Glance Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns observed in the Glance interview process. While specific technical hurdles may vary by team, these reflect the core competencies required for the Software Engineer role.

Data Structures and Algorithms

These rounds test your ability to write clean, efficient code under pressure. Expect to solve problems that require a solid grasp of fundamental computer science principles.

• Implement a solution for a complex data structure problem (Medium/Hard level).
• Optimize an algorithm to reduce time complexity in a resource-constrained environment.

Preparation for Glance requires a balance of deep technical practice and the ability to articulate your architectural choices clearly.

Technical Proficiency – You must be comfortable writing production-ready code. Focus on the nuances of your preferred language and platform, ensuring you can explain the "why" behind your code choices, not just the "how."

System Design Thinking – Do not just memorize patterns. Practice designing systems that prioritize performance and efficiency, as these are core to the Glance user experience.

Communication and Clarity – Interviewers value candidates who can explain complex ideas simply. During technical rounds, vocalize your thought process to show how you approach ambiguity and constraints.

The interview process at Glance is typically structured to assess both your raw engineering capability and your ability to function within a fast-moving product team. Most candidates encounter a series of technical rounds—often split between core algorithmic problem-solving and domain-specific challenges—followed by a managerial or culture-fit assessment. The rigor is high, and interviewers generally look for candidates who can provide exact, well-reasoned answers.

The visual timeline above outlines the progression from technical screens to final managerial discussions. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you dedicate sufficient time to both coding practice and deep-dives into your past project architecture. Keep in mind that some teams may include additional rounds depending on the specific seniority of the role.

Performance Optimization

Because Glance operates on a massive scale across diverse device hardware, your ability to optimize for performance is non-negotiable. Strong candidates demonstrate an intuitive understanding of memory management and network efficiency.

Be ready to go over:

• Memory management techniques for mobile applications.
• Strategies to reduce app footprint and battery drain.
• Network request prioritization and caching layers.

Example scenarios:

• "How would you optimize a list-view that loads heavy media content on a budget smartphone?"
• "Explain how you would debug a memory leak in a large-scale Android application."

Architectural Design

You will be evaluated on your ability to build systems that are not just functional, but scalable and maintainable.

Be ready to go over:

• Principles of Clean Architecture and modularity.
• Dependency injection and its role in testability.
• Asynchronous programming patterns, specifically Coroutines or RxJava.

Example scenarios:

• "How do you structure your code to ensure it remains maintainable as the team scales?"
• "Discuss the pros and cons of different caching strategies for offline-first applications."

As a Software Engineer, you will primarily focus on building and maintaining the core infrastructure that powers the Glance experience. You will collaborate closely with product managers and designers to translate requirements into technical specifications.

Your daily work will involve writing high-performance code, conducting rigorous code reviews, and participating in architectural discussions. You will often find yourself troubleshooting performance bottlenecks on low-end devices, requiring a deep understanding of the underlying OS and hardware constraints. Success in this role means balancing the delivery of new features with the long-term health of the codebase.

A strong candidate for Glance is one who combines a solid foundation in computer science with practical, hands-on experience in mobile or systems engineering.

• Must-have skills: Proficiency in Java/Kotlin, deep understanding of Android SDK, experience with multi-threading and asynchronous operations, and a strong grasp of data structures and algorithms.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with performance profiling tools, familiarity with backend integration, and a track record of shipping highly-rated mobile applications.
• Experience level: Most successful candidates have a proven background in delivering complex features in a high-traffic production environment.

Q: How long should I spend preparing? A: Dedicate at least 3–4 weeks to focused practice. Prioritize coding challenges and reviewing your own past project architectures in detail.

Q: What is the most common reason for rejection? A: Candidates often struggle when they cannot justify their architectural decisions or when they fail to demonstrate a deep enough understanding of performance optimization under hardware constraints.

Q: How is the culture at Glance? A: Glance is a fast-paced environment that rewards ownership and technical rigor. You will be expected to take charge of your tasks and provide solutions that are both creative and efficient.

Q: What is the typical turnaround time? A: While the process can be quick, there have been reports of delays. Always follow up professionally after each round if you haven't heard back within the promised timeframe.

• Think Aloud: During coding rounds, your thought process is just as important as the final output. Explain your trade-offs clearly.
• Know Your Resume: Be prepared to dive deep into any project listed. Interviewers will ask about your specific contributions and the technical challenges you faced.
• Focus on the "Why": Don't just provide the "right" answer. Explain why that specific approach was chosen over alternatives, especially regarding performance.

The Software Engineer role at Glance is an exceptional opportunity to influence a product that reaches millions of users daily. By mastering the core technical areas—specifically performance optimization and robust system architecture—you position yourself as a strong candidate.

Preparation is the key to navigating the rigor of the interview process. Focus on articulating your technical decisions clearly and demonstrating a deep understanding of the constraints inherent in mobile engineering. For further insights and to track your progress, continue utilizing the resources available on Dataford. With a structured approach and consistent practice, you are well-prepared to succeed in your journey with Glance.

The compensation data above provides a benchmark for the Software Engineer role. Use this to understand the market positioning of the role and to facilitate informed discussions during the final stages of the hiring process.