Two Sigma Software Engineer interview questions

Application facilitated by a recruiting firm. Initially screened by HR representative over the phone. The next step was a timed coding test: two simple problems sent via email. Acceptable programming languages were Java, C++, and C. Solution had to be emailed back within two hours. Feedback on code test came within two or three days, and I was invited to an on-site interview. I had one-on-one interviews with five different people and was taken to lunch by two others. Altogether, the interviews lasted 8.5 hours. The interviews were primarily technical in nature. I was asked on multiple occasions to write Java code on a provided laptop. Interview topics included features and syntax of Java and C++, data structures and algorithms, UNIX commands, databases, concurrency, software design. No brain teasers. Everybody that I interacted with was first class; there was no condescension, smugness, or rudeness of any kind. Everyone seemed extremely intelligent, highly competent, and laid-back. I received notice of their decision within a couple of days after the interview. I believe they are an outstanding company and will be highly successful for years to come. I was disappointed not to receive an offer.

The process first starts with a two hour code test. They should both be pretty doable if you use Java and think through the problem. The next stage is an on-site interview. I'm not too sure who everyone else has been interviewing with but my experience was pretty positive. I met with two engineers who asked me some simple interview questions and about my past experience. I didn't do too well and could tell when I was told I was done for the day. Overall though, everyone was pretty courteous.