Ibotta, Inc. Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Ibotta, Inc. is a performance marketing platform revolutionizing how brands connect with consumers, focusing on rewarding every purchase made.

As a Data Engineer at Ibotta, you will play a pivotal role in developing and optimizing data platforms that enable seamless data movement and access across the organization. Your key responsibilities will include collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams and stakeholders to create scalable and reliable data systems, designing and implementing process improvements, and ensuring data security. A deep understanding of cloud technologies, particularly AWS, along with expertise in data pipeline construction using tools like Databricks and Spark, will be essential. You will also be expected to embrace Ibotta's core values, including integrity and teamwork, as you contribute to the company's mission.

This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations, essential skills, and company culture, helping you stand out as a candidate.

The interview process for a Data Engineer at Ibotta is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of three rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of your qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Interview

The first round is an introductory conversation, often conducted via phone or video call. This session focuses on getting to know you better, discussing your resume, and understanding your motivations for applying to Ibotta. You will have the opportunity to articulate your experiences and how they align with the role. This round is crucial for establishing rapport and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position.

2. Behavioral and Technical Assessment

The second round delves deeper into your technical capabilities while also incorporating behavioral questions. This interview may involve discussions about your previous projects, particularly those that showcase your experience in data engineering. You might be asked to explain your approach to problem-solving and how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. This round is designed to assess your technical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to data pipelines, cloud technologies, and data governance.

3. In-Depth Technical Interview

The final round is a more rigorous technical interview where you will be expected to demonstrate your expertise in data engineering. This may include presenting a previous project you have worked on, showcasing your ability to design and implement data solutions. You may also face technical questions that test your knowledge of programming languages such as Python or Scala, as well as your understanding of data architecture and cloud services like AWS. This round is critical for evaluating your hands-on skills and your ability to contribute to Ibotta's data platform.

As you prepare for these interviews, consider the specific skills and experiences that will highlight your fit for the Data Engineer role at Ibotta. Next, let’s explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

Ibotta's interview process typically consists of three rounds. The first round is often a get-to-know-you session, where you should be prepared to discuss your background and experiences. The second round leans more towards behavioral questions, so think about how your past experiences align with Ibotta's core values of Integrity, Boldness, Ownership, Teamwork, and Transparency. The final round is technical, where you may be asked to showcase a previous project. Be ready to discuss the technical details and the impact of your work.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Data Engineer, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in software development, particularly in Python and Java. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data pipelines, AWS cloud services, and Databricks. If you have experience with Scala and Spark, make sure to highlight that as well. Familiarize yourself with the tools and technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Delta Lake, Apache Iceberg, and ETL processes. Having concrete examples of how you've used these technologies in past projects will set you apart.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Ibotta values candidates who align with their mission to "Make Every Purchase Rewarding." Prepare to answer behavioral questions that reflect your ability to work collaboratively, solve problems, and contribute to a positive team environment. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey not just what you did, but the impact of your actions.

Emphasize Process Improvement and Automation

The role involves identifying and implementing process improvements, so be ready to discuss any experiences you have in optimizing data delivery or automating manual processes. Think of specific examples where you redesigned infrastructure for better performance or reliability. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.

Communicate Your Passion for Data Engineering

Ibotta is looking for self-motivated engineers who are passionate about data mesh concepts. Share your enthusiasm for data engineering and how you stay updated with industry trends. Discuss any personal projects or contributions to open-source initiatives that showcase your commitment to the field.

Be Ready for Technical Challenges

During the technical interview, you may face challenges related to data structures, database design, and distributed systems. Brush up on your knowledge of SQL and be prepared to solve problems on the spot. Practice coding challenges that involve data manipulation and transformation, as these are likely to come up.

Align with Company Culture

Ibotta has a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment and share ideas that can enhance the team's capabilities. Show that you are not just a technical fit but also a cultural fit for the organization.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how the data engineering team contributes to Ibotta's overall mission. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Engineer role at Ibotta. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Ibotta. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience with data engineering concepts, particularly in relation to AWS, Databricks, and data pipeline development. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the data pipeline you built in your last project?

