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Updated weekly · Last refresh Sep 21

Caltech (California) Software Engineer Interview Questions

The questions to prepare for a Caltech (California) Software Engineer interview. Questions from real interview reports rank first. Updated daily.

25questions
~4htotal time
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1
CodingStart here. 9 questions · ~86 min
Implement Binary Search AlgorithmEasy
Practice

Write a binary search function to find a target value in a sorted array.

SearchingCaltech (California)
Linked List ReversalEasy
Practice

Reverse a singly linked list in-place using iterative pointer manipulation.

RecursionLinked ListsArraysCaltech (California)
Optimizing Sorting for Large DatasetsMedium

Explain how to choose and optimize sorting approaches for large datasets based on memory, data distribution, and stability requirements.

ArraysSortingGreedyCaltech (California)
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2
Execution7 questions · ~67 min
Ensure Distributed Data ConsistencyHard

Define an execution approach for maintaining data consistency across distributed systems while balancing delivery speed, risk, and operational resilience.

InfrastructureTrade-offsRisk AssessmentCaltech (California)
NUMA for VM PlacementHard

Tests systems knowledge around CPU/memory locality and performance optimization.

Trade-offsRisk AssessmentScope ManagementCaltech (California)
Real-Time Chat ArchitectureHard

Tests your ability to design scalable real-time systems with low latency and reliability.

Trade-offsRoadmappingRisk AssessmentCaltech (California)
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3
Behavioral & Leadership8 questions · ~76 min
Raising Team Code QualityEasy

Tests how an engineering manager improves code quality and maintainability through ownership, communication, and team standards.

CommunicationLeadershipOwnershipCaltech (California)
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4
More topics1 question · ~10 min
Handling Missing ValuesMedium

Tests data cleaning decisions and analytical impact of missingness.

Data WranglingCase WhenAggregationsCaltech (California)
Hands-on SQL practiceWrite and run real queries in the editor. 3 drills · ~30 min
Running Average With Window FunctionsEasy
Practice
Practice drill

Calculate each Hinge user's 30-day rolling average of daily interactions using CTEs and window functions.

Window FunctionsData AnalysissqlHingeCCatalyst Operations & AnalyticsAAlight Solutions
Database Trade-Offs for DetectionHard
Practice
Practice drill

Compare financial crime detection architectures using joined run metrics, aggregates, NULL handling, and ordered performance results.

fraud detectionTrade-offsdistributed databasesDeloitte
Detect Consecutive Losing StreaksMedium
Practice
Practice drill

Identify bet365 users with consecutive losing bets above a risk threshold using ordered streak grouping.

abuse trackingData Manipulationsql querybet365
The finish line: interview-readyComplete all 25 questions plus 3 hands-on drills to finish this plan.