Sanford Health Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States, dedicated to health and healing across a broad footprint.

As a Data Engineer at Sanford Health, you will play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the organization's data infrastructure. Your primary responsibility will be to implement and administer data pipelines, ensuring they are efficient, scalable, and accurate. You will manage complex datasets, focusing on internal process improvements and automation to optimize data delivery. Collaboration will be key; you will work alongside data and analytics experts to enhance system functionality and performance. Additionally, you will partner with business leads to understand their data needs and align strategies accordingly.

To excel in this role, strong technical skills are a must, particularly in SQL and programming languages such as Python. Experience with various data management technologies like RedShift, Postgres, or Snowflake will be beneficial. Moreover, a keen analytical mindset, attention to detail, and a commitment to building secure and resilient data architectures are essential traits for success at Sanford Health.

This guide will prepare you for the interview process by highlighting the key skills and experiences necessary for the role, allowing you to tailor your responses and showcase your fit for the position.

The interview process for a Data Engineer at Sanford Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step in the interview process is a brief phone screening with a recruiter or HR representative. This initial conversation usually lasts around 10-15 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Sanford Health. The recruiter will also provide an overview of the role and the company culture, ensuring that you understand the expectations and values of the organization.

2. Technical Interview

Following the phone screen, candidates typically participate in a technical interview conducted via video conferencing tools like Webex. This interview is often led by a hiring manager or a senior data engineer and focuses on assessing your technical expertise in areas such as SQL, Python, and data pipeline architecture. Expect to discuss your experience with data management technologies and problem-solving approaches related to data engineering tasks. This stage may also include scenario-based questions to evaluate your analytical skills and ability to handle real-world data challenges.

3. Onsite Interview

The final stage of the interview process is an onsite interview, which may also be conducted virtually depending on circumstances. This interview usually involves multiple rounds with different team members, including engineers and product managers. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour and covers a mix of technical and behavioral questions. You will be expected to demonstrate your understanding of data systems, your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, and your approach to optimizing data delivery and automating processes. Additionally, you may be asked to present your past projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Data Engineer role.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions about the team dynamics, company culture, and specific projects they would be involved in, as this demonstrates genuine interest in the position and the organization.

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

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Sanford Health typically includes an initial phone screening followed by a video or in-person interview. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Expect the phone screen to be brief, focusing on your background and experience. The subsequent interviews will likely delve deeper into your technical skills and behavioral fit, so be ready to discuss your experience in data engineering and how it aligns with the role.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Sanford Health places a strong emphasis on behavioral questions during interviews. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, particularly how you've handled challenges or contributed to team projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Reflect on specific instances where you demonstrated adaptability, communication, and collaboration, as these traits are valued in their culture.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Data Engineer, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in SQL, Python, and data pipeline architecture. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with data management technologies like RedShift, Postgres, or Snowflake. Prepare to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders, as effective communication is crucial in this role.

Align with Company Values

Sanford Health is a not-for-profit health system dedicated to health and healing. During your interview, express your understanding of their mission and how your skills can contribute to it. Be prepared to discuss how you can help improve data systems to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Showing that you are aligned with their values will demonstrate your commitment to the organization.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how the data engineering team collaborates with other departments. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your expectations.

Be Mindful of the Environment

Some candidates have noted a less-than-ideal atmosphere during interviews, so approach the interview with professionalism and positivity. Regardless of the environment, maintain your focus on showcasing your skills and fit for the role. Your demeanor can leave a lasting impression, so be sure to convey enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute to the team.

Follow Up

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and briefly highlight how your skills align with the needs of the team. A thoughtful follow-up can set you apart from other candidates and reinforce your commitment to the role.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Engineer position at Sanford Health. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Sanford Health. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you can contribute to the organization's mission. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data pipelines, SQL, and your approach to data management and architecture.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the process of building a data pipeline from scratch?

This question assesses your understanding of data pipeline architecture and your ability to implement it effectively.

How to Answer

Outline the steps involved in building a data pipeline, including data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL). Highlight any tools or technologies you have used in the past.

Example

“To build a data pipeline, I start by identifying the data sources and determining the extraction methods. I then transform the data to meet the required format and load it into the target database. For instance, I have used Apache Airflow for orchestration and AWS Glue for ETL processes in previous projects.”

2. What is your experience with SQL, and can you provide an example of a complex query you have written?

This question evaluates your SQL proficiency and your ability to handle complex data retrieval tasks.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with SQL, focusing on specific functions or queries that demonstrate your skills. Be prepared to explain the logic behind your query.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly in writing complex queries involving multiple joins and subqueries. For example, I once wrote a query to analyze customer purchase patterns by joining sales data with customer demographics, which helped the marketing team target their campaigns more effectively.”

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

This question aims to understand your approach to maintaining high data standards.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate and clean data, as well as any tools or frameworks you employ to monitor data quality.

Example

“I ensure data quality by implementing validation checks at various stages of the data pipeline. I use tools like Great Expectations to automate data validation and regularly conduct audits to identify and rectify any discrepancies.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

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

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your ability to think critically under pressure.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a challenge you encountered, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome of your actions.

Example

“In a previous role, I encountered a significant performance issue with our data processing pipeline. I conducted a root cause analysis and discovered that the bottleneck was due to inefficient data transformations. By optimizing the transformation logic and implementing parallel processing, I was able to reduce processing time by 40%.”

5. How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams?

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

How to Answer

Discuss your experience working with different teams, emphasizing your communication style and how you ensure alignment on project goals.

Example

“I believe in maintaining open lines of communication with cross-functional teams. In my last project, I held regular meetings with data analysts and product managers to ensure everyone was aligned on the data requirements and project timelines, which ultimately led to a successful launch.”

Behavioral Questions

6. Why are you interested in working at Sanford Health?

This question gauges your motivation for applying to the organization and your alignment with its mission.

How to Answer

Express your interest in the company’s mission and values, and how your skills can contribute to their goals.

Example

“I am drawn to Sanford Health because of its commitment to improving healthcare through data-driven solutions. I believe my background in data engineering can help enhance the efficiency of data systems, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.”

7. How would you handle a situation where a project deadline is at risk due to unforeseen data issues?

This question assesses your ability to manage stress and prioritize tasks effectively.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to risk management and how you would communicate with stakeholders about the issue.

Example

“If I encountered unforeseen data issues that jeopardized a deadline, I would first assess the impact and identify potential solutions. I would then communicate transparently with stakeholders about the situation and propose a revised timeline, ensuring that we maintain the quality of the deliverables.”