RHP Properties Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions represent the core competencies and technical expectations for the Software Engineer role. Use these to identify patterns in how you approach system design, legacy code maintenance, and cross-functional communication.

Technical Proficiency & PHP Development

• These questions assess your depth in the primary tech stack and your ability to maintain enterprise-grade applications.

• How do you approach upgrading a legacy PHP application while maintaining business continuity?
• Describe your experience with Laravel or similar MVC frameworks in an enterprise environment.

Preparation for RHP Properties should focus on demonstrating your ability to balance "keeping the lights on" for legacy systems while simultaneously driving modernization. You should be prepared to discuss your technical decisions in the context of business value.

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate deep expertise in PHP and SQL Server. Interviewers will look for your ability to explain not just how you write code, but how you maintain, secure, and scale it within an enterprise ecosystem.

Problem-Solving Ability – You will be evaluated on your methodical approach to debugging and system modernization. Be ready to explain your logic when faced with a production issue or a legacy codebase that requires refactoring.

Communication & Stakeholder Management – Because this role interacts with various internal departments, your ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical partners is critical. Show that you can listen to business requirements and translate them into efficient, scalable technical solutions.

The interview process at RHP Properties is designed to evaluate both your technical mastery and your ability to contribute to a collaborative, Agile-driven team. You should expect a rigorous assessment of your coding background, specifically regarding PHP and database management, as well as your experience with the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

The process typically emphasizes practical application over abstract theory. You will likely engage with both technical leads and potentially cross-functional partners to ensure you can deliver value across the organization. The pace is steady, reflecting the professional and results-oriented environment of our Farmington Hills headquarters.

This timeline outlines the typical progression from initial screening to technical evaluation and final interviews. Use this to structure your study time, focusing on your PHP and SQL proficiency early, while preparing your "stories" for behavioral rounds as you move closer to the final stages.

Modernization & Legacy Systems

• We prioritize engineers who can navigate the complexities of legacy code while implementing modern solutions.

• Modernization strategy – How you plan and execute upgrades without disrupting business.
• Technical debt – Identifying and prioritizing areas for refactoring.
• Stability – Ensuring performance during and after transitions.

AI-Assisted Engineering

• We are committed to utilizing modern tools to increase productivity.

• Tooling – Experience with GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or Claude Code.
• Validation – Your process for testing and securing AI-generated code.
• Best practices – How you integrate these tools into an Agile workflow.

Integration & Data Management

• Your ability to connect disparate systems is essential for our operational platform.

• API Development – Building secure, scalable endpoints.
• SQL Optimization – Ensuring database efficiency.
• Third-party integrations – Managing connectivity with external vendors.

As a Software Engineer, you will operate at the center of our digital operations. You will spend a significant portion of your time maintaining and enhancing PHP-based enterprise applications. This involves not only writing new features but also proactively modernizing legacy systems to ensure they remain secure and performant.

You will work closely with internal teams to gather requirements for business applications used in areas like finance and resident services. Using JIRA and Agile methodologies, you will manage your project pipeline, ensuring that code reviews, testing, and deployments are handled with high standards. Collaboration is key; you will frequently translate the needs of non-technical stakeholders into functional, responsive web solutions that improve the daily operations of RHP Properties.

A strong candidate for this role possesses a blend of deep technical skill and the professional maturity to handle enterprise-level responsibilities.

• Must-have skills:

• 4+ years of professional software development experience.

• Strong proficiency in PHP and Laravel (or similar MVC frameworks).

• Deep knowledge of SQL Server and relational database design.

• Proven experience with REST APIs and system integrations.

• Understanding of the SDLC and Agile workflows.

• Nice-to-have skills:

• Proficiency in Python for scripting or AI-related tasks.

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and cloud technologies.

• Background in property management or enterprise-scale operational software.

• Experience mentoring junior developers.

Q: How much time should I dedicate to preparing for the technical portion? A: Given the importance of PHP and SQL in our stack, we recommend reviewing your experience with enterprise-level debugging and database optimization. If you have experience with AI-assisted coding, be ready to discuss your workflow in detail.

Q: Is this a fully remote position? A: The role is based in Farmington Hills, MI. Please confirm current location and hybrid expectations with your recruiter during the initial screening.

Q: What differentiates a top-tier candidate here? A: Beyond technical skill, we look for candidates who demonstrate a proactive mindset toward modernization and a clear ability to communicate technical trade-offs to business stakeholders.

Q: How long does the hiring process typically take? A: While timelines vary based on team needs, we aim for a streamlined process. You can generally expect the process to move from initial screen to final decision over the course of a few weeks.

• Highlight your impact: When discussing past projects, focus on the business outcome—did your code improve performance, reduce downtime, or simplify a user workflow?
• Be ready for "Why RHP?": Research our footprint in the manufactured home community space; showing an understanding of our business model goes a long way.
• Showcase your AI literacy: If you have used modern AI tools to accelerate your development, be prepared to explain your process for validating that code.
• Bring your own questions: Use the interview to ask about the team's current technical challenges; it shows you are already thinking about how to add value.

The Software Engineer role at RHP Properties offers a unique opportunity to apply modern development practices to a stable, large-scale enterprise environment. By focusing on your PHP proficiency, your ability to manage complex integrations, and your commitment to high-quality SDLC practices, you will be well-positioned to succeed in the interview process.

Remember that we value engineers who can bridge the gap between technical complexity and business utility. For more detailed insights, practice questions, and strategic preparation resources, you can explore Dataford to further sharpen your approach.

The provided salary data reflects the market range for this position in the Farmington Hills area. Candidates should interpret these figures as the base compensation window, which may be adjusted based on the depth of your relevant experience, technical expertise, and specific project background.