City of Seattle Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The City of Seattle is a community-centered utility provider committed to delivering essential services to its residents, including water, drainage, and waste management.

As a Data Engineer at Seattle Public Utilities, you will play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the operational efficiency of the Drainage & Wastewater System Maintenance division. This position involves developing, managing, and supporting data analytical products that inform business processes vital for effective service delivery. You will utilize a range of technologies to analyze data from operational IT systems, thereby improving processes and increasing efficiency.

Key responsibilities include building data dashboards connected to multiple data streams to track operations metrics, providing technical support to staff using various data systems, and managing large IT projects that require collaboration across diverse teams. Successful candidates should possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in SQL and data analysis tools, and a commitment to equitable service delivery that aligns with the City’s values of diversity and inclusion.

This guide is designed to help you prepare for your interview by focusing on the critical skills and experiences necessary for success in this role. With a clear understanding of what the City of Seattle values in its employees, you will be better equipped to demonstrate your fit for the position.

The interview process for a Data Engineer position at the City of Seattle is structured and involves multiple stages to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of candidates.

1. Application and Initial Screening

Candidates begin by submitting their applications online, which includes pasting their resumes into a designated form. After a formal closing date for applications, the HR team reviews submissions and reaches out to selected candidates for an initial screening. This screening typically involves a brief phone interview where candidates discuss their background, motivations for applying, and alignment with the City’s values.

2. Panel Interviews

The next stage consists of one or more panel interviews, which are conducted either over video conferencing platforms like Webex or in person. These panels usually include a mix of staff from various departments, including HR, technical teams, and management. Candidates receive a list of questions shortly before the interview, allowing them to prepare their responses. The questions often follow the STAR format, focusing on behavioral aspects, technical expertise, and situational problem-solving.

3. Technical Assessment

Following the panel interviews, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a written test that evaluates their proficiency in relevant technologies and methodologies, such as SQL, data analysis, and operational data systems. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical skills and provide specific examples of past projects or experiences.

4. Final Interview

The final interview typically involves a meeting with higher-level management or department heads. This stage is more focused on assessing the candidate's fit within the team and their alignment with the City’s mission and values. Questions may delve into the candidate's long-term career goals, their approach to equity in service delivery, and how they would contribute to the organization’s objectives.

5. Reference Check and Offer

After the final interview, the City of Seattle conducts reference checks, which may include contacting previous supervisors. Candidates can expect to receive a formal offer or rejection notice within a few days following the reference check.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during this process.

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

Prepare for a Panel Format

Expect to face a panel interview, which may include a mix of individuals from different departments. Familiarize yourself with the potential roles of your interviewers, as they may come from technical, HR, or operational backgrounds. This will help you tailor your responses to their perspectives and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across various functions.

Master the STAR Method

Given the emphasis on behavioral questions, practice the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Prepare specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability, particularly in data engineering contexts. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles, especially those that required collaboration with diverse teams.

Emphasize Technical Proficiency

As a Data Engineer, you will need to showcase your technical skills, particularly in SQL and data analysis tools. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data systems like Maximo, Data Splice, and other relevant technologies. You may also encounter technical questions or a written test, so brush up on your SQL queries and data manipulation techniques.

Understand the Company’s Values

The City of Seattle places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with the city’s commitment to social justice and community service. Reflect on your experiences working with diverse groups and how you can contribute to an inclusive workplace.

Be Ready for Unconventional Questions

Interviews may include unexpected or philosophical questions. Stay calm and think critically about your responses. These questions may be designed to assess your cultural fit and alignment with the city’s values, so approach them thoughtfully and authentically.

Communicate Your Career Goals

Articulate how the Data Engineer role aligns with your long-term career aspirations. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also demonstrates your commitment to growth within the organization. Be specific about what you hope to learn and achieve in this role.

Follow Up with Questions

Prepare insightful questions to ask your interviewers. This demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the city measures success in its data initiatives. This will also give you a clearer picture of the work environment and expectations.

