Novant Health Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Novant Health is a leading healthcare organization committed to delivering remarkable patient experiences through high-quality care and innovative services.

The Data Engineer at Novant Health plays a crucial role in supporting software developers, database architects, data analysts, and data scientists in their data initiatives. This role involves building and optimizing scalable data architectures and pipelines to facilitate the processing of both structured and semi-structured data. A successful Data Engineer will ensure the efficient delivery of data solutions that align with the organization's commitment to quality service. Ideal candidates should possess strong skills in SQL, data transformation, and a solid understanding of data warehousing concepts. Knowledge of healthcare data and relevant certifications, such as Microsoft or AWS Data Engineer, will further enhance their fit for the role.

This guide will prepare you for your interview by providing insights into the key responsibilities and skills required for the Data Engineer position at Novant Health, helping you stand out as a candidate who aligns with the company's values and mission.

The interview process for a Data Engineer position at Novant Health is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is often conducted via a phone interview. This stage usually lasts around 30 minutes and involves a recruiter or a third-party hiring representative. During this conversation, candidates can expect to discuss their background, motivations for applying, and general situational questions. The aim is to gauge the candidate's interest in the healthcare sector and their alignment with Novant Health's values.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be invited to participate in a technical assessment. This could take the form of a skills test, which typically lasts about 45 minutes. The assessment focuses on the candidate's proficiency in key areas such as SQL, data transformation tools, and data architecture. Candidates may be asked to demonstrate their ability to build and optimize data pipelines, as well as their understanding of data warehousing concepts.

3. Final Interview

The final interview stage usually involves a more in-depth discussion with multiple team members, including managers and analysts. This round can last up to an hour and is often conducted in person or via video conferencing. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of technical and behavioral questions, where they will need to showcase their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability. This stage also provides an opportunity for candidates to ask questions about the role and the team dynamics.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to highlight their relevant experiences, particularly those that demonstrate their ability to work with large datasets, perform root cause analysis, and implement data validation frameworks.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages.

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

Emphasize Your Technical Skills

As a Data Engineer, your proficiency in SQL and algorithms will be crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with building and optimizing data pipelines, as well as your familiarity with data warehousing concepts. Highlight specific projects where you successfully implemented these skills, and be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your work. Given the emphasis on SQL, consider preparing to discuss complex queries or optimizations you've made in past roles.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities

Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Interviewers may ask how you would handle specific challenges related to data management or system performance. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the context and your approach to resolving the issue. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and ability to navigate complex scenarios.

Understand the Company Culture

Novant Health values diversity, inclusion, and community involvement. Familiarize yourself with their mission and core values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment or engaged with the community in your previous roles. This will show that you are not only a technical fit but also a cultural fit for the organization.

Prepare for a Conversational Interview Style

Many candidates have noted that the interview process at Novant Health is relaxed and conversational. Approach the interview as a two-way dialogue rather than a formal interrogation. Be ready to share your experiences and insights, but also ask thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This will help you build rapport with your interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions that explore your strengths, weaknesses, and how you handle stress. Prepare to discuss your experiences in a way that highlights your adaptability and teamwork. For instance, you might share a time when you faced a tight deadline and how you collaborated with others to meet it. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Highlight Your Commitment to Continuous Learning

Given the rapidly evolving nature of technology, express your commitment to staying updated with industry trends and advancements. Discuss any recent courses, certifications, or projects that demonstrate your proactive approach to learning. This will signal to the interviewers that you are dedicated to your professional growth and can adapt to new challenges.

Prepare Your Questions

At the end of the interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful inquiries that reflect your interest in the role and the organization. For example, you might ask about the team’s current projects, the tools they use, or how they measure success in the Data Engineering role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if Novant Health is the right fit for you.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also aligned with Novant Health's values and culture. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Novant Health. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your understanding of data management in a healthcare context. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data transformation tools, SQL, and your approach to building scalable data architectures.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in previous projects?

This question assesses your proficiency in SQL, which is crucial for a Data Engineer role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL, focusing on the complexity of the queries you wrote and the outcomes of your work.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL extensively to extract and manipulate data from large databases. For instance, I optimized a query that reduced processing time by 30%, which significantly improved our reporting capabilities.”

2. What is your experience with building and optimizing data pipelines?

This question evaluates your hands-on experience with data pipeline architecture.

How to Answer

Provide examples of data pipelines you have built, the tools you used, and the challenges you faced.

Example

“I built a data pipeline using Apache Spark that processed streaming data in real-time. I optimized the pipeline by implementing partitioning strategies, which improved data retrieval times by 40%.”

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

This question focuses on your approach to maintaining data integrity.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use for data validation and error handling.

Example

“I implement automated data validation checks at various stages of the data pipeline. For instance, I use unit tests to verify data transformations and ensure that the output matches expected results.”

4. Can you explain the concept of data warehousing and its importance?

This question tests your understanding of data warehousing principles.

How to Answer

Define data warehousing and discuss its role in data management.

Example

“Data warehousing is the process of collecting and managing data from various sources to provide meaningful business insights. It’s crucial for enabling efficient reporting and analytics, as it allows for historical data analysis.”

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

This question assesses your problem-solving skills in a data context.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

Example

“I encountered a situation where data from multiple sources was inconsistent. I developed a data cleansing process that standardized the data formats and eliminated duplicates, which improved our reporting accuracy.”

Soft Skills and Teamwork

1. How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing workload and meeting deadlines.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. I also communicate regularly with my team to ensure we’re aligned on project timelines and can adjust as needed.”

2. Can you give an example of how you worked collaboratively with other teams?

This question assesses your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a cross-functional project and your role in it.

Example

“I collaborated with data scientists and software developers on a project to enhance our data analytics capabilities. I facilitated regular meetings to ensure everyone was on the same page and contributed to the project’s success.”

3. What motivates you to work in the healthcare industry?

This question gauges your passion for the field.

How to Answer

Share your personal motivations and how they align with the company’s mission.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to use data to improve patient outcomes. Working in healthcare allows me to contribute to meaningful change, which is incredibly fulfilling.”

4. How do you approach learning new technologies or tools?

This question evaluates your adaptability and willingness to grow.

How to Answer

Discuss your learning strategies and how you stay updated with industry trends.

Example

“I regularly participate in online courses and webinars to learn about new technologies. I also enjoy hands-on experimentation, where I apply new tools in personal projects to solidify my understanding.”

5. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

This question assesses your career aspirations and alignment with the company’s growth.

How to Answer

Share your professional goals and how they relate to the role.

Example

“In five years, I see myself in a senior data engineering role, leading projects that leverage data to drive strategic decisions. I am excited about the potential for growth at Novant Health and contributing to innovative healthcare solutions.”