Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at BNSF Railway, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I started with an online assessment that felt like a typical DSA-style warmup, except it was paced so tightly that it turned into a sprint. The problems were medium to high difficulty, and I had 60 minutes total. I got through the first one, but I couldn’t make it past the second within the time limit.
My process started with a recruiter call, and not long after that I got a timed take-home coding assessment. Following the take-home, I went through a combined initial technical and behavioral interview, and then it escalated into a big final stage.
Candidates typically begin with an online assessment that includes coding challenges, often with a tight time limit, which can be stressful and may lead to early disqualification based on performance. The problems vary in difficulty and may not align with common coding interview expectations.
The interview process usually consists of multiple rounds, often culminating in a lengthy five-hour loop that includes technical and behavioral assessments. Candidates report a structured format but express concerns about the intensity and potential redundancy across rounds.
Interviews heavily emphasize technical skills, including coding and system design, with expectations that candidates demonstrate practical engineering abilities rather than just theoretical knowledge. Some candidates noted that questions were not always reflective of day-to-day tasks.
Many candidates experienced a lack of communication regarding their application status and feedback after interviews, leading to feelings of uncertainty and frustration. Delays in responses and vague rejection notices were common.
Interviews often include discussions about company culture and values, with a focus on safety and fit within the organization. Candidates reported that understanding these aspects was crucial to the interview experience, even if it did not lead to an offer.
Candidates noted that the final stages of the interview process could be disheartening, especially if they felt positive about their performance but ultimately did not receive an offer. Some experienced unexpected changes in offer conditions or sponsorship policies.