Denso embedded interview prep

Roles they hire for

• Powertrain and thermal ECU software engineer
• Electrification software engineer

What they emphasise

• Powertrain, thermal and electrification ECUs
• AUTOSAR software
• Calibration and diagnostics

Brush up on

AUTOSARCalibration (XCP)Fixed-point controlUDSMISRA C

How the rounds usually run

A typical automotive supplier loop for embedded roles. Companies vary by team and seniority.

Written or online test

• Aptitude and logical reasoning
• C programming and core electronics
• Sometimes basic networking and OS

Example: What is the output of a signed and unsigned comparison in C, and why?

Technical 1: Embedded C and MCU basics

• Embedded C, pointers and memory
• Microcontroller peripherals and interrupts
• CAN fundamentals and your final-year or work project

Example: How does CAN arbitration work, and what happens on a bit error?

Technical 2: Automotive domain

• AUTOSAR layers, RTE and BSW
• UDS diagnostics and ISO-TP
• ISO 26262, MISRA and ASPICE awareness

Example: Where does a diagnostic request travel through the AUTOSAR stack, from CAN to the application?

Managerial or process round

• V-model and ASPICE work products
• Estimation, customer communication and reviews

Example: How do you handle a customer requirement that conflicts with a safety requirement?

HR

• Motivation, mobility and compensation

Example: Why automotive software?

Practice questions

Original questions written for Denso's focus areas, not leaked ones.

1. How does XCP calibration let engineers tune an ECU while it runs, and what are the risks?
2. Implement a rate limiter for a control output in fixed point.
3. How would you structure diagnostics for an inverter over-temperature fault?
4. Explain how you'd move a control algorithm from a Simulink model to verified C code.
5. What makes MISRA rule deviations acceptable, and how are they documented?

Your prep playlist

Design rounds to practise

Themes are inferred from Denso's public product lines.