing: Experience with simulation tools and frameworks, including virtual testing environments for autonomous vehicle software.
• Collaboration: Ability to work closely with cross-functional teams, including systems engineering, product management, and operations.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a focus on finding practical, scalable solutions to complex technical challenges.

What to Expect

• Technical Challenges: Be prepared for in-depth technical discussions, including coding exercises, system design problems, and code reviews.
• Leadership: As a senior engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead projects, mentor others, and make technical decisions that align with the company’s goals.
• Autonomous Vehicle Context: While the focus is on software engineering, an understanding of autonomous vehicle technologies, especially in terms of hardware integration and safety, is beneficial.

Final Tips

• Focus on C++ and Linux: Make sure you are comfortable with modern C++ syntax, memory management, and Linux-based development.
• Prepare for System Design: Be ready to design systems that are modular, scalable, and integrate with complex hardware components.
• Know Cruise’s AV Technology: Familiarize yourself with Cruise’s technology stack, particularly ROS and how it integrates with the vehicle’s hardware and software systems.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Emphasize your experience working in cross-functional teams and your ability to lead technical initiatives.