Sonder Inc. Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Sonder Inc. is a hospitality company that leverages technology to provide unique and memorable experiences for its guests across its curated portfolio of rental properties.

As a Data Engineer at Sonder, your primary responsibility will be to design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines that facilitate the efficient processing and analysis of large datasets. You will collaborate closely with data scientists, analysts, and other stakeholders to develop data solutions that drive business insights and enhance customer experiences. Proficiency in SQL and algorithms will be essential, as you will be expected to optimize data retrieval and manipulation processes. Additionally, a strong command of Python is important for scripting and automating data tasks.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of database management systems and data warehousing concepts, along with the ability to work with various data storage technologies. You should have a keen analytical mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for leveraging data to improve operational performance. A proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong communication skills will also contribute to your success in this role.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the key skills and experiences that will be assessed, enabling you to present yourself confidently and effectively.

The interview process for a Data Engineer position at Sonder Inc. is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is a brief phone screening with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Sonder. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Data Engineer role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video call. This session often includes a coding challenge, where you may be asked to solve problems related to SQL and algorithms. Expect to demonstrate your coding skills and discuss your thought process as you work through the challenge.

3. Take-Home Assignment

Candidates may be required to complete a take-home assignment that tests your ability to handle real-world data engineering tasks. This assignment is designed to evaluate your analytical skills and your approach to problem-solving. The time commitment for this assignment can vary, but it is generally expected to take a few hours.

4. Presentation and Discussion

After submitting the take-home assignment, candidates often have a follow-up video call to present their solutions. During this discussion, interviewers will ask questions about your approach, the decisions you made, and any challenges you encountered while completing the assignment. This is also an opportunity for you to showcase your communication skills and ability to articulate complex ideas.

5. Final Interviews

The final stage usually consists of multiple interviews with team members and senior leadership. These interviews may cover system design, behavioral questions, and discussions about your past projects. Interviewers will assess your technical expertise, teamwork, and how well you align with Sonder's values and mission.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a mix of technical and behavioral questions that reflect the skills and competencies required for the Data Engineer role.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at Sonder.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Sonder typically includes a recruiter screening, followed by interviews with the hiring manager and team members. Be prepared for a coding challenge, system design questions, and possibly a take-home assignment. Familiarize yourself with the structure so you can anticipate what’s next and prepare accordingly.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Data Engineer, proficiency in SQL and algorithms is crucial. Brush up on your SQL skills, focusing on complex queries, joins, and data manipulation techniques. Additionally, be ready to discuss algorithms and their applications in data processing. Practice coding problems that reflect real-world scenarios you might encounter in the role.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Sonder values cultural fit and teamwork, so expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you work with others. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated collaboration, adaptability, and leadership. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

Be Ready for Case Studies

You may encounter case studies or practical exercises during the interview. These are designed to evaluate your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Approach these challenges methodically: clarify the problem, outline your thought process, and communicate your reasoning clearly. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and work through complex issues.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Throughout the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think before responding. It’s okay to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Engaging in a dialogue shows your willingness to collaborate and learn.

Research the Company Culture

Understanding Sonder’s company culture is essential. They value innovation, collaboration, and a positive work environment. Familiarize yourself with their mission and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This is not only courteous but also reinforces your interest in the position. If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, it’s acceptable to follow up politely for an update.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Engineer role at Sonder. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Sonder Inc. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience with data management and analytics. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, coding skills, and how you approach data-related challenges.

Technical Skills

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

This question assesses your proficiency with SQL, which is crucial for data manipulation and querying.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL, mentioning the types of queries you wrote and the outcomes of your work.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL extensively to extract and analyze data from our customer database. I wrote complex queries involving joins and subqueries to generate reports that informed our marketing strategies, leading to a 20% increase in customer engagement.”

2. Can you describe a challenging data set you worked with and how you handled it?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with complex data.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a data set that posed challenges, detailing the steps you took to clean, analyze, and derive insights from it.

Example

“I once worked with a data set that had numerous missing values and inconsistencies. I implemented data cleaning techniques, such as imputation and normalization, and used Python libraries to visualize the data, which helped identify trends that were crucial for our project.”

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

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

How to Answer

Discuss the methods and tools you use to validate and verify data, as well as any processes you have in place to monitor data quality.

Example

“I implement automated data validation checks and regularly conduct audits to ensure data integrity. Additionally, I use version control for data sets to track changes and maintain a clear history of data modifications.”

4. Describe your experience with data modeling and ETL processes.

This question assesses your understanding of data architecture and the processes involved in data extraction, transformation, and loading.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with designing data models and the ETL tools you have used, highlighting any specific projects.

Example

“I have designed data models for various applications, utilizing tools like Apache Airflow for ETL processes. In one project, I developed a pipeline that automated data extraction from multiple sources, transforming it into a unified format for analysis, which significantly reduced processing time.”

5. What programming languages are you proficient in, and how have you applied them in your work?

This question evaluates your coding skills, particularly in languages relevant to data engineering.

How to Answer

Mention the programming languages you are familiar with, providing examples of how you have used them in data-related tasks.

Example

“I am proficient in Python and have used it for data analysis and automation tasks. For instance, I wrote scripts to automate data cleaning processes, which saved my team several hours of manual work each week.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline.

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

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully met a tight deadline, detailing the strategies you employed.

Example

“During a critical project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I prioritized tasks, delegated responsibilities, and worked extra hours to ensure we delivered the project on time, which ultimately impressed our stakeholders.”

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

This question evaluates your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I believe in maintaining open lines of communication with cross-functional teams. In my last project, I scheduled regular check-ins with the marketing and product teams to ensure everyone was aligned on goals and timelines, which helped us launch the product successfully.”

3. Can you give an example of a time you had to adapt to a significant change at work?

This question assesses your flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a change you faced and how you adjusted your approach.

Example

“When our company shifted to a remote work model, I quickly adapted by setting up a home office and utilizing collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom to stay connected with my team. This transition allowed us to maintain productivity and continue meeting our project goals.”

4. What motivates you to work in data engineering?

This question explores your passion for the field and your long-term career goals.

How to Answer

Share what excites you about data engineering and how it aligns with your career aspirations.

Example

“I am motivated by the power of data to drive decision-making and innovation. I enjoy solving complex problems and finding insights that can lead to impactful business strategies, which is why I am passionate about pursuing a career in data engineering.”

5. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

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 use it to improve your work.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive constructive criticism, I take the time to reflect on it and implement changes in my work. For instance, after receiving feedback on my data visualization skills, I took an online course to enhance my abilities, which improved my presentations significantly.”