New Relic Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

New Relic is a leading observability platform that helps organizations understand their software performance and digital experiences in real-time.

As a Data Engineer at New Relic, you will play a crucial role in building and maintaining robust data pipelines and architecture that support the company’s analytics and reporting needs. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing data systems that efficiently handle large volumes of data from various sources. Key responsibilities include developing ETL processes, ensuring data quality and integrity, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand their data needs. A strong foundation in programming languages such as Java or Python, along with experience in database technologies (SQL and NoSQL), is essential. Familiarity with cloud platforms and data warehousing solutions will further enhance your fit for this role.

The ideal candidate embodies New Relic's core values of transparency, collaboration, and a customer-centric approach. They should demonstrate problem-solving skills, adaptability to new technologies, and a passion for data-driven decision-making. Being a proactive communicator and team player will be critical in fostering effective collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

This guide will help you prepare for the interview by providing insights into the expectations for the role and the types of questions you may encounter, helping you to stand out as a candidate.

The interview process for a Data Engineer position at New Relic is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Typically, candidates can expect the following stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivations for applying to New Relic. The recruiter will also provide an overview of the role and the company culture, allowing you to ask any preliminary questions you may have.

2. Technical Interview with Hiring Manager

Following the initial screen, candidates will have a technical interview with the hiring manager. This session is more focused on assessing your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Expect to answer questions related to your experience and may include a simple coding challenge or algorithm question to gauge your technical proficiency.

3. Take-Home Coding Challenge

Candidates who perform well in the previous rounds will be given a take-home coding challenge. This assignment can vary in complexity and is designed to evaluate your coding skills and ability to work independently. The time expected to complete this challenge can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the specifics of the task. Be prepared for the challenge to require a solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and possibly the specific technologies relevant to the role.

4. Panel Interviews

If you successfully complete the take-home challenge, the next step is a panel interview. This typically involves multiple team members and can last several hours. During this stage, you will engage in a series of technical discussions, coding exercises, and behavioral questions. The panel will assess your technical skills, teamwork, and how well you align with New Relic's values and culture.

5. Final Discussions and Offer

The final stage may include additional discussions with team members or leadership to ensure a good fit for both you and the company. If all goes well, you will receive an offer shortly after these discussions. Throughout the process, candidates have noted that communication from the recruiting team is generally prompt and transparent, which adds to a positive experience.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that reflect both your technical expertise and your approach to teamwork and problem-solving. Here are some of 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 Process

Familiarize yourself with the structure of New Relic's interview process, which typically includes a recruiter phone screen, a technical interview with the hiring manager, a take-home coding challenge, and a panel interview. Knowing what to expect at each stage will help you prepare effectively and reduce anxiety. Be ready for a mix of technical and behavioral questions, as the company values both skill and cultural fit.

Prepare for the Take-Home Challenge

The take-home coding challenge can be quite extensive, often requiring more time than initially suggested. Review the requirements carefully and allocate sufficient time to complete it thoroughly. Focus on writing clean, efficient, and well-documented code. If the challenge involves a specific programming language, ensure you are comfortable with it, as some candidates reported being assigned tasks in languages they were less familiar with.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Make sure to review key technical concepts relevant to data engineering, such as database design, ETL processes, and data modeling. Familiarize yourself with the tools and technologies commonly used at New Relic, including SQL, Java, and cloud services. Practice coding problems that emphasize algorithmic thinking and problem-solving skills, as these are often a focus during technical interviews.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach

During technical interviews, be prepared to explain your thought process as you work through problems. Interviewers at New Relic appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning and approach to problem-solving. Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if you’re unsure about the requirements of a problem; this shows your willingness to engage and collaborate.

Emphasize Cultural Fit

New Relic places a strong emphasis on cultural fit, so be prepared to discuss your values and how they align with the company’s mission. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share stories that demonstrate your teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning. Highlight any experiences that showcase your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment, as this is highly valued by the team.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Throughout the interview process, take the opportunity to engage with your interviewers. Ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, company culture, and the specific challenges the team is facing. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if New Relic is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their hiring decisions.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your interview with confidence and increase your chances of success at New Relic. Good luck!

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases?

Understanding the distinctions between SQL and NoSQL is crucial for a Data Engineer, as it impacts data modeling and storage decisions.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences in structure, scalability, and use cases for both types of databases. Highlight scenarios where one might be preferred over the other.

Example

"SQL databases are structured and use a predefined schema, making them ideal for complex queries and transactions. In contrast, NoSQL databases are more flexible, allowing for unstructured data and horizontal scaling, which is beneficial for handling large volumes of data in real-time applications."

2. Describe a time you optimized a data pipeline. What challenges did you face?

This question assesses your practical experience in improving data processes.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on the problem, the solution you implemented, and the results. Emphasize your analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot.

