Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is a leading global pharmaceutical company committed to improving standards of care through innovative therapies and cutting-edge science.

As a Data Engineer at Daiichi Sankyo, you will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining data architecture and infrastructure that supports business insights and analytical needs. Your key responsibilities will include building and optimizing data pipelines, establishing data governance frameworks, and ensuring the integration and integrity of complex data sources across the organization. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data analysts and IT, to deliver high-quality data solutions that comply with industry regulations and best practices. A successful candidate will possess strong technical skills in data management technologies, proficiency in SQL and Python, and experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.

This guide will equip you with the insights needed to showcase your relevant skills and align your experience with Daiichi Sankyo's values during your interview.

The interview process for a Data Engineer at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes various types of interviews and assessments.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process typically begins with a phone call from a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and serves to gauge your interest in the role, discuss your background, and provide an overview of the company and its culture. The recruiter will also assess your alignment with the company's values and expectations.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the recruiter call, candidates will undergo a technical assessment. This may involve a coding exam or a practical task where you will be required to analyze a dataset and present your findings. The assessment is designed to evaluate your proficiency in SQL, data modeling, and your ability to work with data integration technologies. Expect to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise in a hands-on manner.

3. Panel Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment will be invited to a panel interview. This round typically includes three or more interviewers, such as team members, a hiring manager, and possibly a senior leader. The focus will be on your technical skills, including algorithms, data architecture, and your experience with data governance and master data management. Behavioral questions will also be included to assess your teamwork and communication skills.

4. Presentation Round

In some cases, candidates may be asked to prepare a presentation based on the technical assessment or a relevant project. This is an opportunity to showcase your analytical skills, your ability to communicate complex information clearly, and your understanding of data management principles. Be prepared to answer questions and engage in discussions about your approach and findings.

5. Final HR Interview

The final step in the interview process is typically an HR interview. This round focuses on cultural fit, salary expectations, and any remaining questions you may have about the role or the company. The HR representative will assess your alignment with the company's values and your potential for long-term success within the organization.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical skills and experiences.

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

Understand the Company’s Mission and Values

Daiichi Sankyo is deeply committed to innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in oncology and rare diseases. Familiarize yourself with their recent projects, values, and how they aim to improve patient care. This knowledge will not only help you align your answers with the company’s goals but also demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their mission.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given the emphasis on data architecture and integration, be ready to showcase your technical skills. Brush up on SQL, data modeling, and data integration technologies. You may be asked to analyze a dataset and present your findings, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Familiarity with tools like ERWin or AWS services will be beneficial, as these are likely to come up during technical discussions.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication Skills

Daiichi Sankyo values teamwork and collaboration across various departments. Be prepared to discuss your experience working in cross-functional teams and how you’ve effectively communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Highlight instances where your collaboration led to successful project outcomes, especially in a global or matrix environment.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities

Expect to encounter scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you faced challenges in data management or integration and how you overcame them. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your solutions.

Be Ready for Cultural Fit Questions

Daiichi Sankyo places a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss why you want to join the company and how your values align with theirs. Reflect on your work style and how it complements their collaborative and results-oriented culture. Authenticity is key, so share personal anecdotes that illustrate your alignment with their values.

Prepare for a Multi-Stage Interview Process

The interview process may involve multiple rounds, including technical assessments, presentations, and HR discussions. Approach each stage with the same level of preparation and professionalism. For the presentation, ensure your content is clear, focused, and tailored to the audience. Practice delivering it confidently, as this will showcase your communication skills and expertise.

Follow Up with Thoughtful Questions

At the end of your interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s future direction. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Tailor your questions based on the information you gathered during your research and the discussions you had during the interview.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at Daiichi Sankyo. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with data architecture, and your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to data management, and how you ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Data Architecture and Management

1. Can you describe your experience with designing and implementing data architecture in a pharmaceutical or life sciences context?

This question aims to assess your understanding of data architecture principles and your practical experience in the industry.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you designed data architecture, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your familiarity with industry regulations and best practices.

