Made Tech Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Made Tech is committed to transforming public services through technology, ensuring that the digital solutions they provide are user-centric, data-driven, and free from legacy systems.

As a Data Engineer at Made Tech, you will play a critical role in building and maintaining robust data platforms that empower public sector organizations to leverage their data effectively. Your key responsibilities will include defining and perfecting data strategies, creating data pipelines in cloud environments, and implementing efficient data transformation processes. You will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the data solutions you provide meet their needs while adhering to agile methodologies.

To excel in this role, you should possess strong proficiency in tools like Git and cloud services such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, and have experience in infrastructure as code (IaC). A solid understanding of data architectures, as well as the principles of DevOps, will be crucial. You should also have a passion for learning and mentoring others, as the company values employee development and team growth.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that Made Tech values in a Data Engineer, as well as the company's culture and expectations. With this preparation, you'll be well-equipped to showcase your fit for the role and the organization.

The interview process for a Data Engineer role at Made Tech is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and alignment with the company's values.

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is a brief initial screening, usually conducted via a virtual call with an internal recruiter. This 30-minute conversation focuses on understanding your background, skills, and motivations for applying. Expect questions that assess your experience and how it aligns with the role, as well as inquiries about your understanding of Made Tech's mission and values. This stage is more formal than a casual chat, so be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past work.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates who pass will be invited to complete a technical assessment. This may involve coding challenges that test your proficiency in relevant programming languages and tools. The assessment is designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge, particularly in areas such as data transformation, cloud environments, and data pipeline creation. You may also have the opportunity to work with a mentor during this stage, which allows the interviewers to gauge your thought process and collaboration skills.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who successfully complete the technical assessment will move on to a more in-depth technical interview. This round typically lasts around 30 to 60 minutes and involves discussions with current engineers or technical leads. Expect questions that delve into your experience with data architectures, cloud services, and specific technologies like Apache Spark or Databricks. You may also be asked to explain your approach to implementing DevOps practices and how you handle data quality and testing strategies.

4. Behavioral Interview

The behavioral interview is another critical component of the process, where you will engage with members of the product or engineering teams. This round focuses on assessing your soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked in teams, dealt with challenges, and contributed to a positive work environment. Questions may also explore your understanding of Agile methodologies and how you apply them in your work.

5. Final Interview

The final stage often includes a conversation with senior leadership or stakeholders. This interview is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your alignment with Made Tech's values and mission. Expect discussions around your vision for data engineering in the public sector, your approach to mentoring and team development, and how you can contribute to the company's growth. This stage may also involve questions about your commercial mindset and how you engage with clients.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the specific skills and experiences that will be relevant to the questions you may encounter.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Made Tech values inclusivity, diversity, and a positive impact on public services. Familiarize yourself with their mission to improve government services through technology. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, and consider sharing examples of how you have contributed to diversity and inclusion in your previous roles. This will demonstrate that you are not only a technical fit but also a cultural one.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect a technical assessment as part of the interview process. Brush up on your skills in data transformation, cloud environments, and data pipeline creation. Familiarize yourself with tools like Apache Spark, Databricks, and various data architectures (Data Warehouses, Data Lakes, etc.). Practice coding challenges and be ready to explain your thought process during the assessment, as they value how you approach problems as much as the solutions you provide.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Interviews at Made Tech often include behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to work in agile environments, handle conflicts, and collaborate with diverse teams. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.

Engage with Your Interviewers

During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s approach to upskilling employees. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Be mindful of the feedback you receive during the interview, as it can provide valuable insights into the company’s expectations.

Highlight Your Learning Mindset

Made Tech appreciates candidates who are enthusiastic about learning and self-development. Share examples of how you have pursued professional growth, whether through formal education, online courses, or personal projects. Discuss any relevant certifications or training you have completed, especially those related to cloud services or data engineering.

Clarify Expectations

Given the mixed feedback from candidates regarding the clarity of role expectations, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any points during the interview. If you notice discrepancies between your experience and the job description, address them openly. This will demonstrate your proactive nature and willingness to ensure mutual fit.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a thoughtful follow-up email thanking your interviewers for their time. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and reflect on any key points discussed during the interview. If you received any constructive feedback, mention how you plan to address it moving forward.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and curiosity, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Engineer role at Made Tech. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Made Tech. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with data platforms, and your ability to work in an agile environment. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to problem-solving, and how you can contribute to the company's mission of improving public services through technology.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain your experience with data transformation processes and the tools you have used?

This question assesses your hands-on experience with data transformation and the specific tools you are familiar with.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools you have used (e.g., Apache Spark, Databricks, or Hadoop) and provide examples of how you have implemented data transformation processes in your previous roles.

Example

“In my previous role, I utilized Apache Spark to transform large datasets from JSON and CSV formats into a structured format suitable for analysis. I designed and implemented ETL pipelines that improved data processing efficiency by 30%, allowing the team to derive insights faster.”

2. Describe your experience with cloud platforms and how you have utilized them in your projects.

This question evaluates your familiarity with cloud services, which is crucial for the role.

How to Answer

Mention the cloud platforms you have worked with (AWS, Azure, GCP) and provide specific examples of how you have leveraged these services in your projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS, where I deployed data pipelines using AWS Lambda and S3 for storage. This setup allowed for scalable data processing and reduced costs by utilizing serverless architecture.”

3. 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

Discuss the strategies you employ to validate and clean data, as well as any tools or frameworks you use for monitoring data quality.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at various stages of the pipeline, using tools like Great Expectations to ensure data quality. Additionally, I set up alerts for any anomalies detected during processing, allowing for quick remediation.”

4. Can you explain the concept of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and its benefits?

This question tests your understanding of IaC, which is important for managing cloud infrastructure.

How to Answer

Define IaC and discuss its advantages, particularly in terms of automation and consistency in deployment.

Example

“Infrastructure as Code allows us to manage and provision infrastructure through code, which enhances automation and reduces human error. For instance, I have used Terraform to define our cloud infrastructure, enabling us to replicate environments quickly and consistently.”

5. What is your experience with Agile methodologies, and how have you applied them in your work?

This question assesses your familiarity with Agile practices, which are essential for the role.

How to Answer

Share your experience with Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) and how you have contributed to Agile teams.

Example

“I have worked in Agile teams using Scrum methodology, where I participated in daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions. This approach helped us to adapt quickly to changing requirements and deliver incremental value to our clients.”

Problem-Solving and Collaboration

1. Describe a challenging data-related problem you faced and how you resolved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a problem, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome.

Example

“Once, we faced a significant performance issue with our data pipeline that was causing delays. I conducted a thorough analysis and identified bottlenecks in the data processing logic. By optimizing the queries and implementing parallel processing, we reduced the processing time by 50%.”

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

This question assesses your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks based on urgency, impact, and stakeholder needs.

Example

“I prioritize tasks by assessing their impact on project goals and deadlines. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and ensure that I focus on high-impact tasks first, while also communicating with stakeholders to manage expectations.”

3. Can you give an example of how you have collaborated with data scientists or other teams?

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you worked with other teams, highlighting your role and contributions.

Example

“I collaborated with data scientists to productionize a machine learning model. I helped design the data pipeline that fed the model with clean, structured data, ensuring that the model could be deployed effectively and monitored for performance.”

4. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate team dynamics.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and constructively. I encourage open dialogue to understand different perspectives and work towards a solution that aligns with our common goals.”

5. 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 community involvement.

Example

“I regularly follow industry blogs, participate in webinars, and attend conferences to stay updated on the latest trends in data engineering. I also engage with online communities where professionals share insights and best practices.”