Example

"I worked on a data pipeline that was processing data too slowly. I identified bottlenecks in the ETL process and implemented parallel processing, which reduced the processing time by 50%. The challenge was ensuring data integrity during the transition, but thorough testing helped mitigate risks."

3. How would you design a data warehouse for a retail company?

This question evaluates your understanding of data architecture and design principles.

How to Answer

Outline the key components of a data warehouse, including data sources, ETL processes, and reporting tools. Discuss how you would ensure scalability and performance.

Example

"I would start by identifying the key data sources, such as sales, inventory, and customer data. I would design an ETL process to clean and transform this data before loading it into a star schema in the data warehouse. For reporting, I would integrate BI tools to provide insights into sales trends and customer behavior."

4. What is your experience with cloud data services?

Cloud services are increasingly important in data engineering, so familiarity with them is essential.

How to Answer

Discuss specific cloud platforms you have used (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and the services relevant to data engineering, such as data lakes, storage solutions, and analytics tools.

Example

"I have extensive experience with AWS, particularly with services like S3 for storage and Redshift for data warehousing. I utilized these services to build a scalable data architecture that supported real-time analytics for our marketing team."

5. Can you explain the concept of data normalization? Why is it important?

Normalization is a key concept in database design, and understanding it is crucial for a Data Engineer.

How to Answer

Define normalization and explain its purpose in reducing data redundancy and improving data integrity.

Example

"Data normalization is the process of organizing data in a database to minimize redundancy. It's important because it ensures data integrity and makes it easier to maintain and update the database without introducing inconsistencies."

Problem Solving and Design

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

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome.

Example

"I encountered a situation where our data ingestion process was failing intermittently. I conducted a root cause analysis and discovered that it was due to network latency. I implemented a retry mechanism and optimized the data batch size, which significantly improved the reliability of the ingestion process."

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

Data quality is critical in data engineering, and this question evaluates your approach to maintaining it.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods and tools you use to validate and clean data, as well as any monitoring processes you have in place.

Example

"I implement data validation checks at various stages of the ETL process, using tools like Apache Airflow for orchestration. Additionally, I set up alerts for data anomalies, allowing us to address issues proactively before they impact downstream processes."

3. Can you walk us through your process for designing a new data system?

This question gauges your design thinking and methodology.

How to Answer

Outline your approach, from requirements gathering to implementation and testing. Emphasize collaboration with stakeholders.

Example

"I start by gathering requirements from stakeholders to understand their needs. Then, I design the system architecture, focusing on scalability and performance. After that, I implement the system, followed by thorough testing to ensure it meets the requirements before deployment."

4. How do you handle version control for your data models?

Version control is essential for maintaining data integrity and collaboration.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools and practices you use for version control, such as Git, and how you manage changes to data models.

Example

"I use Git for version control of my data models, ensuring that all changes are tracked and documented. I also implement a branching strategy to allow for collaborative development while maintaining a stable main branch for production."

5. What strategies do you use for performance tuning in databases?

Performance tuning is a critical skill for a Data Engineer, and this question assesses your knowledge in this area.

How to Answer

Discuss specific techniques you have used, such as indexing, query optimization, and partitioning.

Example

"I focus on indexing frequently queried columns to speed up data retrieval. Additionally, I analyze slow queries using query execution plans and optimize them by rewriting or restructuring them. Partitioning large tables also helps improve performance by reducing the amount of data scanned during queries."

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

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

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the outcome.

Example

"I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our project and actively listened to their concerns. By acknowledging their perspective and finding common ground, we were able to collaborate more effectively and improve our project outcomes."

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

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods 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 first. Regular check-ins with my team also help me stay aligned with project goals."

3. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the technology, your learning process, and how you applied it.

Example

"When I needed to learn Apache Kafka for a project, I dedicated time to online courses and documentation. I also set up a small test environment to experiment with different configurations. This hands-on approach allowed me to quickly grasp the concepts and successfully implement Kafka in our data pipeline."

4. How do you handle tight deadlines?

This question assesses your ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing stress and ensuring timely delivery of projects.

Example

"I handle tight deadlines by breaking down tasks into manageable chunks and setting mini-deadlines for each. I also communicate proactively with my team to ensure everyone is aligned and can support each other. This approach helps me stay focused and organized, even under pressure."

5. Why do you want to work at New Relic?

This question gauges your interest in the company and role.

How to Answer

Discuss what specifically attracts you to New Relic, such as its culture, values, or projects.

Example

"I'm excited about the opportunity to work at New Relic because of its commitment to innovation and data-driven solutions. I admire the company's focus on helping organizations understand their data better, and I believe my skills in data engineering align well with your mission to provide actionable insights."