Stay Authentic and Engaged

Throughout the interview, maintain a personable demeanor. The City of Seattle values a collaborative and community-oriented approach, so let your passion for public service and data engineering shine through. Engage with your interviewers, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to their questions.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to navigate the interview process and showcase your qualifications for the Data Engineer role at the City of Seattle. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at the City of Seattle. The interview process will likely focus on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the city’s values, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data systems, your approach to project management, and how you can contribute to the city’s mission.

Technical Skills

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

This question assesses your technical proficiency with SQL, which is crucial for data manipulation and analysis.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL to extract, transform, and load data. Highlight any complex queries you wrote and the impact they had on the project.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL to create a data warehouse that consolidated information from various sources. I wrote complex queries to generate reports that helped the management team make data-driven decisions, ultimately improving operational efficiency by 20%.”

2. How do you approach troubleshooting issues in data systems?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and your ability to maintain data integrity.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues, including any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“When troubleshooting data issues, I first replicate the problem to understand its scope. I then analyze logs and data flows to pinpoint the source of the issue. For instance, I once resolved a data discrepancy by tracing it back to an incorrect ETL process, which I then corrected to ensure data accuracy.”

3. Describe a project where you built a data dashboard. What tools did you use?

This question focuses on your experience with data visualization and reporting tools.

How to Answer

Mention the tools you used, the data sources you integrated, and how the dashboard was utilized by stakeholders.

Example

“I built a dashboard using Tableau that visualized key performance metrics for our operations team. By connecting it to our SQL database, I was able to provide real-time insights that helped the team track productivity and identify areas for improvement.”

4. What experience do you have with data integration tools?

This question assesses your familiarity with tools that facilitate data integration and management.

How to Answer

Discuss specific tools you have used and how they contributed to your data engineering tasks.

Example

“I have experience using Apache Kafka for real-time data integration. In a recent project, I set up a Kafka pipeline to stream data from various sources into our data lake, which improved our data processing speed and allowed for more timely analytics.”

5. How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your work?

This question evaluates your commitment to maintaining high standards in data management.

How to Answer

Explain the processes you implement to validate and clean data, as well as any tools you use.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at multiple stages of the data pipeline. For instance, I use Python scripts to automate data cleaning processes, ensuring that only high-quality data enters our systems. This has significantly reduced errors in our reporting.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a diverse team. How did you ensure effective collaboration?

This question assesses your ability to work in diverse environments, which is important to the City of Seattle.

How to Answer

Share an example that highlights your communication skills and your approach to fostering inclusivity.

Example

“In a previous project, I worked with a team from various cultural backgrounds. I organized regular check-ins to ensure everyone felt comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives. This not only improved team cohesion but also led to innovative solutions that we might not have considered otherwise.”

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and competing priorities?

This question evaluates your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing workload and meeting deadlines, including any tools you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. For example, during a recent project, I used project management software to track deadlines and allocate resources effectively, which allowed us to deliver the project on time despite several competing priorities.”

3. Can you give an example of a challenging problem you faced at work and how you resolved it?

This question assesses your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to structure your response, focusing on the situation, task, action, and result.

Example

“In my last role, we faced a significant data loss due to a system failure. I quickly assembled a team to assess the situation and implemented a recovery plan that involved restoring backups and improving our data redundancy protocols. As a result, we were able to recover 95% of the lost data and prevent future occurrences.”

4. Why do you want to work for the City of Seattle?

This question gauges your motivation and alignment with the city’s values.

How to Answer

Express your passion for public service and how your values align with the city’s mission.

Example

“I am drawn to the City of Seattle because of its commitment to equity and community service. I believe that my skills in data engineering can contribute to improving public services and making a positive impact on the community.”

5. How do you ensure that your work aligns with the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion?

This question evaluates your understanding and commitment to DEI principles.

How to Answer

Discuss specific actions you take to promote DEI in your work and interactions.

Example

“I actively seek diverse perspectives when working on projects. I make it a point to include team members from various backgrounds in discussions, ensuring that all voices are heard. This approach not only enriches our work but also aligns with the City’s values of inclusivity.”