Process
After sending in my resume, I received an email with a brief introduction to the company. I then received another email asking me to complete two programming questions on my own time as part of a technical interview.
Questions
The first question involved storing and sorting lists of translated words.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 47 interview experiences for the Duolingo Software Engineer role in United States.
Success Rate
11%
Pass Rate
Duolingo's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in the United States is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Positive49%
Neutral34%
Negative17%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Duolingo's Software Engineer interview process in United States.
Duolingo Work Experiences
4.0
Great culture and leadership, but frequent changes disrupt work
Software Engineer • Current Employee
New York, NY
June 21, 2026
Pros: The culture, mission, and leadership are great. The company rewards impact, and there are friendly coworkers.
Cons: There were a lot of frequent top-down changes and directives.
5.0
Amazing culture. Hopefully that stays
Software Engineer • Current Employee
March 20, 2026
Pros: - Great culture and emphasis on collaboration and having fun.
- Made several lifelong friends here.
- Post-IPO stock gains were great while they lasted.
- The CEO is smart and still in 'founder mode'.
- It's fun to work on problems in education for a brand that people love.
Cons: - Compensation is 80% of what you would get at Google or Facebook. The company is relying on its feel-good mission and stock growth to make up for the remaining 20%. The recent stock price crash has made this worse. HR had better act soon before the best talent leaves.
- We're hiring more people, but the scope of work for each person seems to be getting smaller over time.
- Pittsburgh is a great city to live in, but it limits your career opportunities if you want to switch companies.
5.0
So far so good
Software Engineer • Current Employee
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
December 13, 2020
Pros: Focus on employee wellness with various benefits and preventing burnout.
Special trips, care packages, etc.
Virtually no deadlines ever.
Cons: Metrics-based teams mean lots of cross-platform development.
- 4.0Great culture and leadership, but frequent changes disrupt workSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeNew York, NYJune 21, 2026Pros: The culture, mission, and leadership are great. The company rewards impact, and there are friendly coworkers.Cons: There were a lot of frequent top-down changes and directives.
- 5.0Amazing culture. Hopefully that staysSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeMarch 20, 2026Pros: - Great culture and emphasis on collaboration and having fun. - Made several lifelong friends here. - Post-IPO stock gains were great while they lasted. - The CEO is smart and still in 'founder mode'. - It's fun to work on problems in education for a brand that people love.Cons: - Compensation is 80% of what you would get at Google or Facebook. The company is relying on its feel-good mission and stock growth to make up for the remaining 20%. The recent stock price crash has made this worse. HR had better act soon before the best talent leaves. - We're hiring more people, but the scope of work for each person seems to be getting smaller over time. - Pittsburgh is a great city to live in, but it limits your career opportunities if you want to switch companies.
- 5.0So far so goodSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeePittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United StatesDecember 13, 2020Pros: Focus on employee wellness with various benefits and preventing burnout. Special trips, care packages, etc. Virtually no deadlines ever.Cons: Metrics-based teams mean lots of cross-platform development.
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