This question aims to assess your hands-on experience with data pipelines and your ability to articulate technical details.

How to Answer

Discuss the architecture of the pipeline, the technologies used, and the challenges faced during implementation. Highlight your role in the project and the impact it had on the organization.

Example

“In my last project, I built a data pipeline using AWS services like S3 and Lambda to automate data ingestion from various sources. I utilized Apache Airflow for orchestration, which allowed us to schedule and monitor the workflows effectively. This pipeline reduced data processing time by 30%, enabling the analytics team to access real-time insights.”

2. What experience do you have with AWS services, particularly S3 and EC2?

This question evaluates your familiarity with cloud services that are crucial for the role.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of how you have used these services in your previous roles, focusing on the benefits they brought to your projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience using AWS S3 for data storage and EC2 for running data processing jobs. In a recent project, I set up an S3 bucket to store raw data and used EC2 instances to run ETL jobs that transformed this data into a structured format for analysis. This setup allowed for scalable data processing and improved our data retrieval times.”

3. Describe your experience with Spark and how you have used it in data processing.

This question assesses your knowledge of Spark, a key technology for data processing in the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized Spark, the data processing tasks you performed, and the outcomes of those tasks.

Example

“I used Spark extensively for processing large datasets in a previous role. I implemented a Spark job that aggregated user behavior data from multiple sources, which helped the marketing team identify trends and optimize their campaigns. The job ran on a Databricks platform, which simplified the management of our Spark clusters.”

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

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

How to Answer

Explain the strategies and tools you use to validate and monitor data quality throughout the pipeline.

Example

“To ensure data quality, I implement validation checks at various stages of the pipeline. I use tools like Great Expectations to define expectations for the data and automate testing. Additionally, I monitor data lineage to track any changes and ensure that the data remains consistent and reliable.”

5. Can you discuss your experience with SQL and database design principles?

This question evaluates your understanding of SQL and how you apply database design principles in your work.

How to Answer

Share your experience with SQL queries, database design, and any specific projects where you applied these skills.

Example

“I have a strong background in SQL, having designed and optimized several relational databases for data warehousing. In one project, I created a star schema to facilitate efficient querying for our analytics team, which improved query performance by 40%. I also regularly write complex SQL queries to extract insights from our datasets.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Outline the problem, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome. Emphasize your analytical thinking and teamwork.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a significant performance issue with our data pipeline that was causing delays. I led a root cause analysis and discovered that a specific transformation step was inefficient. I collaborated with the team to refactor the code and implemented caching strategies, which improved the pipeline’s performance by 50%.”

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, including any tools or methodologies you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact and deadlines. I use project management tools like Jira to track progress and ensure that I’m focusing on high-priority items. Regular check-ins with my team also help me stay aligned with project goals and adjust priorities as needed.”

3. Can you give an example of how you have worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams?

This question assesses your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example that highlights your ability to work with different teams and how you contributed to a successful outcome.

Example

“I worked closely with the analytics and product teams to develop a new feature that required data from multiple sources. I facilitated meetings to gather requirements and ensure that our data pipeline met their needs. This collaboration resulted in a successful launch that improved user engagement by 20%.”

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

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to stay informed, such as blogs, courses, or conferences.

Example

“I regularly read industry blogs and follow thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn. I also participate in webinars and online courses to deepen my knowledge of emerging technologies. Recently, I completed a course on Databricks, which has helped me implement best practices in our data engineering processes.”

5. What motivates you to work in data engineering?

This question assesses your passion for the field and alignment with the company’s mission.

How to Answer

Discuss what excites you about data engineering and how it aligns with your career goals.

Example

“I am passionate about data engineering because it allows me to solve complex problems and create systems that empower others to make data-driven decisions. I am particularly drawn to Ibotta’s mission of making every purchase rewarding, as I believe that data can significantly enhance consumer experiences.”