Epic Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Epic is a leading healthcare software company that specializes in providing comprehensive solutions to manage patient records, streamline operations, and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

The Data Engineer role at Epic involves designing and implementing data architectures and pipelines that support the company's software products. Key responsibilities include developing and optimizing data models, ensuring data quality, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to facilitate data-driven decision-making. Candidates should possess strong skills in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and knowledge of cloud technologies, along with a solid understanding of data warehousing concepts and ETL processes. A great fit for this role would demonstrate analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for improving healthcare through technology. Epic values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, making it essential for candidates to align with these principles in their approach to data engineering.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview at Epic by providing insights into the role and equipping you with tailored strategies to showcase your qualifications effectively.

The interview process for a Data Engineer role at Epic is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. It typically unfolds in several stages, each aimed at evaluating different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and personality.

1. Initial Phone Interview

The process begins with a phone interview, usually lasting around 30 minutes. This initial conversation is often conducted by a member of the software engineering team and focuses on understanding your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Epic. Expect to answer standard behavioral questions and discuss your previous projects, as well as your interest in the company and the role.

2. Online Assessment

Following the phone interview, candidates are required to complete an online assessment that can take several hours. This assessment is divided into multiple sections, including math and logic problems, programming challenges, and questions related to a proprietary programming language. The coding questions are typically styled similarly to those found on platforms like LeetCode, and candidates should be prepared for a range of difficulties. The assessment is proctored, and candidates must ensure they have a suitable environment for completing it.

3. Technical Screen

If you perform well in the online assessment, you may be invited to a technical screen. This stage often involves a more in-depth evaluation of your coding skills and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to tackle coding problems in real-time, discuss your thought process, and demonstrate your understanding of data structures and algorithms. This part of the interview is crucial, as it assesses your technical proficiency and ability to think critically under pressure.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process is typically a comprehensive interview that may last several hours. This may include a mix of one-on-one interviews with various team members, a case study presentation, and possibly a group problem-solving exercise. Candidates are often asked to present a project they have worked on, showcasing their technical skills and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Behavioral questions will also be a significant component of this stage, aimed at gauging your fit within Epic's culture.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences in detail, demonstrate their technical skills, and articulate their interest in the role and the company.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Assessment Structure

The interview process at Epic typically includes multiple stages, starting with a phone interview followed by an online assessment that tests your math, logic, and programming skills. Familiarize yourself with the structure of these assessments, as they often include timed sections and a variety of question types, including coding challenges similar to those found on platforms like LeetCode. Practicing these types of questions will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the actual assessment.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

In addition to technical skills, Epic places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and behavioral competencies. Be ready to discuss your past projects, challenges you've faced, and how you approach problem-solving. Prepare specific examples that highlight your teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills. Questions like "Describe a time you had to give a differing opinion than your boss" are common, so think about how you can articulate your experiences effectively.

Embrace the Case Study Component

The final interview often includes a case study or presentation. This is your opportunity to showcase not only your technical knowledge but also your ability to apply it in real-world scenarios. Choose a project you are passionate about and be prepared to discuss its impact, your role, and the challenges you overcame. Practice presenting your project succinctly, as you may have a limited time to convey your message.

Be Ready for Unique Challenges

Candidates have reported encountering unconventional questions and assessments, such as those involving a proprietary programming language or logic puzzles. While these may seem daunting, approach them with a problem-solving mindset. If you encounter a question that feels unfamiliar, take a moment to think through your reasoning out loud. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their thought process, even if they don't arrive at the correct answer.

Show Enthusiasm for Epic's Mission

Epic is known for its commitment to improving healthcare through technology. Demonstrating a genuine interest in the company's mission and values can set you apart from other candidates. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work at Epic specifically and how your skills align with their goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your understanding of the company's impact in the industry.

Stay Calm and Collected

The interview process can be lengthy and may feel overwhelming at times. Remember to take deep breaths and maintain a positive attitude throughout. If you encounter a challenging question or assessment, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or take a moment to gather your thoughts. Your ability to remain composed under pressure will reflect well on your candidacy.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your interview at Epic with confidence and clarity. Good luck!

