1. What is a Software Engineer at AXA?

At AXA, and specifically within the AXA XL division, the role of a Software Engineer is pivotal to the company’s transformation from a traditional insurer to a technology-driven risk partner. While AXA is historically known for insurance, the modern engineering mandate involves building proprietary risk modeling tools, digital platforms for underwriters, and complex integration systems that handle global data. You are not just maintaining legacy systems; you are creating the digital infrastructure that allows Risk Consultants and Underwriters to assess complex global risks—from natural disasters to cyber threats.

In this role, you will likely work within agile squads supporting specific business domains, such as Commercial Lines, Billing Platforms, or Risk Consulting tools. The work often involves modernizing core systems (like Guidewire), building API integrations for banking and payment systems, and developing user-centric front-end applications for internal and external clients. You will solve problems related to data scale, system reliability, and the digitization of complex business logic, directly impacting how AXA protects what matters most to its clients.

2. Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Success in the AXA interview process requires a balanced preparation strategy. You need to demonstrate not only technical competence but also a clear understanding of how engineering decisions impact business outcomes in a regulated industry.

Technical Proficiency – You must demonstrate solid coding skills (typically in Java or C#, often within the Guidewire ecosystem) and a grasp of modern architecture. Interviewers assess your ability to write clean, maintainable code and your understanding of API integrations, as insurance systems are highly interconnected.

Domain Curiosity & Problem Solving – AXA values engineers who try to understand the "why" behind the "what." You will be evaluated on your ability to translate complex business requirements (like billing logic or risk assessment parameters) into technical solutions. You do not need to be an insurance expert, but you must show an aptitude for learning the domain.

Collaboration & Agile Mindset – As a global organization, AXA XL relies heavily on cross-functional collaboration. You will be tested on your experience working with Product Owners, Business Analysts, and non-technical stakeholders. Showcasing your ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences is critical.

Cultural Alignment – AXA places a massive emphasis on Inclusion, Sustainability, and their "Roots of Resilience" strategy. You should be ready to discuss how you contribute to an inclusive team environment and how your values align with the company’s mission to move the world forward responsibly.

3. Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Software Engineer at AXA is thorough but structured designed to assess both your engineering capability and your fit within their collaborative culture. Generally, the process moves at a steady pace, often taking 3 to 5 weeks from initial contact to offer. The company values a "human-centric" approach, so expect interactions to be professional and respectful of your time.

You will typically begin with a recruiter screening to discuss your background and interest in AXA. This is followed by a technical screening, which may involve a hiring manager conversation or an online assessment depending on the specific team. The process culminates in a "Super Day" or a panel interview loop where you will meet with future peers, a technical lead, and a product or engineering manager. These sessions are a mix of technical deep dives and behavioral questions.

This timeline illustrates the typical flow from application to offer. Use the time between the technical screen and the final panel to brush up on system design concepts relevant to financial services, such as data consistency and secure API design. Note that for remote roles, the entire process will be virtual, requiring you to be comfortable coding and communicating via video conferencing tools.

4. Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

To secure an offer, you must excel in specific areas that AXA prioritizes. Based on candidate experiences and job requirements, focus your preparation on the following:

Technical Competency & Coding

This is the foundation of the interview. You will be expected to solve algorithmic problems and demonstrate fluency in object-oriented programming. Be ready to go over:

• Object-Oriented Design – Applying principles like SOLID and DRY to real-world scenarios.
• Data Structures – Arrays, Maps, and Lists, and when to use them for data processing.
• Database Interactions – Writing efficient SQL queries and understanding ORM (Object-Relational Mapping).
• Advanced concepts – Asynchronous programming and handling concurrency, which is vital for high-volume transaction systems.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Design a class structure for an insurance policy that includes multiple coverage types."
• "How would you optimize a query that retrieves billing history for a client with thousands of transactions?"
• "Explain how you would handle a failure in a third-party payment API integration."

System Design & Architecture

For mid-level and senior roles, you will face questions about how you architect solutions. AXA deals with legacy modernization, so integration patterns are key. Be ready to go over:

• API Design – RESTful principles and secure data exchange.
• Microservices vs. Monolith – Understanding the trade-offs, especially in the context of migrating legacy platforms (like Guidewire).
• Scalability – How to build systems that handle peak periods (e.g., renewals or claim spikes).

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Design a notification system that alerts underwriters when a risk score changes."
• "How would you architect a document storage service for sensitive client claims data?"

Behavioral & Values

AXA takes its "Hearts in Action" and culture very seriously. You must show you can navigate a matrixed global organization. Be ready to go over:

• Conflict Resolution – Handling disagreements on technical direction or roadmap prioritization.
• Adaptability – Working through ambiguity or changing requirements in an Agile environment.
• Inclusion – Examples of how you have fostered a supportive environment for colleagues.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to explain a technical limitation to a non-technical stakeholder."
• "Describe a situation where you identified a risk in a project and how you mitigated it."

5. Key Responsibilities

As a Software Engineer at AXA, your daily work is a blend of hands-on coding, system design, and cross-team collaboration. You are not just a ticket-taker; you are a problem solver for the business.

Your primary responsibility is the delivery of core platform features. This might involve configuring and extending the Guidewire suite (BillingCenter, PolicyCenter) or building custom web applications for the Risk Consulting team. You will translate user stories created by Product Owners into functional, tested code. This requires a strong grasp of the business logic—understanding how a "bill plan" works or how a "property risk assessment" is calculated.

