Oregon Health & Science University Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a leading academic health center dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities through research, education, and clinical care.

As a Data Engineer at OHSU, you will play a pivotal role in advancing public health initiatives by designing, building, and maintaining robust data infrastructures that support critical health projects, particularly for the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB). Your responsibilities will encompass crafting the architectural framework for data storage, processing, and sharing, ensuring that the infrastructure aligns with the organization's mission of enhancing health outcomes for Indigenous communities. A strong foundation in SQL database management, data pipeline development, and ETL processes will be essential, as you will be tasked with transforming and structuring data for effective epidemiological analysis and visualization.

The ideal candidate will possess not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the importance of data governance and quality assurance. Your collaborative spirit will enable you to work alongside epidemiologists, IT personnel, and public health professionals, fostering an environment where data-driven decisions can thrive. Emphasizing the values of social justice and health advocacy, your contributions will directly support the empowerment of Tribal communities through enhanced data capabilities.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and qualifications for the Data Engineer role, equipping you with the knowledge to showcase your skills and experiences effectively.

The interview process for a Data Engineer at Oregon Health & Science University is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically unfolds in several stages, allowing candidates to demonstrate their expertise and alignment with the university's mission.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with an initial phone screen, usually conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying. The recruiter will also provide insights into the role and the organization, ensuring that candidates understand the expectations and culture at Oregon Health & Science University.

2. Technical Interview

Following a successful phone screen, candidates are invited to a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing and typically lasts around 45 minutes. During this session, candidates are assessed on their technical skills, particularly in SQL, data engineering principles, and relevant programming languages such as Python. Expect to discuss your experience with data pipelines, ETL processes, and database management, as well as to solve practical problems related to data architecture and integration.

3. Panel Interview

The next step is a panel interview, which usually involves multiple team members, including data engineers, project managers, and possibly senior leadership. This round is designed to evaluate both technical and behavioral competencies. Candidates may be asked to describe past projects, their approach to problem-solving, and how they handle collaboration within cross-functional teams. Questions may also touch on your understanding of public health data and your commitment to the mission of the organization.

4. Final Interview with Senior Leadership

The final interview is typically with senior leadership or the hiring manager. This stage focuses on assessing your fit within the organization's culture and your alignment with its mission. Expect to discuss your long-term career goals, your views on data governance, and how you would contribute to the team’s objectives. This interview may also include situational questions to gauge your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate complex scenarios.

5. Offer and Onboarding

If you successfully navigate the interview rounds, you will receive a job offer. The onboarding process will be discussed, including any necessary training and integration into the team. Candidates may also have the opportunity to visit the workplace or meet team members in person, especially if they are relocating.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and collaborative experiences.

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

Emphasize Your Commitment to Public Health

Given the mission-driven nature of Oregon Health & Science University and the CDC Foundation, it's crucial to demonstrate your passion for public health and social justice. Be prepared to discuss your experiences related to health advocacy and how they align with the organization's goals. Highlight any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in that showcase your commitment to improving health outcomes, particularly for underserved communities.

Prepare for a Panel Interview Format

The interview process may involve multiple rounds, including a panel interview with various stakeholders. Familiarize yourself with the roles of the individuals you may be meeting, such as epidemiologists and IT staff. This will help you tailor your responses to their specific interests and concerns. Practice articulating your experiences in a way that resonates with a diverse audience, ensuring you address both technical and non-technical aspects of your work.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Data Engineer, proficiency in SQL and data pipeline management is essential. Be ready to discuss your experience with building and maintaining databases, as well as your familiarity with ETL processes. Prepare to provide specific examples of how you've optimized data workflows or resolved data quality issues in previous roles. Additionally, if you have experience with cloud platforms like AWS or data visualization tools, be sure to highlight that as well.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Strong communication skills are vital for this role, especially when collaborating with cross-functional teams. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to convey your ideas to non-technical partners. During the interview, be open to questions and encourage dialogue, demonstrating your ability to engage with others and adapt your communication style as needed.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Prepare examples that illustrate how you've navigated challenges in previous projects, particularly those that required collaboration with diverse teams. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise answers.

