Petrofac · Technology

Petrofac Software Engineer Interview

Complete guide to the Software Engineer interview at Petrofac — real questions, insider tips, salary data, and stage-by-stage preparation.

5-7 weeks from application to offer

5 stages

14 questions

Practise this interview free

Overview

Interviewing for Software Engineer at Petrofac

Interviewing for a Software Engineer position at Petrofac is a distinct experience from applying to the same role elsewhere. Petrofac with 14,000 employees, has built a structured hiring process that reflects both the demands of the Software Engineer role and the company's own values and culture. The process is designed to assess not just whether you can do the job technically, but whether you'll thrive in Petrofac's specific working environment.

For Software Engineers specifically, Petrofac tends to emphasise practical problem-solving and technical depth alongside cultural fit. You should expect a process that tests your ability to work with tools like JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure) in realistic scenarios, not just abstract theory. The interviewers are typically people you'd be working with directly, so the conversation goes both ways — they're evaluating you, but you're also getting a genuine sense of the team and day-to-day work.

Understanding what Petrofac values — and how that translates into their interview expectations for a Software Engineer — gives you a significant advantage. This guide breaks down the full process, the specific questions you're likely to face, and how to prepare effectively.

Process

How Petrofac interviews Software Engineers

Petrofac's interview process for Software Engineer roles typically runs 5-7 weeks and involves 5 distinct stages. The process begins with application and progresses through increasingly focused assessments. Each stage is designed to evaluate different aspects of your suitability — from baseline qualifications through to cultural alignment and role-specific capability.

For Software Engineer candidates specifically, expect the technical stages to focus on your hands-on ability with JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), SQL and database design. Petrofac typically includes a practical assessment — this could be a coding challenge, a system design discussion, or a technical case study depending on the seniority level. The behavioural stages will probe your collaboration style and how you handle ambiguity, since Software Engineers at Petrofac work across teams regularly.

Application

Submit CV and application.

Tailor your application specifically for the Software Engineer role at Petrofac. Highlight experience with JavaScript/TypeScript, Python or Java, Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure) and use language that mirrors their job description. Petrofac receives high volumes of applications, so a generic CV will be filtered out.

Screening

Initial recruiter call.

Assessment

Technical assessment if required.

Prepare concrete examples of your Software Engineer work. Be ready to solve problems live — talk through your reasoning, consider edge cases, and demonstrate how you'd use JavaScript/TypeScript and Python or Java.

Interviews

Manager and senior manager interviews.

Research Petrofac's approach to this stage. Prepare specific examples from your Software Engineer experience that demonstrate the qualities they value: technical excellence, sustainability commitment, safety culture.

Offer

Final offer discussion.

Format

Interview format and logistics

Petrofac typically conducts Software Engineer interviews through a mix of video calls and on-site sessions. Early stages (recruiter screen, initial technical) are usually remote via video conferencing, while later rounds — particularly system design discussions or pair programming — often happen in person at their London, UK office. Expect 45-60 minute slots for technical rounds and 30-minute sessions for behavioural or cultural fit conversations. Petrofac usually assigns a recruitment coordinator who manages scheduling across all stages, so you'll have a single point of contact throughout.

Qualities

What Petrofac looks for in Software Engineers

Technical Excellence

Petrofac values technical excellence because Strong technical knowledge in relevant discipline..

For the Software Engineer role, show this by sharing examples where you used JavaScript/TypeScript or Python or Java to deliver measurable results.

Sustainability Commitment

Petrofac values sustainability commitment because Genuine commitment to clean energy transition..

For the Software Engineer role, show this by sharing examples where you used JavaScript/TypeScript or Python or Java to deliver measurable results.

Safety Culture

Petrofac values safety culture because Unwavering commitment to safety..

For the Software Engineer role, show this by sharing examples where you used JavaScript/TypeScript or Python or Java to deliver measurable results.

Problem-Solving

Petrofac values problem-solving because Ability to solve complex challenges pragmatically..

As a Software Engineer, demonstrate this through Can you break down complex technical problems methodically? Interviewers want to see structured thinking — not just the right answer, but how you get there..

Problem-solving under pressure

For Software Engineer roles specifically, problem-solving under pressure is essential because Can you break down complex technical problems methodically? Interviewers want to see structured thinking — not just the right answer, but how you get there..

Prepare 2-3 examples from your experience that clearly demonstrate problem-solving under pressure. Petrofac's interviewers will probe this in behavioural questions.

Questions