HCLTech ER&D embedded interview prep

Roles they hire for

• Semiconductor software engineer
• BSP and silicon validation engineer

What they emphasise

• Semiconductor and device engineering
• BSPs
• Silicon validation

Brush up on

Linux BSPDevice driversPre-silicon validationPython test automationJTAG

How the rounds usually run

A typical engineering services loop for embedded roles. Companies vary by team and seniority.

Online test

• Aptitude and reasoning
• C programming, electronics and OS basics

Example: What does sizeof return for a struct with a char, an int and a char, and why?

Technical 1: C and fundamentals

• Pointers, memory, data structures in C
• Your projects and the tools you used

Example: Reverse a singly linked list in place.

Technical 2: Domain for the project

• Depends on the project: AUTOSAR, Linux drivers, RTOS or protocols
• Scenario questions from real client work

Example: Explain how you'd add a new peripheral driver in the stack you know best.

Client interview (for project roles)

• The client's own technical screen for their programme
• Communication and ownership

Example: Explain your last module's design to someone who didn't build it.

HR

• Notice period, location and compensation

Example: Are you open to onsite assignments?

Practice questions

Original questions written for HCLTech ER&D's focus areas, not leaked ones.

1. How do you write a test plan for a new SPI controller IP?
2. Walk through bringing up U-Boot on a new board.
3. How would you automate driver regression tests across several boards?
4. What do you check first when a peripheral works in simulation but not on silicon?
5. Explain how JTAG helps when a board won't boot at all.

Your prep playlist

Design rounds to practise

Themes are inferred from HCLTech ER&D's public product lines.