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Goldman Sachs Java Backend Developer Interview Experience

Java Backend Developer

Goldman Sachs
April 1, 2026
12 Questions
Selected

Summary

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The interview process at Goldman Sachs consisted of five rounds, focusing on diverse topics including data structures, core Java concepts, system design, and behavioral questions. Candidates faced coding challenges in the first two rounds, followed by system design discussions and HR conversations. Overall, the interview experience was moderately challenging, emphasizing technical prowess and the ability to articulate complex concepts.

1

ROUND 1

#1

Validate Custom Expression

Validate a custom expression containing '{', '}', and '*' where '*' can act as '{', '}', or empty. Check if it is balanced.
expression-parsing
stack
java
Medium
#2

Find K Most Frequent Words

Find the K most frequent words in a list, sorted by frequency and lexicographical order.
frequency-analysis
sorting
java
Medium
2

ROUND 2

#1

Reverse Linked List in Pairs

Reverse a linked list in pairs. For example, given the input 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5, the output should be 2 → 1 → 4 → 3 → 5.
linked-list
java
Medium
#2

Core Java Concepts Explanation

Explain the following core Java concepts: == vs equals(), the internal workings of HashMap, collision handling (LinkedList vs Tree in Java 8+), load factor (0.75), Java Memory Model, thread safety, and concurrency.
java
hashmap
thread-safety
Medium
3

ROUND 3

#1

Design a Rate Limiter

Design a rate limiter that allows a maximum of 5 requests per user per minute.
system-design
rate-limiter
Medium
#2

Spring Boot Deep Dive

Discuss the differences between @Component, @Service, and @Repository in Spring Boot. Explain bean scopes & lifecycle, the startup process, and the internals of @Transactional along with potential pitfalls.
spring-boot
java
Medium
4

ROUND 4

#1

SQL Query Optimization Techniques

Briefly explain various SQL query optimization techniques, including indexing, avoiding SELECT *, using EXPLAIN, denormalization, and slow query analysis.
sql
optimization
Medium
#2

API Gateway Authentication & Security

Discuss the differences between OAuth and JWT for API Gateway authentication and security. Cover topics like token expiration, JWT invalidation, and the refresh token flow.
api-security
oauth
jwt
Medium
5

ROUND 5

#1

Motivation for Joining Goldman Sachs

Why do you want to work at Goldman Sachs?
behavioral
Easy
#2

Handling Pressure and Deadlines

How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines in your work?
behavioral
Easy
#3

Experience with Global Teams

Describe your experience working with global teams.
behavioral
Easy
#4

Career Growth Plans

What are your career growth plans?
behavioral
Easy
data-structuresjavasystem-designsqlapi-securitygoldman-sachs
A

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