Moffitt Cancer Center Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Moffitt Cancer Center is a leading National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to understanding cancer's complexity and contributing to its prevention and cure.

As a Data Engineer at Moffitt, you will play a critical role in designing, deploying, and maintaining the data engineering framework essential to support the enterprise's data needs. Your primary responsibilities will include developing and managing data ingestion and transformation processes to deliver accurate and reliable data to stakeholders within cloud-based and on-premise environments. Success in this role requires a strong technical background in data engineering, proficiency in building complex data pipelines, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to understand business processes and requirements.

Ideal candidates will have a robust understanding of cloud platforms, particularly AWS, and experience with various ETL tools. Additionally, a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in data operations is crucial to enhancing the overall customer experience. This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by equipping you with insights into the role and expectations at Moffitt Cancer Center.

The interview process for a Data Engineer at Moffitt Cancer Center is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several structured steps that allow candidates to showcase their expertise and alignment with Moffitt's mission.

1. Initial HR Screening

The process begins with an initial phone call with a recruiter from the HR department. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your resume, professional background, and motivations for applying to Moffitt. The recruiter will also discuss the role's expectations and the organizational culture, ensuring that candidates understand the mission of the center and how they can contribute.

2. Technical Interview

Following the HR screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing. This interview is often led by a member of the data engineering team and focuses on assessing your technical skills, particularly in areas such as SQL, data modeling, and ETL processes. Expect to discuss your experience with data ingestion, transformation, and cloud technologies, as well as your familiarity with tools like AWS, Informatica, and Matillion.

3. Managerial Interview

The next step usually involves a one-on-one interview with the hiring manager or a senior team member. This session is more conversational and aims to delve deeper into your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle challenges in a team environment. Questions may revolve around your approach to managing data pipelines, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and your understanding of the business processes relevant to the role.

4. Team Interview

Candidates may then meet with additional team members in a panel interview format. This stage allows the team to assess how well you would fit within their dynamic and culture. Expect situational questions that explore your teamwork, communication skills, and how you would handle specific challenges related to data engineering tasks. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team’s projects and work environment.

5. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted, which could involve a presentation or a practical assessment of your technical skills. This could include a coding challenge or a case study relevant to the data engineering work at Moffitt. The goal here is to evaluate your hands-on abilities and your thought process in real-world scenarios.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for the mission of Moffitt Cancer Center and their commitment to contributing to the fight against cancer.

Next, let’s explore the types of questions you might encounter during these interviews.

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

Understand the Mission and Values

Moffitt Cancer Center is deeply committed to the prevention and cure of cancer. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals. Reflect on your personal motivations for wanting to work in a healthcare setting, especially in cancer research, and be ready to share these insights during your interview.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a range of behavioral questions that focus on your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Questions like "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "Describe a difficult day you managed" are common. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Highlight Relevant Technical Skills

As a Data Engineer, you will need to demonstrate your expertise in SQL, data pipelines, and cloud technologies, particularly AWS. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data ingestion, transformation, and maintenance. Familiarize yourself with tools like Informatica and Matillion, and be ready to provide examples of how you've used these technologies in past projects.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Moffitt values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with different teams in the past, particularly in deriving requirements and architecting data models. Highlight your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as this will be crucial in your role.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organization. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the data engineering team contributes to Moffitt's mission. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.

Be Authentic and Personable

While professionalism is key, don’t shy away from being personable. Many interviewers at Moffitt appreciate a conversational tone. Share your passion for data engineering and how it can impact patient care. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates, so let your personality shine through.

Follow Up

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from your conversation that resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind for the hiring team.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is not only technically proficient but also aligned with Moffitt Cancer Center's mission and values. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Moffitt Cancer Center. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with data engineering frameworks, and your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your past roles, technical expertise, and how you can contribute to Moffitt's mission.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with building and managing data pipelines?

This question assesses your hands-on experience with data engineering tasks and your familiarity with the tools and technologies used in the field.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you designed, built, and maintained data pipelines. Highlight the technologies you used and any challenges you overcame.

Example

“In my previous role, I built a data pipeline using AWS services, including S3 and Lambda, to automate the ingestion of data from various sources. This pipeline reduced data processing time by 30% and improved data accuracy through automated validation checks.”

2. What ETL tools have you worked with, and how did you use them in your projects?

This question evaluates your experience with ETL processes and tools, which are crucial for a Data Engineer.

How to Answer

Mention specific ETL tools you have used, describe the context of your projects, and explain how these tools helped you achieve your goals.

Example

“I have extensive experience with Informatica and Matillion. In a recent project, I used Informatica to extract data from multiple sources, transform it according to business rules, and load it into our data warehouse, which streamlined our reporting process significantly.”

3. How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your data engineering processes?

This question focuses on your approach to maintaining high standards of data quality.

How to Answer

Discuss 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 integrity. Additionally, I use automated testing frameworks to catch any discrepancies before the data is loaded into the warehouse.”

4. Describe your experience with cloud platforms, particularly AWS.

This question assesses your familiarity with cloud services, which are essential for modern data engineering.

How to Answer

Share your experience with AWS services, focusing on how you have utilized them in your data engineering projects.

Example

“I have over three years of experience working with AWS, particularly with S3 for data storage and EC2 for processing. I recently migrated our on-premise data warehouse to AWS, which improved scalability and reduced costs.”

5. Can you explain a complex data model you have designed?

This question evaluates your ability to create efficient and scalable data models.

How to Answer

Provide details about the data model, the business requirements it addressed, and the technologies you used.

Example

“I designed a star schema for our sales data warehouse that allowed for efficient querying and reporting. This model included fact tables for sales transactions and dimension tables for products and customers, which improved our reporting speed by 40%.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on the challenge, your actions, and the outcome.

Example

“During a project, we encountered unexpected data quality issues that delayed our timeline. I organized a team meeting to identify the root cause and implemented a series of data validation checks, which resolved the issues and got us back on track.”

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 methods you use.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and regular check-ins with stakeholders to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. This approach ensures that I focus on high-priority tasks while keeping all projects moving forward.”

3. How do you handle disagreements with team members?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to conflict resolution and provide an example if possible.

Example

“When disagreements arise, I believe in open communication. I listen to the other person's perspective and try to find common ground. For instance, during a project, I had a differing opinion on the data model design, but after discussing our viewpoints, we reached a compromise that improved the overall solution.”

4. Why do you want to work at Moffitt Cancer Center?

This question gauges your motivation and alignment with the company’s mission.

How to Answer

Express your passion for the healthcare field and how your skills can contribute to Moffitt's mission.

Example

“I am passionate about using data to drive improvements in healthcare. Moffitt’s commitment to cancer research and patient care resonates with me, and I believe my skills in data engineering can help support your mission to advance cancer treatment and prevention.”

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

This question evaluates your commitment to professional development.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed, such as online courses, webinars, or industry publications.

Example

“I regularly attend webinars and conferences related to data engineering and cloud technologies. I also follow industry leaders on social media and participate in online forums to exchange knowledge and best practices.”