Technical Skills

1. Describe a project where you implemented a data pipeline. What challenges did you face?

This question assesses your practical experience with data engineering and your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Discuss the specific technologies you used, the architecture of the pipeline, and any obstacles you encountered, along with how you overcame them.

Example

“I developed a data pipeline using Apache Kafka and Spark to process real-time data from various sources. One challenge was ensuring data consistency during high traffic periods, which I addressed by implementing a robust error-handling mechanism and optimizing the data flow.”

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

This question evaluates your understanding of data integrity and the methods you employ to maintain it.

How to Answer

Explain the techniques you use for data validation, cleansing, and monitoring, and provide examples of how these practices have improved data quality in your past work.

Example

“I implement automated data validation checks at various stages of the data pipeline, using tools like Great Expectations. In a previous project, this approach helped identify and rectify data anomalies early, significantly improving the overall quality of the dataset.”

3. Can you explain the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases? When would you use each?

This question tests your knowledge of database technologies and your ability to choose the right tool for a given task.

How to Answer

Discuss the characteristics of both types of databases, including their strengths and weaknesses, and provide scenarios where one would be preferred over the other.

Example

“SQL databases are ideal for structured data and complex queries, while NoSQL databases excel in handling unstructured data and scalability. For instance, I would use SQL for a financial application requiring ACID compliance, but NoSQL for a social media platform needing to handle large volumes of diverse data.”

4. Describe your experience with ETL processes. What tools have you used?

This question aims to gauge your familiarity with Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes and the tools you are proficient in.

How to Answer

Mention specific ETL tools you have used, the types of data you worked with, and the transformations you performed.

Example

“I have extensive experience with ETL processes using tools like Apache NiFi and Talend. In one project, I extracted data from multiple sources, transformed it to fit our data model, and loaded it into a data warehouse, which improved reporting efficiency by 30%.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

5. Describe a technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a technical context.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a technical challenge, the steps you took to analyze the problem, and the solution you implemented.

Example

“I encountered a performance bottleneck in a data processing job that was causing delays. I analyzed the execution plan and identified inefficient joins. By optimizing the queries and indexing the relevant columns, I reduced the processing time by 50%.”

6. How do you approach debugging a data pipeline?

This question evaluates your troubleshooting skills and your systematic approach to resolving issues.

How to Answer

Outline your debugging process, including the tools you use and how you identify the root cause of issues.

Example

“I start by reviewing logs and metrics to pinpoint where the failure occurred. I then isolate components of the pipeline to test them individually. Using tools like Apache Airflow, I can visualize the workflow and identify bottlenecks or errors in the data flow.”

Behavioral Questions

7. Why do you want to work at Epic?

This question gauges your motivation for applying and your understanding of the company’s mission and values.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the company and how your values align with theirs, along with specific reasons related to the role.

Example

“I admire Epic’s commitment to improving healthcare through technology. I believe my skills in data engineering can contribute to developing innovative solutions that enhance patient care, which aligns with my passion for making a positive impact in the healthcare industry.”

8. Describe a time you had to give a differing opinion than your boss. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to navigate workplace dynamics.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you respectfully presented your viewpoint, focusing on how you communicated effectively and the outcome.

Example

“In a project meeting, I disagreed with my boss’s approach to data storage. I prepared a data-driven presentation highlighting potential risks and benefits of my suggestion. Ultimately, we reached a compromise that incorporated elements from both perspectives, leading to a more robust solution.”

9. What are three things you are not?

This question is designed to assess your self-awareness and ability to articulate your strengths and weaknesses.

How to Answer

Choose three attributes that are not representative of you, and briefly explain why they do not apply.

Example

“I am not averse to change, as I thrive in dynamic environments. I am not a lone wolf; I value collaboration and teamwork. Lastly, I am not complacent; I continuously seek opportunities for growth and improvement in my skills.”

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question evaluates your career aspirations and alignment with the company’s growth.

How to Answer

Discuss your professional goals and how they relate to the role and the company’s trajectory.

Example

“In five years, I see myself as a lead data engineer, driving innovative projects at Epic. I aim to deepen my expertise in data architecture and contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance data-driven decision-making in healthcare.”