Leidos Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Leidos is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that empower their diverse and talented workforce, focusing on customer success in various sectors, including national security.

The Data Analyst role at Leidos involves managing and conducting data analysis, standardizing information, and developing data models to support critical government programs. Key responsibilities include extracting and analyzing data to generate reports, collaborating with leadership to present findings, and enhancing data processes in alignment with the company’s mission to provide effective solutions for national security challenges. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, proficiency in tools such as SQL and Tableau, and a deep understanding of statistical methodologies. A commitment to teamwork and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are essential traits for success in this role, reflecting Leidos' values of collaboration and integrity.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by highlighting the key responsibilities and skills required for the Data Analyst position, ensuring you understand how to convey your experience and fit with Leidos' mission and culture.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at Leidos is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that emphasizes the importance of experience and the ability to handle sensitive government information.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step typically involves a phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, skills, and motivations for applying to Leidos. The recruiter will delve into your previous projects and experiences, particularly those relevant to data analysis and government work. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications in detail and how they align with the responsibilities of the role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates may participate in a technical interview, which is often conducted via video conferencing. This session is designed to evaluate your analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis tools. Expect to answer questions related to data extraction, reporting, and visualization techniques, as well as your familiarity with software such as SQL, Tableau, or other relevant tools. You may also be asked to solve a case study or a practical problem that reflects the type of work you would be doing at Leidos.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next phase usually consists of a behavioral interview, where you will meet with a panel of interviewers, including potential team members and managers. This round focuses on assessing your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you handle challenges, collaborate with others, and contribute to team success. The interviewers will be looking for alignment with Leidos' values and culture.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted, which could involve higher-level management or stakeholders. This round may include more in-depth discussions about your technical expertise and how you would approach specific projects within the organization. You may also be asked about your understanding of the government sector and how your skills can contribute to Leidos' mission.

5. Background Check and Security Clearance

Given the nature of the work at Leidos, candidates must undergo a thorough background check and may need to obtain a security clearance. This process can take some time, so be prepared for this step after successfully completing the interview rounds.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the specific skills and experiences that will be most relevant to the role, as well as the unique aspects of working in a government-focused environment.

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 Importance of the Role

As a Data Analyst at Leidos, you will be working with sensitive government information. It's crucial to convey your understanding of the seriousness of this responsibility. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects in detail, emphasizing how your experience aligns with the needs of the role. Highlight any relevant work that demonstrates your ability to handle sensitive data and your commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Prepare for In-Depth Questions

Expect the interviewers to ask in-depth questions about your qualifications and experiences. They may probe into specific projects you've worked on, the methodologies you employed, and the outcomes of your analyses. Practice articulating your thought process and the impact of your work. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Familiarize yourself with the tools and technologies mentioned in the job description, such as SQL, Tableau, and Microsoft Office. Be ready to discuss your proficiency with these tools and provide examples of how you've used them in past roles. If possible, prepare to demonstrate your skills through practical exercises or case studies during the interview.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Leidos values teamwork and effective communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to present complex data findings in a clear and understandable manner, as this will be essential when communicating with stakeholders. Consider sharing examples of how you've successfully conveyed technical information to non-technical audiences.

Align with Company Culture

Leidos prides itself on its mission, vision, and values. Research these aspects and think about how they resonate with your own values and work ethic. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for being part of a company that prioritizes innovation, community contribution, and sustainability. Show that you are not only a fit for the role but also for the company culture.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and how you handle challenges. Reflect on past experiences where you faced obstacles and how you overcame them. Use specific examples to illustrate your resilience and ability to learn from difficult situations.

Follow Up with Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This demonstrates your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of projects you would be working on, and how success is measured in the role. This not only helps you gather valuable information but also shows that you are proactive and engaged.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at Leidos. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with data management, and ability to communicate findings effectively. Be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail, as well as your proficiency with relevant tools and methodologies.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a project where you had to analyze complex data sets? What tools did you use?

This question aims to assess your hands-on experience with data analysis and the tools you are familiar with.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project, detailing the data sets you worked with, the tools you used (like SQL, Tableau, or Excel), and the outcomes of your analysis.

Example

“In my previous role, I analyzed a large dataset of customer feedback using SQL and Tableau. I identified key trends in customer satisfaction, which led to actionable insights that improved our service delivery by 20%.”

Data Management and Analysis

2. How do you ensure data accuracy and integrity in your analyses?

This question evaluates your attention to detail and understanding of data quality.

How to Answer

Explain your methods for validating data, such as cross-referencing with other sources, using automated checks, or conducting manual reviews.

Example

“I implement a multi-step validation process where I cross-check data against original sources and use automated scripts to identify anomalies. This ensures that the data I work with is accurate and reliable.”

3. Describe your experience with data visualization tools. Which do you prefer and why?

This question assesses your familiarity with data visualization and your ability to communicate data insights.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have used, your preferred choice, and the reasons for your preference based on your experience.

Example

“I have extensive experience with Tableau and Power BI. I prefer Tableau for its user-friendly interface and powerful visualization capabilities, which allow me to create interactive dashboards that effectively communicate insights to stakeholders.”

4. Can you explain a time when you had to present complex data findings to a non-technical audience?

This question tests your communication skills and ability to simplify complex information.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully communicated complex data insights, focusing on how you tailored your message for the audience.

Example

“I once presented a detailed analysis of our sales data to the marketing team. I simplified the findings using visual aids and avoided technical jargon, which helped them understand the implications for their campaigns.”

Statistical Analysis

5. What statistical methods are you familiar with, and how have you applied them in your work?

This question gauges your statistical knowledge and practical application.

How to Answer

List the statistical methods you are familiar with and provide examples of how you have used them in your analyses.

Example

“I am proficient in regression analysis and hypothesis testing. In my last project, I used regression analysis to predict sales trends based on historical data, which helped the team make informed decisions about inventory management.”

6. How do you approach data cleaning and preparation?

This question assesses your understanding of the data preparation process, which is crucial for accurate analysis.

How to Answer

Discuss your typical workflow for data cleaning, including any tools or techniques you use.

Example

“I start by identifying and removing duplicates, then I handle missing values through imputation or removal. I also standardize formats and ensure consistency across the dataset before analysis.”

Tools and Technologies

7. What experience do you have with SQL, and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question evaluates your technical skills with SQL, a key tool for data analysts.

How to Answer

Describe your experience with SQL, including specific tasks you have performed, such as querying databases or creating reports.

Example

“I have used SQL extensively to extract and manipulate data from relational databases. For instance, I wrote complex queries to generate monthly performance reports, which were crucial for our strategic planning sessions.”

8. Can you discuss your experience with ETL processes?

This question assesses your understanding of data extraction, transformation, and loading processes.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with ETL processes, including any tools you have used and the context in which you applied them.

Example

“I have worked with ETL tools like Talend to extract data from various sources, transform it to meet our analysis needs, and load it into our data warehouse. This process streamlined our reporting capabilities significantly.”

Collaboration and Communication

9. 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 prioritizing tasks, including any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I use project management tools like Trello to track my tasks and deadlines. I prioritize based on project urgency and impact, ensuring that I allocate my time effectively to meet all deadlines.”

10. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a goal. What was your role?

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a collaborative project, detailing your role and contributions to the team’s success.

Example

“I worked on a cross-functional team to develop a new reporting dashboard. My role involved gathering requirements from stakeholders, analyzing the data, and collaborating with developers to ensure the dashboard met user needs.”