The Standard Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The Standard is dedicated to putting customers first, fostering a high-performance culture that emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and creativity.

As a Data Engineer at The Standard, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining and optimizing data pipelines that support actuarial functions. Your key responsibilities will include monitoring and troubleshooting data workflows built on Azure Databricks and Dataiku, developing Python scripts to enhance system efficiency, and ensuring data accuracy and reliability. A successful candidate will possess strong SQL skills and a solid understanding of algorithms to effectively manage complex datasets. You will collaborate closely with actuaries and other data engineers to meet data requirements and document processes to enhance clarity and consistency. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive mindset are essential traits for thriving in this dynamic environment.

This guide aims to equip you with the insights necessary to prepare for your interview, enabling you to effectively demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the role at The Standard.

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

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is usually a phone or video call with a recruiter. This conversation is designed to gauge your interest in the company and the role, as well as to discuss your background and experience. Expect questions that explore your motivations for applying and your understanding of the company’s mission and values.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may involve a one-on-one session with a hiring manager or a panel of team members. During this interview, you will be asked to demonstrate your technical expertise, particularly in SQL, Python, and data pipeline management. Be prepared to tackle coding challenges or problem-solving scenarios that reflect real-world data engineering tasks.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates often go through multiple behavioral interviews, which may include interactions with various team members and senior leadership. These interviews focus on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a collaborative environment. Expect situational questions that require you to illustrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

4. Final Interview

The final stage usually involves a conversation with senior leadership. This interview is less formal and more about assessing your fit within the company culture and your alignment with The Standard's values. It’s an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics, company goals, and what success looks like in the role.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to showcase their technical skills, collaborative spirit, and adaptability to new technologies.

Next, let’s delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at The Standard.

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

Understand the Company Culture

The Standard emphasizes a high-performance culture that values collaboration, accountability, and creativity. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Highlight your passion for making a difference, both within the company and in the community, as this resonates well with their ethos.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions during your interviews. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare to share specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and how you handle competing priorities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the role's focus on data engineering, be ready to discuss your experience with SQL, Python, and data pipeline management. Brush up on your technical knowledge, particularly around Azure Databricks and Dataiku, as these are crucial for the position. Prepare to explain your previous projects and how you utilized these technologies to solve real-world problems.

Engage with the Interviewers

The interviewers at The Standard are described as friendly and professional. Use this to your advantage by engaging them in conversation. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how you can contribute to their success. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Ready for Panel Interviews

You may encounter panel interviews where multiple team members assess your fit for the role. Prepare to address questions from different perspectives and be adaptable in your responses. This is an opportunity to showcase your collaborative spirit and how you can work effectively within a team.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interviews, send a thoughtful thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Mention specific points from your conversation that resonated with you, reinforcing your interest in the role and the company. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who not only possesses the necessary technical skills but also aligns well with The Standard'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 The Standard. The interview process will likely assess both technical skills and behavioral competencies, focusing on your experience with data systems, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration with team members. Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise, particularly in SQL, Python, and data pipeline management, as well as your approach to teamwork and conflict resolution.

Technical Skills

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

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

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL, emphasizing your ability to write complex queries and optimize database performance.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL extensively to extract and analyze data from large databases. I developed complex queries to generate reports that informed business decisions, and I optimized existing queries to improve performance by 30%.”

2. Describe a data pipeline you have built. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

This question assesses your hands-on experience with data pipelines and your problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Detail the architecture of the pipeline, the technologies used, and specific challenges you encountered, along with the solutions you implemented.

Example

“I built a data pipeline using Azure Databricks that integrated data from multiple sources. One challenge was ensuring data consistency during high-volume loads. I implemented a validation step that checked for discrepancies before data was processed, which significantly reduced errors.”

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

This question evaluates your understanding of data governance and quality assurance practices.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate data, such as automated testing, data profiling, and regular audits.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at various stages of the data pipeline, including automated tests that flag anomalies. Additionally, I conduct regular audits to ensure data integrity and compliance with our quality standards.”

4. What is your experience with Python in data engineering? Can you provide an example of a script you wrote?

This question focuses on your programming skills and ability to automate tasks.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a Python script you developed, explaining its purpose and the impact it had on your workflow.

Example

“I wrote a Python script that automated the extraction and transformation of data from our CRM system into our data warehouse. This reduced manual processing time by 50% and allowed the team to focus on analysis rather than data entry.”

5. How do you handle performance issues in data processing?

This question assesses your troubleshooting skills and understanding of performance optimization.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to identifying bottlenecks and the strategies you employ to enhance performance.

Example

“When I encounter performance issues, I first analyze the execution plan of the queries to identify bottlenecks. I then optimize the queries by indexing key columns and restructuring joins, which has consistently improved processing times.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a situation where you had to work under a tight deadline. How did you manage your time?

This question evaluates your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the steps you took to meet the deadline and the outcome.

Example

“During a critical project, I had to deliver a data report within 48 hours. I prioritized tasks by breaking them down into manageable parts and delegated some responsibilities to team members. We successfully met the deadline, and the report was well-received by stakeholders.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to resolve a conflict with a coworker.

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Discuss the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the positive outcome that resulted.

Example

“I had a disagreement with a coworker about the best approach to a data model. I suggested we sit down and discuss our perspectives openly. By listening to each other and finding common ground, we developed a hybrid solution that improved the model’s efficiency.”

3. Give an example of a time when you had competing priorities. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you had to balance competing demands, explaining your decision-making process.

Example

“When faced with multiple project deadlines, I assessed the urgency and impact of each task. I communicated with my team to redistribute some responsibilities, allowing us to meet all deadlines without compromising quality.”

4. What motivates you to work in data engineering?

This question seeks to understand your passion for the field and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for data engineering and how it aligns with your career goals and values.

Example

“I am motivated by the challenge of transforming raw data into actionable insights. I find it rewarding to solve complex problems and contribute to data-driven decision-making, which aligns with The Standard’s commitment to putting customers first.”

5. How do you perform under pressure?

This question assesses your resilience and ability to maintain performance in stressful situations.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a high-pressure situation and how you managed to stay focused and effective.

Example

“In a previous role, I was tasked with delivering a critical data analysis report during a system outage. I remained calm, prioritized essential tasks, and communicated regularly with my team. We adapted quickly and delivered the report on time, which was crucial for our stakeholders.”