Process
Received an OA before the first interview.
In the interview, we briefly went through my related experience, and I was asked some typical data structure and algorithm questions.
Did not move forward as the interviewer preferred candidates with a different background.
Questions
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Explain heap vs. stack.
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How to profile software performance.
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A few coding problems from LeetCode/HackerRank.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 126 interview experiences for the Citadel Software Engineer role in United States.
Success Rate
6%
Pass Rate
Citadel's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in the United States is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Positive37%
Neutral44%
Negative20%
Candidates reported having good feelings for Citadel's Software Engineer interview process in United States.
Citadel Work Experiences
2.0
Awful work-life balance, pay stagnates
Software Engineer • Current Employee
New York, New York, United States
September 14, 2022
Pros: Good pay compared to FAANG, though less than other firms in the industry.
Cons: Awful work-life balance. Most people work 55+ hours, and many work over 70.
The bonus goes into Ken's pocket, and compensation tends to stagnate over time.
5.0
Nice People, Hard Work
Software Engineer • Current Employee
Jacksonville, North Carolina, United States
July 13, 2021
Pros: They’re very nice at this place.
Cons: It’s hard working at this place.
3.0
Trading Technology aligned
Software Engineer • Former Employee
September 19, 2025
Pros: Budgets for technology are substantial. If you need the fastest hardware, proprietary tooling, or specialized infrastructure, Citadel won’t cut corners.
Cons: Unlike a tech company where you might prototype products with more creative freedom, Citadel’s projects are tightly aligned to trading and business goals.
Priorities can shift fast if markets demand it.
- 2.0Awful work-life balance, pay stagnatesSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeNew York, New York, United StatesSeptember 14, 2022Pros: Good pay compared to FAANG, though less than other firms in the industry.Cons: Awful work-life balance. Most people work 55+ hours, and many work over 70. The bonus goes into Ken's pocket, and compensation tends to stagnate over time.
- 5.0Nice People, Hard WorkSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeJacksonville, North Carolina, United StatesJuly 13, 2021Pros: They’re very nice at this place.Cons: It’s hard working at this place.
- 3.0Trading Technology alignedSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeSeptember 19, 2025Pros: Budgets for technology are substantial. If you need the fastest hardware, proprietary tooling, or specialized infrastructure, Citadel won’t cut corners.Cons: Unlike a tech company where you might prototype products with more creative freedom, Citadel’s projects are tightly aligned to trading and business goals. Priorities can shift fast if markets demand it.
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