ConocoPhillips Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

ConocoPhillips is one of the world's largest independent exploration and production companies, committed to safely delivering energy across the globe.

As a Data Engineer at ConocoPhillips, you will play a crucial role within the Applied Digital Technology team by building and maintaining data and machine learning model pipelines. Your key responsibilities will include developing, testing, and managing data pipelines, as well as integrating and preparing large datasets, including time series data. You will collaborate closely with engineers, data scientists, and IT teams to ensure the reliability and efficiency of data used for analytics. This role demands a strong technical focus, practical analytical experience, and excellent communication skills.

To excel at ConocoPhillips, a great fit for this position will demonstrate a deep understanding of SQL and algorithms, alongside proficiency in Python for data manipulation and analysis. An ability to work within cross-functional teams while adhering to the company’s core values—safety, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork—will be essential. Your experience in developing ETL/ELT pipelines and familiarity with CI/CD processes will further enhance your candidacy.

This guide will assist you in preparing effectively for your interview, helping you articulate your experience and skills while aligning with ConocoPhillips’ values and expectations for the Data Engineer role.

The interview process for a Data Engineer at ConocoPhillips is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several structured rounds, focusing on behavioral and technical competencies.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is often conducted via a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation serves to gauge your interest in the role and the company, as well as to discuss your background and experiences. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and values, ensuring that you align with ConocoPhillips' SPIRIT values of safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.

2. Behavioral Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in one or more behavioral interviews. These interviews are typically conducted by a panel that may include HR representatives and technical team members. Expect to answer questions that explore your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle challenges in a team setting. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is often encouraged to structure your responses effectively.

3. Technical Assessment

Candidates may then undergo a technical assessment, which can be conducted either over the phone or in person. This assessment focuses on your proficiency in SQL, data pipeline development, and programming languages relevant to the role, such as Python. You may be asked to solve problems or discuss your approach to data integration and management, as well as your experience with data visualization tools and analytics.

4. Onsite Interviews

The final stage typically involves onsite interviews, which may consist of multiple rounds with various team members, including engineers and data scientists. These interviews delve deeper into your technical skills, including your experience with ETL/ELT processes, cloud technologies, and machine learning model deployment. Additionally, you will likely engage in discussions about your previous projects and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Data Engineer role.

Throughout the interview process, ConocoPhillips emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team and convey complex technical concepts clearly.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise based on the experiences shared by previous candidates.

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

Embrace the Behavioral Focus

ConocoPhillips places a strong emphasis on behavioral interview questions. Prepare to discuss your past experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Reflect on specific instances where you faced challenges, met deadlines, or collaborated with teams. This will not only showcase your problem-solving skills but also demonstrate how you align with the company’s SPIRIT values of safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Data Engineer, you will be expected to have a solid grasp of SQL, data pipelines, and programming languages. Be ready to discuss your experience with ETL processes, data visualization tools, and any relevant technologies like Snowflake or Terraform. Highlight specific projects where you successfully integrated and prepared large datasets, as well as any innovative solutions you implemented. This will illustrate your technical capabilities and your ability to contribute to the team.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Effective communication is key in this role, as you will be collaborating with various teams, including data scientists and project managers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and business teams.

Prepare for a Conversational Interview Style

Many candidates have noted that interviews at ConocoPhillips feel more like conversations than formal interrogations. Approach the interview with a friendly demeanor and be open to engaging in dialogue. This will help you build rapport with your interviewers and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics and company culture, as this shows your genuine interest in the role.

Align with Company Values

ConocoPhillips values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these principles in your work. Share examples of how you have contributed to an inclusive environment or how you have worked with diverse teams. This will resonate well with the company’s commitment to creating a workplace that values all voices and perspectives.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific points from the interview that resonated with you, which will help reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind for the interviewers.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at ConocoPhillips. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at ConocoPhillips. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you align with the company’s values, particularly around teamwork and innovation. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with building and managing data pipelines?

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

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you developed, tested, and managed data pipelines. Highlight the technologies you used and any challenges you overcame.

Example

“In my previous role, I built a data pipeline using Apache Airflow to automate the extraction, transformation, and loading of data from various sources into our data warehouse. This reduced the processing time by 30% and improved data accuracy through automated validation checks.”

2. What is your experience with SQL, and can you provide an example of a complex query you’ve written?

This question evaluates your SQL proficiency, which is crucial for data manipulation.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a complex SQL query you wrote, explaining the context and the outcome.

Example

“I once wrote a complex SQL query that involved multiple joins and subqueries to generate a comprehensive report on sales performance across different regions. This report helped the management team identify underperforming areas and adjust their strategies accordingly.”

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

This question focuses on your approach to maintaining high data standards.

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 various stages of the ETL process, using tools like Great Expectations to ensure data quality. Additionally, I regularly conduct audits and collaborate with data scientists to refine our data cleaning processes.”

4. Can you explain your experience with cloud technologies and Infrastructure as Code?

This question assesses your familiarity with modern data engineering practices.

How to Answer

Mention specific cloud platforms you’ve worked with and how you’ve utilized Infrastructure as Code tools.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS, where I used Terraform to manage our infrastructure as code. This allowed us to automate the deployment of our data pipelines and maintain consistency across environments.”

5. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you had to quickly get up to speed with a new technology, detailing your learning process.

Example

“When I was tasked with implementing a new data visualization tool, I dedicated time to online courses and hands-on practice. I also reached out to colleagues who had experience with the tool, which helped me become proficient in a matter of weeks.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a major setback when our data source became unavailable. I quickly coordinated with the team to identify alternative data sources and adjusted our timeline. As a result, we were able to deliver the project on time without compromising quality.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools like Jira and the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps me focus on high-impact activities while ensuring that deadlines are met.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a diverse team. What was your approach?

This question focuses on your teamwork and interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Share an example that highlights your ability to work effectively with diverse team members.

Example

“I worked on a project with team members from different departments, including data science and operations. I facilitated regular meetings to ensure everyone’s input was valued and encouraged open communication, which led to a successful project outcome.”

4. Can you give an example of how you’ve contributed to a culture of diversity and inclusion in your workplace?

This question assesses your commitment to the company’s values.

How to Answer

Discuss specific actions you’ve taken to promote diversity and inclusion.

Example

“I initiated a mentorship program aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in our department. This program not only helped individuals grow in their careers but also fostered a more inclusive environment where diverse perspectives were encouraged.”

5. Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment.

This question evaluates your flexibility and adaptability.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully adapted to change.

Example

“When our company transitioned to remote work, I quickly adapted by setting up a dedicated workspace and utilizing collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom to maintain communication with my team. This helped us stay productive and connected during the transition.”