Software Developer Interview Experience - New York, New York
Process
This was a pretty standard prop trading/software development interview. D.E. Shaw focuses on Java over C/C++ more than you might expect.
The interview included a fun brain-teaser exercise about lights.
A relatively good grasp of the standard material won't cut it. Be ready to talk about your accomplishments and pack as much impressive material as possible into your 45-minute phone screen.
Questions
You are in a room with 100 lights, initially all off. If you first toggle every light, then every second, and so forth up to 100, which lights will be on at the end?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 6 interview experiences for the D. E. Shaw Software Developer role in New York, New York.
Success Rate
D. E. Shaw's interview process for their Software Developer roles in New York, New York is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for D. E. Shaw's Software Developer interview process in New York, New York.
D. E. Shaw Work Experiences
- 4.0Bunch of smart folksSoftware Developer • Former EmployeeApril 12, 2014Pros: This place has a bunch of really smart folks. They take really good care of their employees. Honest, sincere effort are rewarded quite well.Cons: By taking really good care of employees, they make it difficult for employees to quit. This makes it challenging when we want folks to move on. They keep clinging on, which is neither good for them nor the company.
- 2.0Easy Promotion, Low TalentSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeNew York, New York, United StatesSeptember 20, 2025Pros: Good pay, great WLB (3 days in office). Very easy to move up and do well.Cons: The engineering talent bar seems rather low, especially when working with the other offices.
- 5.0Great Company, High ExpectationsEngineering Manager • Current EmployeeNew York, New York, United StatesOctober 14, 2024Pros: 1. Great company to work for. 2. Great perks.Cons: Sometimes expectations are very high.
D. E. Shaw Interview Questions