Example

“In my previous role, I designed a data architecture for a clinical trial management system. I collaborated with stakeholders to understand their data needs and created a scalable architecture that integrated various data sources while ensuring compliance with GxP regulations. This architecture improved data accessibility and reduced processing time by 30%.”

2. How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your data pipelines?

This question evaluates your approach to maintaining high data quality standards.

How to Answer

Explain the methods and tools you use to monitor data quality, such as validation checks, automated testing, and data profiling.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at each stage of the ETL process to ensure data quality. Additionally, I use automated testing frameworks to catch any discrepancies early on. Regular audits and data profiling help maintain data integrity, allowing us to trust the insights derived from our data.”

3. Describe a complex data integration project you worked on. What were the challenges, and how did you address them?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and experience with data integration.

How to Answer

Provide a detailed account of a specific project, focusing on the challenges you encountered and the solutions you implemented.

Example

“I worked on integrating data from multiple sources for a new analytics platform. One major challenge was reconciling different data formats and structures. I developed a transformation layer that standardized the data before loading it into our data warehouse, which streamlined the integration process and improved data consistency.”

4. What tools and technologies do you prefer for data modeling and why?

This question gauges your familiarity with data modeling tools and your rationale for choosing them.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools you have experience with, such as ERWin or ER/Studio, and explain why you prefer them based on their features and your project needs.

Example

“I prefer using ERWin for data modeling because of its intuitive interface and robust features for creating complex data models. It allows for easy collaboration with team members and integrates well with our existing data management tools, which enhances our workflow efficiency.”

5. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in data engineering?

This question evaluates your commitment to professional development and staying current in the field.

How to Answer

Mention specific resources, such as online courses, webinars, or industry conferences, that you utilize to keep your skills sharp.

Example

“I regularly attend industry conferences and webinars to learn about the latest trends in data engineering. I also follow several influential blogs and participate in online forums where professionals share insights and best practices. This continuous learning helps me apply new technologies effectively in my projects.”

Compliance and Data Governance

1. Can you explain the importance of data governance in the pharmaceutical industry?

This question assesses your understanding of data governance and its relevance to the industry.

How to Answer

Discuss the role of data governance in ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining data quality.

Example

“Data governance is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry as it ensures compliance with regulations like GxP and 21 CFR Part 11. It establishes policies and procedures for data management, which helps maintain data integrity and security, ultimately supporting the development of safe and effective therapies.”

2. Describe your experience with Master Data Management (MDM) strategies.

This question evaluates your knowledge and experience with MDM practices.

How to Answer

Provide examples of how you have implemented MDM strategies in your previous roles and the impact they had on data quality and consistency.

Example

“I have implemented MDM strategies by creating a centralized repository for critical data entities. This approach improved data consistency across departments and reduced redundancy. I also worked closely with data stewards to ensure that data governance policies were adhered to, which enhanced our overall data quality.”

3. How do you handle data privacy and security concerns in your projects?

This question assesses your awareness of data privacy regulations and your approach to ensuring data security.

How to Answer

Discuss the measures you take to protect sensitive data and comply with privacy regulations.

Example

“I prioritize data privacy by implementing strict access controls and encryption for sensitive data. I also conduct regular security audits and collaborate with compliance teams to ensure that our data handling practices align with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.”

4. What steps do you take to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements during data migration?

This question evaluates your understanding of compliance in the context of data migration.

How to Answer

Explain the processes you follow to ensure that data migration projects comply with relevant regulations.

Example

“During data migration, I conduct a thorough assessment of the data to identify any compliance risks. I develop a detailed migration plan that includes validation checks and documentation to ensure that all data is accurately transferred and compliant with regulatory requirements. Post-migration audits are also conducted to verify compliance.”

5. How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data governance?

This question assesses your teamwork and communication skills in relation to data governance.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to working with different teams and how you facilitate communication and collaboration.

Example

“I regularly engage with cross-functional teams, including data analysts and compliance officers, to align our data governance efforts. I organize workshops to discuss data policies and best practices, ensuring that everyone understands their roles in maintaining data quality and compliance. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of accountability and transparency.”