Antora Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns observed in recent candidate experiences. While specific technical challenges vary by team, focus on your ability to articulate your thought process rather than just providing a textbook answer.

Technical & Domain Expertise

These questions test your proficiency with industrial control systems and your ability to apply software principles to physical hardware.

• How have you handled "field-found" challenges during the commissioning phase of a project?
• Can you describe your experience working with PLC and SCADA systems in a "greenfield" environment?

Preparation at Antora should be structured around demonstrating both your technical depth and your operational pragmatism. Your interviewers are looking for evidence that you can build reliable, scalable systems while maintaining the flexibility required in a growing company.

Role-related knowledge – You must demonstrate deep familiarity with industrial protocols and control logic. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you have solved using Allen Bradley or Ignition platforms.

Problem-solving ability – The team evaluates how you decompose complex system failures. Focus on your methodology for identifying the root cause of logic-related issues and your process for validating solutions.

Communication & Documentation – Because this role involves writing Controls Operations Manuals and Cause and Effect Diagrams, your ability to communicate technical concepts clearly is vital. Your interviewers will assess whether your explanations are logical, precise, and easy to follow.

Startup Resilience – Antora is building first-of-a-kind technology. You will be evaluated on your ability to operate with high ownership and your willingness to step outside your core responsibilities to ensure project success.

The interview process at Antora typically begins with an initial screening to gauge your technical background and interest in the company's mission. If you advance, you can expect a series of technical deep-dives and behavioral interviews with members of the engineering team. The process is designed to be communicative, though candidates should be prepared for a rigorous evaluation of their practical, hands-on experience.

This visual timeline illustrates the typical progression from initial assessment to final interviews. Use this to pace your study; ensure you have reviewed your past project portfolio thoroughly before the technical rounds, as interviewers often ask you to walk through your previous contributions in detail.

Industrial Controls & Logic

This is the core of the Software Engineer role. You will be evaluated on your ability to architect robust control systems.

Be ready to go over:

• PLC Programming – Your proficiency in Studio 5000 and ladder logic.
• System Integration – How you handle communication between different industrial protocols like Modbus and Ethernet/IP.

As a Software Engineer at Antora, your primary responsibility is owning the integration of control systems and software for thermal energy storage modules. You will spend your time architecting PLC and SCADA software, ensuring that the digital logic aligns perfectly with the physical thermal storage and industrial heat delivery systems.

Beyond coding, you will act as a technical lead for specific projects. This involves writing high-fidelity technical documentation—including Cause and Effect Diagrams and Process Control Narratives—to ensure that systems are maintainable and safe. You will also be responsible for QA and validation, developing automated test tools to ensure software reliability before it ever reaches a live site.

Finally, you will be expected to support site execution. This means providing onsite or remote support for "field-found" challenges during commissioning. You will use data-driven insights to continuously improve system efficiency, often using Python, SQL, or VBA to analyze performance data and optimize the logic for existing sites.

A successful candidate for the Software Engineer role at Antora will have a blend of formal engineering education and significant field experience.

• Must-have skills:

  • B.S. in Engineering (Electrical, Software, Mechanical, or Automation).
  • 5+ years of experience in industrial environments (e.g., Oil & Gas, Power Plants).
  • Proven track record with PLC and SCADA programming (Allen Bradley or Inductive Automation/Ignition).
  • Proficiency in industrial communication protocols (Modbus, CAN bus, Ethernet/IP).

• Nice-to-have skills:

  • Experience with high-temperature fluid loops or steam generators.
  • Proficiency in Python, SQL, or VBA for data analysis and automation.
  • Hands-on commissioning experience (ITPs, Loop Checkouts).

Q: How long does the interview process typically take? The process varies, but you should expect a few weeks from the initial screen to a final decision. Maintain regular contact with your recruiter to stay updated on your status.

Q: Is this role purely remote? This role is strongly preferred to be onsite in San Jose, CA. While remote work with 25% travel may be considered for the right candidate, your ability to be hands-on with hardware is a significant factor in the evaluation.

Q: What differentiates a senior candidate from a mid-level one? Senior candidates are expected to demonstrate "full-stack" ownership—not just writing code, but architecting the entire control system and mentoring others on best practices for documentation and QA.

Q: How much should I focus on my portfolio? Your portfolio is a great tool for showing your past experience, but be prepared to explain the why behind your design decisions, not just show the final product.

• Prepare for "Low-Energy" Interviewers: As noted in some candidate experiences, you may encounter an interviewer who seems disengaged. Do not let this affect your performance; remain professional, high-energy, and focused on delivering your best answers regardless of the interviewer's demeanor.

• Be Specific About Tools: When discussing your experience, mention specific versions of software (e.g., Studio 5000) and specific hardware components. This demonstrates the "Hardware Fluency" required for the role.

• Align with the Mission: Antora is a mission-driven company. Briefly articulating your passion for decarbonizing industrial heat can help you stand out as a cultural fit.

The Software Engineer position at Antora is a unique opportunity to apply modern software practices to critical industrial infrastructure. By focusing on your ability to bridge the gap between digital logic and physical hardware, you can demonstrate the exact skills needed to succeed in this role. Remember to emphasize your hands-on commissioning experience and your systematic approach to solving complex, site-based problems.

Preparation is key to navigating the interview process with confidence. Use the insights provided here to structure your portfolio review and technical explanations. You have the potential to contribute to a future where industrial facilities are powered by clean, low-cost energy—prepare thoroughly, be clear in your communication, and best of luck with your application.

The salary range provided reflects the total compensation potential for this role, including equity and benefits. Candidates should use this as a benchmark for their own salary expectations while recognizing that final offers are heavily influenced by the specific depth of their industrial controls expertise and total years of experience.