Understand the Company Culture

Oregon Health & Science University values a supportive and collaborative work environment. During your interview, reflect this culture by expressing your enthusiasm for teamwork and your willingness to contribute to a positive workplace. Share experiences that demonstrate your ability to work well with others and your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers that reflect your interest in the role and the organization. Inquire about the specific challenges the Data Hub Team is currently facing, or ask how the organization measures the success of its public health initiatives. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you assess if the organization aligns with your values and career goals.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview for the Data Engineer role at Oregon Health & Science University. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Oregon Health & Science University. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your understanding of data management in a public health context. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data pipelines, SQL, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

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

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

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL for data manipulation, querying, or database design. Highlight any complex queries or optimizations you implemented.

Example

“In my previous role, I designed a SQL database for a health analytics project, which involved writing complex queries to extract insights from large datasets. I optimized the performance of these queries by indexing key columns, which reduced the processing time by 30%.”

2. What is your experience with ETL processes, and can you provide an example of a project where you implemented ETL?

This question evaluates your understanding of data integration and transformation.

How to Answer

Explain the ETL process you followed, the tools you used, and the challenges you faced. Emphasize how your work improved data quality or accessibility.

Example

“I led an ETL project where we migrated data from a legacy system to a new PostgreSQL database. I used Apache NiFi for data ingestion and transformation, ensuring data integrity through rigorous validation checks. This project improved our data accessibility and reduced reporting time by 40%.”

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

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

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use for data validation, error handling, and monitoring. Mention any specific tools or frameworks you have used.

Example

“I implement data quality checks at various stages of the pipeline, using tools like Great Expectations for validation. Additionally, I set up alerts for anomalies in data flow, which allows us to address issues proactively before they affect reporting.”

4. Can you explain the difference between relational and NoSQL databases, and when you would use each?

This question tests your knowledge of database systems.

How to Answer

Provide a clear distinction between the two types of databases and give examples of scenarios where each would be appropriate.

Example

“Relational databases, like PostgreSQL, are ideal for structured data with defined relationships, such as transactional data. In contrast, NoSQL databases, like MongoDB, are better suited for unstructured data or when scalability is a priority, such as handling large volumes of user-generated content.”

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

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex data issues.

How to Answer

Outline the problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome. Focus on your analytical thinking and technical skills.

Example

“I encountered a significant data discrepancy during a health report generation. After thorough investigation, I discovered that the issue stemmed from inconsistent data formats across multiple sources. I developed a data normalization process that standardized the formats before ingestion, which resolved the discrepancies and improved the accuracy of our reports.”

Collaboration and Communication

1. How do you approach collaboration with non-technical stakeholders?

This question evaluates your communication skills and ability to work with diverse teams.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for translating technical concepts into understandable terms for non-technical partners.

Example

“I prioritize understanding the needs of non-technical stakeholders by actively listening and asking clarifying questions. I then use visual aids, like flowcharts, to explain complex data processes, ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals.”

2. Can you give an example of a time you had to gather requirements from a cross-functional team?

This question assesses your ability to work collaboratively and gather necessary information.

How to Answer

Describe the process you followed to gather requirements and how you ensured all voices were heard.

Example

“In a recent project, I facilitated a series of workshops with epidemiologists and IT staff to gather requirements for a new data dashboard. I used collaborative tools like Miro to capture input in real-time, which helped us create a comprehensive requirements document that met everyone’s needs.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to manage competing priorities.

This question tests your organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.

How to Answer

Explain how you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively.

Example

“When faced with multiple project deadlines, I assess the impact and urgency of each task. I use project management tools like Trello to visualize my workload and communicate with my team to ensure we’re aligned on priorities, which helps us stay on track.”

4. How do you handle feedback, especially if it is critical?

This question evaluates your receptiveness to feedback and your ability to grow from it.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to receiving feedback and how you implement it in your work.

Example

“I view critical feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving feedback on my data documentation, I took the initiative to attend a workshop on technical writing, which significantly improved the clarity of my documentation in subsequent projects.”

5. Can you describe your experience with remote collaboration tools?

This question assesses your adaptability to remote work environments.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have used and how they facilitated effective collaboration.

Example

“I have extensive experience using tools like Zoom for meetings and Slack for daily communication. I also utilize GitHub for version control, which allows my team to collaborate on code seamlessly, even when working remotely.”