Videoamp Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Videoamp is a cutting-edge technology company focused on optimizing video advertising through innovative data solutions and analytics.

The Data Engineer role at Videoamp is pivotal in building and maintaining robust data pipelines and architectures that support the company’s analytics and reporting needs. Key responsibilities include designing, constructing, and managing scalable data processing systems, ensuring data quality, and optimizing data flow and collection for cross-functional teams. A successful candidate will possess strong skills in SQL and programming languages like Scala, have experience with data modeling and ETL processes, and exhibit a deep understanding of database management systems. Additionally, they should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, a collaborative mindset, and alignment with Videoamp’s commitment to leveraging data in transformative ways that enhance customer experiences.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the types of questions you may encounter, ultimately increasing your confidence and chances of success.

The interview process for a Data Engineer at Videoamp is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. The process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step in the interview process is a 30-minute phone screen, which may be conducted by a recruiter or a member of the engineering team. This conversation serves to introduce you to the company and the role, while also allowing the interviewer to gauge your background, skills, and alignment with Videoamp's culture. Expect to discuss your experience and motivations for applying.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates are usually required to complete a technical assessment. This may involve a take-home coding challenge or an online test through platforms like HackerRank. The assessment typically focuses on SQL and may include other programming languages relevant to the role, such as Scala. This step is crucial for demonstrating your technical capabilities and problem-solving skills.

3. Onsite Interview

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment are invited for an onsite interview, which generally lasts between 3 to 4 hours. This interview is divided into several parts. The first segment often includes technical whiteboard questions, where you will be asked to solve problems in real-time, demonstrating your thought process and coding skills. Expect to tackle SQL questions and write pseudo-code.

The onsite process also includes meetings with key team members, such as the CTO and the VP of Engineering, where you will face additional technical questions. Additionally, there may be a cultural fit interview with the head of culture, focusing on your values and how they align with the company's mission.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for a mix of technical challenges and discussions about your personal values and how they relate to Videoamp's culture. Now, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand Videoamp's Mission and Values

Before your interview, take the time to familiarize yourself with Videoamp's mission and values. Understanding how the company positions itself in the media and advertising landscape will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values resonate with theirs, especially in terms of innovation and collaboration.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

As a Data Engineer, you will likely face a variety of technical challenges during the interview process. Brush up on your SQL skills, as it is a common focus in both take-home challenges and on-site interviews. Additionally, familiarize yourself with Scala and any other relevant programming languages or tools mentioned in the job description. Practice coding problems on platforms like HackerRank to get comfortable with the format and types of questions you may encounter.

Master the Art of Whiteboarding

During the on-site interview, you may be asked to solve problems on a whiteboard. This is not just about getting the right answer; it's also about demonstrating your thought process. Practice explaining your reasoning clearly and concisely as you work through problems. Engage with your interviewers by asking clarifying questions and discussing your approach, as this will showcase your collaborative spirit and problem-solving skills.

Be Ready for Cultural Fit Questions

Videoamp places a strong emphasis on culture, so expect questions that assess your fit within the team. Reflect on your past experiences and be prepared to discuss how you handle challenges, work in teams, and contribute to a positive work environment. Think about specific examples that highlight your adaptability, communication skills, and commitment to the company's values.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Throughout the interview process, make an effort to engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences at Videoamp, the team dynamics, and the projects they are currently working on. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your expectations.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, send a personalized thank-you note to each of your interviewers. In your message, reference specific topics discussed during the interview to reinforce your interest and demonstrate your attentiveness. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from other candidates.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Engineer role at Videoamp. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Videoamp. The interview process will assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of data engineering concepts, SQL proficiency, and your approach to collaboration and teamwork.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases?

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different database types is crucial for a Data Engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss the use cases for each type of database, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages in terms of scalability, flexibility, and data structure.

Example

“SQL databases are structured and enforce a schema, making them ideal for complex queries and transactions. In contrast, NoSQL databases offer flexibility with unstructured data and can scale horizontally, which is beneficial for handling large volumes of data in real-time applications.”

2. Describe a challenging data pipeline you built. What were the key components?

This question assesses your practical experience in building data pipelines.

How to Answer

Focus on the architecture of the pipeline, the technologies used, and the challenges faced during implementation.

Example

“I built a data pipeline that ingested real-time streaming data from various sources. Key components included Apache Kafka for data ingestion, Apache Spark for processing, and a PostgreSQL database for storage. The main challenge was ensuring data consistency and handling schema evolution, which I addressed by implementing a robust versioning strategy.”

3. How do you optimize SQL queries for performance?

Performance optimization is a critical skill for a Data Engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss techniques such as indexing, query restructuring, and analyzing execution plans to improve query performance.

Example

“To optimize SQL queries, I start by analyzing the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. I often implement indexing on frequently queried columns and rewrite complex joins into simpler subqueries. Additionally, I ensure that I’m only selecting the necessary columns to reduce the amount of data processed.”

4. What is your experience with ETL processes? Can you describe a specific project?

ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes are fundamental in data engineering.

How to Answer

Provide details about the ETL tools you’ve used, the data sources involved, and the transformations applied.

Example

“I have extensive experience with ETL processes using Apache Airflow. In one project, I extracted data from multiple APIs, transformed it to fit our data model, and loaded it into a data warehouse. I implemented error handling and logging to ensure data integrity throughout the process.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

5. Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a data issue. What steps did you take?

This question evaluates your problem-solving approach and analytical skills.

How to Answer

Outline the problem, the steps you took to diagnose it, and the solution you implemented.

Example

“When I encountered a data discrepancy in our reporting, I first traced the data lineage to identify where the issue originated. I discovered that a transformation step was incorrectly aggregating data. I corrected the logic and implemented additional validation checks to prevent similar issues in the future.”

Cultural Fit

6. What do you stand for in a team environment?

Cultural fit is important at Videoamp, and they want to know your values.

How to Answer

Reflect on your core values and how they align with teamwork and collaboration.

Example

“I believe in open communication and mutual respect within a team. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also leads to more innovative solutions.”

7. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

Time management and prioritization are key skills for a Data Engineer.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks based on urgency, impact, and deadlines.

Example

“I prioritize tasks by assessing their impact on project goals and deadlines. I use project management tools to track progress and communicate with my team to ensure alignment. This helps me focus on high-impact tasks while remaining flexible to adjust priorities as needed.”