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Wayfair· Backend Engineer

Wayfair Interview Experience 2026

Experience
3.5 years
Posted
26 Feb 2026
329 reads

Summary

I had an interview experience with Wayfair for a Backend Engineer role, which included an online assessment and a machine coding round. I cleared the OA but was rejected after the machine coding round, where I had to implement a cargo cost calculation system.

How it went

YOE: 3.5 Years Role: Backend Engineer

⸻

🟢 Round 1: Online Assessment (HackerRank) • Received a HackerRank link. • There were 2 DSA questions (LeetCode Medium–Hard level). • I was able to solve both within the given time.

Outcome: Cleared the round.

After 2 days, I received a call from the recruiter confirming the next round. There was some delay in scheduling due to slot availability.

⸻

🔴 Round 2: Machine Coding Round (40 mins)

There was a technical issue on my system initially, and the first 10 minutes were spent resolving it. The interview started with some delay.

Problem Statement:

Given a list of packages with: • Weight • Height • Width • Length • Distance

We had to calculate: • Transport Charges • Service Charges • Overall Cargo Cost

Charges were based on package type: • Standard Transport: 0.5 × Volume Service: 0.5 × Weight + 0.5 × Distance • Hazardous Transport: 0.75 × Volume Service: 0.75 × Weight + 0.75 × Distance • Fragile Transport: 0.625 × Volume Service: 0.625 × Weight + 0.625 × Distance

Volume = Height × Width × Length

We were given interfaces for package and shipment, and asked to implement the calculation logic, insert/remove packages, and compute total costs for the cargo.

The time limit was 40 minutes.

⸻

My Approach • Started by defining POJOs and basic structure. • Used Strategy Design Pattern to calculate charges based on package type. • Implemented core logic but could not complete the entire solution within the time limit. • Initial delay and spending extra time defining structure affected completion.

I felt I could have coded it faster with better time management.

⸻

❌ Verdict: Rejected

⸻

📌 Key Learnings • Machine coding rounds require speed + clarity. • Avoid over-engineering; focus on working solution first. • Time management is critical. • Handle unexpected technical issues calmly and adjust quickly.

Questions asked (1)

  1. 01

    Cargo Cost Calculation System

    System Design · Hard

    Given a list of packages with Weight, Height, Width, Length, and Distance, I had to calculate Transport Charges, Service Charges, and Overall Cargo Cost. Charges were based on package type (Standard, Hazardous, Fragile) with specific formulas:

    Standard

    • Transport: 0.5 × Volume
    • Service: 0.5 × Weight + 0.5 × Distance

    Hazardous

    • Transport: 0.75 × Volume
    • Service: 0.75 × Weight + 0.75 × Distance

    Fragile

    • Transport: 0.625 × Volume
    • Service: 0.625 × Weight + 0.625 × Distance

    Volume = Height × Width × Length.

    I was given interfaces for package and shipment and asked to implement the calculation logic, insert/remove packages, and compute total costs for the cargo within a 40-minute time limit.

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