Collaboration is central to the role. You will participate in Agile ceremonies, including PI (Program Increment) planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives. You will work hand-in-hand with Product Owners to refine backlogs and with QA Engineers to ensure automated testing coverage. Furthermore, because AXA XL is a data-driven company, you will likely work on integrations that ensure data flows seamlessly between core admin systems, downstream reporting tools, and external banking partners.

6. Role Requirements & Qualifications

Candidates who succeed at AXA typically possess a mix of enterprise engineering experience and a flexible, learner-centric attitude.

• Technical Skills – Strong proficiency in Java (preferred for Guidewire roles) or C#/.NET. Experience with SQL and relational databases is essential. Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure or AWS) and CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions) is highly valued.
• Experience Level – Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, plus 3+ years of hands-on development experience for mid-level roles.
• Soft Skills – Excellent verbal and written communication is non-negotiable. You must be able to "connect the dots" between technology and business value.
• Agile Experience – Proven experience working in Scrum or SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) environments is expected.

Must-have skills

• Proficiency in an Object-Oriented Language (Java/J2EE preferred).
• Experience with REST/SOAP APIs and integration patterns.
• Solid understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Nice-to-have skills

• Guidewire certification or experience (BillingCenter, PolicyCenter).
• Background in Insurance, FinTech, or Financial Services.
• Experience with front-end frameworks like React or Angular.

7. Common Interview Questions

The following questions are representative of what candidates encounter at AXA. They are designed to test both your technical depth and your ability to work within the specific context of the insurance industry.

Technical & Coding

These questions assess your raw engineering capability.

• "Explain the difference between an interface and an abstract class in Java, and when you would use each."
• "Write a SQL query to find the top 3 highest-paying clients from a transaction table."
• "How do you manage memory leaks in a long-running application?"
• "Walk me through how you would implement a secure authentication flow for an API."

Behavioral & Situational

These explore your fit with AXA XL's collaborative culture.

• "Describe a time you made a mistake in production. How did you handle it and what did you learn?"
• "Tell me about a time you had to learn a new technology quickly to deliver a project."
• "How do you handle feedback from a Product Owner that contradicts your technical recommendation?"
• "Give an example of how you have advocated for technical debt reduction."

System Design & Process

These test your ability to think at a system level.

• "How would you design a system to handle recurring billing for millions of policies?"
• "What strategies do you use to ensure high availability for a critical service?"
• "Describe your experience with CI/CD and how you ensure code quality before deployment."

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is prior insurance experience required? While experience in Insurance or FinTech is a significant "plus" and helps with the learning curve, it is not strictly required for all engineering roles. AXA values strong engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn complex domains quickly.

Q: What is the remote work policy? Many engineering roles at AXA XL are listed as "Fully Remote" or hybrid, depending on the specific team and location (e.g., Hartford, CT or Exton, PA). The company supports flexible working arrangements, but you should confirm the specific expectations for your team during the recruiter screen.

Q: What is the tech stack like? The stack is a mix of enterprise stalwarts and modern tech. Expect to see heavy use of Guidewire (Gosu/Java), SQL Server, and Azure for cloud infrastructure. There is a strong push toward modernization, data analytics, and digital platforms.

Q: How long does the process take? The timeline is generally efficient, often closing within 3–5 weeks. However, scheduling panel interviews with multiple stakeholders can sometimes add a week to the timeline.

Q: How does AXA view diversity? Diversity is central to AXA's identity. They have multiple Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and are committed to an inclusive workforce. Mentioning your interest in or experience with diverse teams is a positive signal during interviews.

9. Other General Tips

Understand the Business Model – AXA XL deals with "complex risks" (commercial property, casualty, specialty). Understanding the difference between standard personal insurance and complex commercial risk will set you apart. You are building tools for high-stakes decisions, not just simple e-commerce.

Highlight "Customer First" Thinking – The job descriptions emphasize a "Customer First mindset." When answering technical questions, always tie your solution back to the user experience—whether that user is an internal underwriter or an external client.

Prepare for "Guidewire" Context – Even if you don't know Guidewire, acknowledge that it is a core part of their ecosystem. showing you understand how package software interacts with custom integrations demonstrates immense maturity.

Ask About "Roots of Resilience" – In the "Do you have any questions for us?" section, ask about AXA's sustainability strategy. It shows you have done your homework and care about the company's long-term vision.

10. Summary & Next Steps

Becoming a Software Engineer at AXA is an opportunity to work at the intersection of stability and innovation. You will be joining a company that is "reinventing" insurance by combining a massive capital platform with agile technology and data insights. The role offers the chance to work on complex, high-impact systems that support global businesses in navigating unpredictable risks.

To succeed, focus your preparation on Java/Enterprise fundamentals, API integration patterns, and behavioral excellence. Review the AXA XL website to understand their "P&C and specialty risk" focus. Approach the interview with confidence, ready to show how your technical skills can build the robust, resilient platforms that AXA relies on.

The salary data above provides a baseline for the role. Note that compensation at AXA XL often includes a base salary plus a performance-based bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. Seniority, location, and specific technical expertise (such as Guidewire certification) can significantly influence the final offer.

For more exclusive interview insights and resources to help you prepare, visit Dataford. Good luck—you have the skills to succeed!