Murphy Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions reflect patterns observed in recent interviews. While specific inquiries may vary depending on the team and the complexity of the project, you should prepare to discuss your technical background, your ability to handle site-specific challenges, and your alignment with the values of Murphy.

Situational & Safety Awareness

These questions assess your judgment and ability to prioritize safety and professional conduct in high-stakes environments.

• What would you do if you saw someone doing something unsafe on site?
• How do you react when someone gives negative criticism about your work?

Preparation for Murphy should focus on demonstrating how your technical expertise translates to the practical needs of a major engineering firm. You must be able to articulate not just what you have built, but why you built it and how it solves specific problems.

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate a solid grasp of software fundamentals and their application to engineering contexts. Interviewers will look for your ability to connect abstract code to physical project constraints, such as site safety or structural integrity.

Problem-Solving Ability – You will be evaluated on your logical approach to complex scenarios. Whether discussing a technical roadblock or a team disagreement, focus on how you structure your thoughts, gather necessary data, and execute a solution.

Leadership & Communication – Even in technical roles, Murphy values candidates who can lead meetings and navigate team dynamics. Be prepared to explain how you influence project outcomes and handle professional feedback with maturity.

Culture Fit & Values – As a firm that prioritizes safety and collaborative excellence, you should demonstrate that your personal values align with the company’s standards. Show that you are a team player who prioritizes the collective success of the site team.

The interview process at Murphy is designed to be interactive and thorough, moving from initial screening to an assessment of your practical and interpersonal capabilities. You can expect a process that values candidate experience, often featuring a mix of virtual screenings and, for many, an immersive assessment day.

The process is generally structured to assess your technical depth early on, followed by behavioral and situational rounds that reveal your fit for the company’s culture. The inclusion of assessment centers suggests that Murphy places a high premium on your ability to work within a team, communicate clearly, and perform under pressure in a social, collaborative setting.

This timeline provides a high-level view of the progression from initial application to final assessment. You should use this to pace your preparation, ensuring that you are ready for both the technical depth of the early screens and the collaborative demands of the assessment day.

Technical & Engineering Application

This is the core of your evaluation. You must show that you can apply your software skills to the specific domains Murphy operates in, such as foundations, tunnels, or site logistics.

Be ready to go over:

• Foundations and Tunnels – Understanding the technical considerations for large-scale structural projects.
• Project Lifecycle – How software solutions support a project from design to completion.

As a Software Engineer at Murphy, your primary responsibility is to develop and maintain the digital tools that drive project efficiency. You will work closely with site teams and project managers to identify bottlenecks in the construction or design process and create software-based solutions to address them.

You will often collaborate with non-technical stakeholders, meaning you must be able to explain complex technical concepts in plain language. Whether you are optimizing internal workflows or working on structural data systems, you will be expected to take ownership of your deliverables from the initial design phase through to deployment and maintenance.

A strong candidate for this position combines technical rigor with a pragmatic, hands-on mindset. You do not need to be a civil engineer, but you must be able to communicate effectively with those who are.

• Must-have skills – Proficiency in core software engineering principles, strong problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to learn domain-specific requirements quickly.
• Communication – The ability to lead, influence, and collaborate in a team-based environment is essential.
• Professional maturity – A clear track record of handling feedback and prioritizing safety in all work environments.

Q: How difficult is the interview process? A: Candidates generally report the process as manageable, though it can be rigorous. The difficulty lies in your ability to demonstrate both technical competence and alignment with the company’s safety-oriented culture.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for the assessment day? A: Focus on your interpersonal skills. The group activities are designed to see how you behave in a team, so listen actively, contribute constructively, and keep the team's goal in mind.

Q: How long does the process take? A: The typical timeline is around 3 weeks from initial contact to a final decision.

Q: Is there a coding test? A: While technical questions are standard, the process focuses heavily on situational and experience-based questions rather than live, complex algorithm coding.

• Prioritize Safety: In every answer related to site work, emphasize your commitment to safety and standard procedures.
• Prepare Your Stories: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers for behavioral questions.
• Research the Company: Know the major projects Murphy is currently working on. It demonstrates genuine interest and foresight.
• Practice Active Listening: During group exercises, show that you value the input of others. This is a primary evaluation point.

The Software Engineer role at Murphy offers a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills to tangible, high-impact infrastructure projects. By preparing for both the technical nuances of the role and the collaborative, safety-focused nature of the company’s culture, you will be well-positioned to succeed. Remember that your ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse teams is just as vital as your engineering expertise.

You can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford to further sharpen your approach. With dedicated practice and a clear understanding of the company's expectations, you can confidently navigate the interview process and demonstrate your value as a potential member of the Murphy team.

The compensation data provided above reflects typical ranges for this position, accounting for variables such as regional cost-of-living differences and varying levels of seniority. Candidates should view this as a baseline for negotiation and research the specific market conditions relevant to their location.