AmerisourceBergen Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

AmerisourceBergen is a global healthcare solutions leader dedicated to improving patient access and providing innovative solutions to the pharmaceutical supply chain.

As a Data Engineer at AmerisourceBergen, you will play a crucial role in designing, building, and maintaining robust data pipelines and architecture that support data analytics and business intelligence initiatives across the organization. Your key responsibilities will include working with large datasets to ensure data integrity, optimizing data processes for efficiency, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand their data needs. Strong proficiency in SQL, data modeling, ETL processes, and experience with cloud technologies will be essential for success in this role. Additionally, having a deep understanding of data governance and compliance regulations in the healthcare sector will make you an ideal candidate. Candidates who thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess strong problem-solving skills, and can communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders will find themselves well-aligned with AmerisourceBergen's values of collaboration and innovation.

This guide will help you prepare for the interview process by providing insights into the critical skills and experiences that will position you as a strong candidate for the Data Engineer role at AmerisourceBergen.

The interview process for a Data Engineer position at AmerisourceBergen is structured and typically spans several weeks, allowing candidates to showcase their technical skills and cultural fit within the organization.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with an initial phone screen, usually conducted by an HR representative or technical recruiter. This conversation typically lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to AmerisourceBergen. Expect to discuss your technical skills, particularly in data engineering, and how they align with the company's needs.

2. Technical Interviews

Following the initial screen, candidates usually participate in two technical interviews. These interviews may be conducted via video call or in person and are designed to assess your proficiency in relevant technologies, such as SQL, data architecture, and data processing frameworks. You may be asked to solve problems on the spot or discuss past projects in detail, demonstrating your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

3. Onsite Interviews

Candidates who successfully pass the technical interviews are typically invited for onsite interviews. This stage often includes multiple one-on-one interviews with team members, hiring managers, and possibly product owners. During these sessions, you will be asked a mix of behavioral and situational questions to evaluate your teamwork, adaptability, and how you handle challenges in a collaborative environment. You may also receive a tour of the facilities, providing insight into the work culture and team dynamics.

4. Final Interview and Offer

The final step in the interview process usually involves a wrap-up conversation with HR or senior leadership. This discussion may cover any remaining questions about your fit for the role and the company. If all goes well, you can expect to receive an offer shortly after this final interview, although communication timelines can vary.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will help the interviewers gauge your fit for the Data Engineer role at AmerisourceBergen.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at AmerisourceBergen typically involves multiple rounds, including an initial phone screen followed by in-person interviews with various team members. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Expect to engage with HR, hiring managers, and potential colleagues, which will give you a chance to showcase your technical skills and cultural fit.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral interviews are a significant part of the process. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, particularly how you've handled challenges, collaborated with teams, and adapted to different work styles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

As a Data Engineer, you will likely face technical questions related to SQL, data architecture, and possibly other programming languages or tools relevant to the role. Review your knowledge of SQL Server and be prepared to discuss your experience with data pipelines, ETL processes, and any relevant technologies. Practice articulating your thought process when solving technical problems, as interviewers may be interested in how you approach challenges.

Showcase Your Teamwork and Communication Skills

Given the collaborative nature of the role, emphasize your ability to work well with others. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight instances where you communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and business teams.

Research the Company Culture

AmerisourceBergen values a positive and cooperative work environment. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions about why you want to work there but also allow you to tailor your responses to align with the company’s culture. Show enthusiasm for their goals and how you can contribute to their success.

Be Ready for Questions About Your Fit

Expect questions that assess your fit for the role and the company. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in this position and how your background aligns with the company’s objectives. Reflect on your career goals and how they align with AmerisourceBergen’s mission, as this will demonstrate your long-term interest in the company.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is not only courteous but also reinforces your interest in the position. If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, consider following up with HR to inquire about your application status, as this shows your continued interest and professionalism.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate, increasing your chances of success in the interview process at AmerisourceBergen. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at AmerisourceBergen. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you can collaborate with team members. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data architecture, SQL, and your approach to handling complex data challenges.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain your experience with SQL and how you have used it in your previous roles?

This question aims to gauge your proficiency with SQL, which is crucial for a Data Engineer role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL, focusing on the complexity of the queries and the outcomes of your work.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL extensively to extract and manipulate data for reporting purposes. For instance, I developed complex queries to analyze customer behavior, which helped the marketing team tailor their campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement.”

2. Describe a data pipeline you have built. What challenges did you face?

This question assesses your hands-on experience with data engineering tasks.

How to Answer

Outline the architecture of the pipeline, the technologies used, and the specific challenges you encountered and overcame.

Example

“I built a data pipeline using Apache Kafka and Spark to process real-time data from various sources. One challenge was ensuring data consistency, which I addressed by implementing a robust error-handling mechanism that allowed for real-time monitoring and alerts.”

3. How do you ensure data quality in your projects?

Data quality is critical in data engineering, and this question evaluates your approach to maintaining it.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods and tools you use to validate and clean data, as well as any frameworks you follow.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at multiple stages of the data pipeline, using tools like Great Expectations. Additionally, I conduct regular audits and leverage automated testing to ensure data integrity and accuracy.”

4. What experience do you have with cloud platforms for data storage and processing?

This question focuses on your familiarity with cloud technologies, which are increasingly important in data engineering.

How to Answer

Mention specific cloud platforms you have worked with and the types of projects you completed using them.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS, particularly with S3 for data storage and Redshift for data warehousing. I migrated our on-premises data warehouse to AWS, which improved our query performance by 30%.”

5. Can you explain the concept of ETL and how you have implemented it?

Understanding ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes is fundamental for a Data Engineer.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of ETL and share a specific example of how you implemented it in a project.

Example

“ETL is the process of extracting data from various sources, transforming it into a suitable format, and loading it into a destination system. I implemented an ETL process using Talend to consolidate data from multiple databases into a centralized data warehouse, which streamlined our reporting capabilities.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting requirements from different stakeholders.

This question evaluates your ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.

How to Answer

Describe the situation, how you approached the conflict, and the resolution you achieved.

Example

“In a previous project, the marketing and sales teams had conflicting requirements for a data report. I facilitated a meeting to understand both perspectives and proposed a compromise that included key metrics for both teams, which ultimately satisfied both parties.”

2. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Trello to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I also regularly communicate with my team to ensure alignment on priorities.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

This question gauges your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a technology you learned and the steps you took to become proficient.

Example

“When I needed to learn Apache Airflow for a project, I dedicated time to online courses and hands-on practice. I also reached out to colleagues who had experience with it, which accelerated my learning process and allowed me to implement it successfully in our workflow.”

4. Can you give an example of a time you improved a process?

This question looks for evidence of your initiative and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Describe the process you improved, the steps you took, and the results of your actions.

Example

“I noticed that our data ingestion process was taking too long due to manual steps. I automated the process using Python scripts, which reduced the ingestion time by 50% and allowed the team to focus on more strategic tasks.”

5. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

This question assesses your ability to accept and learn from feedback.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you’ve used it to improve.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving constructive criticism on my presentation skills, I enrolled in a public speaking course, which significantly improved my ability to communicate complex data insights to stakeholders.”