Zscaler Data Engineer one candidate reports a HackerRank, recruiter call, and four technical conversations focused on SQL, Python, data engineering, system design, and resume discussion.
$150K
Avg. Base Comp
$219K
Avg. Total Comp
4 rounds
Typical Rounds
Not reported
Process Length
For the Zscaler Data Engineer interview, one candidate who received an offer described a sequence beginning with a HackerRank assessment, followed by a recruiter conversation and four technical interviews. SQL and Python preparation appears central: the assessment reportedly contained about four questions, split between SQL and Python, with mostly medium-difficulty problems and one SQL problem that may have been harder.
The hiring-manager discussion revisited assessment work and moved into data-engineering fundamentals, including SCD Type 2. A later conversation with a data scientist focused on the candidate's resume, so applicants should be able to explain their own project decisions and contributions clearly. The final two discussions, held together with a data engineering manager and director, reportedly returned to data-engineering questions while adding system design and SQL.
Prepare concrete explanations of normalization, slowly changing dimensions, and the tradeoffs behind your designs, alongside hands-on query and Python practice. Zscaler operates a cloud security platform, which can make clear thinking about reliable data systems a relevant professional backdrop. This guide reflects one reported candidate journey, so the exact sequence may vary.
Synthesized from 1 candidate report by our editorial team.
Had an interview recently?
Share your experience. Unlock the full guide.
Real interview reports from people who went through the Zscaler process.
Applied through a referral. The process included a HackerRank assessment and four technical interviews covering SQL, Python, system design, real-life data engineering issues, normalization, and related data engineering topics. The team was encouraging.
The HackerRank had about four questions: two SQL and two Python. Most were LeetCode-medium difficulty, with one SQL question possibly LeetCode-hard.
A recruiter call explained the next steps and compensation range. The hiring-manager interview was technical: it reviewed HackerRank questions and covered data-engineering topics including SCD Type 2. A data scientist asked resume-specific questions. The final two interviews were grouped with a data engineering manager and director, covering data-engineering topics, system design, and SQL.
Prep tip from this candidate
Practice timed SQL and Python problems, then be ready to explain SCD Type 2, normalization, system-design choices, and the projects on your resume.
Share your own interview experience to unlock all reports, or subscribe for full access.
Sourced from candidate reports and verified by our team.
Topics based on recent interview experiences.
Featured question at Zscaler
Select the 2nd highest salary in the engineering department
| Question | |
|---|---|
| String Subsequence | |
| Swapping Nodes | |
| SFTP Pipeline | |
| LRU Cache 1 | |
| Singly Linked List | |
| Empty Neighborhoods | |
| Merge Sorted Lists | |
| Rolling Bank Transactions | |
| Top Three Salaries | |
| Comments Histogram | |
| Closest SAT Scores | |
| Subscription Overlap | |
| Experiment Validity | |
| Download Facts | |
| Random SQL Sample | |
| String Shift | |
| Customer Orders | |
| Average Quantity | |
| Top 3 Users | |
| Last Transaction | |
| Manager Team Sizes | |
| Month Over Month | |
| Minimum Change | |
| Find the First Non-Repeating Character in a String | |
| Flight Records | |
| Prime to N | |
| Monthly Customer Report | |
| Paired Products | |
| Upsell Transactions |
Synthesized from candidate reports. Individual experiences may vary.
One candidate reported an assessment with roughly four questions: two SQL and two Python. Most were described as LeetCode-medium difficulty, with one SQL question possibly at a harder level.
The recruiter call was described as straightforward and covered the upcoming process and compensation bracket. Candidates may use this conversation to confirm logistics and role expectations.
The hiring manager reportedly reviewed the HackerRank questions, then asked technical data-engineering questions including SCD Type 2. Be prepared to explain both your solutions and underlying design choices.
A data scientist asked resume-specific questions. Candidates should be ready to discuss their projects, responsibilities, and the reasoning behind the work they list.
The candidate reported two final interviews grouped together with a data engineering manager and director. These conversations included data-engineering questions, system design, and SQL.
