Akuna Capital Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Akuna Capital is a cutting-edge trading firm that specializes in derivatives and technology-driven solutions. The Data Engineer role at Akuna Capital is vital for building and maintaining the data infrastructure that supports the firm's trading strategies and analytics.

As a Data Engineer at Akuna Capital, you will be responsible for designing, constructing, and optimizing data pipelines and architectures to ensure seamless data flow and accessibility across the organization. This role demands strong skills in SQL and Python, as well as a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures to efficiently handle large datasets. You will collaborate closely with quantitative researchers and other technical teams to implement data solutions that align with the firm's innovative approach to trading.

Key responsibilities include developing data models, creating ETL processes, ensuring data quality, and optimizing performance. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a passion for data, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail. Experience working in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment will be beneficial.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into what to expect and how to showcase your skills and experiences relevant to the Data Engineer role at Akuna Capital.

The interview process for a Data Engineer role at Akuna Capital is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different competencies relevant to the role.

1. Online Assessment

The first step in the interview process is an online assessment, usually conducted through HackerRank. Candidates are given a set time, often around 60 to 120 minutes, to complete multiple coding questions that test their knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages such as Python and C++. The questions range from easy to medium difficulty, focusing on fundamental concepts like string manipulation, array operations, and basic algorithmic challenges. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of multiple-choice questions and coding tasks that require efficient problem-solving skills.

2. Technical Phone Interview

Following the online assessment, successful candidates typically participate in a technical phone interview. This interview usually lasts around 30 to 60 minutes and is conducted via a video conferencing platform like Zoom. During this session, candidates are expected to solve coding problems in real-time, often using a collaborative coding tool. Interviewers may ask questions related to data structures, algorithms, and specific programming tasks, such as implementing classes or functions. Candidates should be ready to explain their thought process and discuss the time and space complexity of their solutions.

3. Onsite Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the technical phone interview may be invited for onsite interviews, which usually consist of multiple rounds. These rounds can include a mix of coding challenges, system design questions, and behavioral interviews. Each round typically lasts about 45 to 75 minutes. Interviewers will assess candidates on their ability to design scalable systems, optimize code, and apply best practices in software engineering. Additionally, candidates may be asked to discuss their previous projects and experiences, focusing on how they approached problem-solving and collaboration within teams.

4. Final Interview

The final stage often includes a behavioral interview with HR or senior team members. This interview focuses on cultural fit, teamwork, and communication skills. Candidates may be asked about their motivations for joining Akuna Capital, their career aspirations, and how they handle challenges in a team environment. It’s essential to convey enthusiasm for the role and demonstrate alignment with the company’s values.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage of the process.

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

Master the Coding Challenges

Prepare for a variety of coding challenges, as the interview process at Akuna Capital heavily emphasizes problem-solving skills. Expect to encounter questions that test your understanding of algorithms and data structures, particularly those that are common in LeetCode's medium to hard categories. Focus on practicing problems related to arrays, strings, and dynamic programming, as these topics frequently appear in assessments. Familiarize yourself with the HackerRank platform, as many candidates report using it for their coding tests.

Brush Up on SQL and Python

Given the importance of SQL and Python in the role of a Data Engineer, ensure you have a solid grasp of both languages. Practice writing complex SQL queries, including joins, subqueries, and window functions. For Python, focus on data manipulation and analysis, as well as understanding libraries like Pandas and NumPy. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these languages during the interview will set you apart from other candidates.

Understand the Company Culture

Akuna Capital values a collaborative and friendly work environment. During your interview, aim to showcase your ability to work well in teams and communicate effectively. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you contributed to a team project or helped resolve conflicts. This will demonstrate that you align with the company's culture and can thrive in their work environment.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

While technical skills are crucial, don't overlook the importance of behavioral questions. Be ready to discuss your past experiences, challenges you've faced, and how you've overcome them. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process and the impact of your actions clearly.

Stay Calm and Communicative

During coding interviews, it's essential to communicate your thought process as you work through problems. Interviewers appreciate candidates who articulate their reasoning and approach, even if they don't arrive at the correct solution. If you get stuck, don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions or discuss your thought process with the interviewer. This shows your problem-solving skills and willingness to collaborate.

Review C++ Fundamentals

If your role involves C++, be prepared to answer questions related to the language's fundamentals, including memory management, object-oriented programming concepts, and data structures. Review key topics such as pointers, references, and the Standard Template Library (STL). Candidates have reported being asked to implement classes and functions, so practice writing clean and efficient code.

Practice Mock Interviews

Consider conducting mock interviews with peers or using online platforms to simulate the interview experience. This will help you become comfortable with the format and timing of coding challenges, as well as improve your ability to articulate your thought process under pressure. Additionally, seek feedback on your performance to identify areas for improvement.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the interview process at Akuna Capital and demonstrate your suitability for the Data Engineer role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Akuna Capital. The interview process will focus on your coding skills, understanding of algorithms, data structures, and your ability to work with SQL and Python. Be prepared to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities through coding challenges and technical discussions.

Coding and Algorithms

1. Can you write a function to determine if a number has an even or odd number of 1s in its binary representation?

This question tests your understanding of bit manipulation and binary representation.

How to Answer

Explain your thought process clearly while writing the code. Discuss how you would iterate through the bits of the number and count the 1s.

Example

“I would use a loop to shift the bits of the number to the right and check if the least significant bit is 1. I would maintain a counter to keep track of the number of 1s and then check if the count is even or odd at the end.”

2. How would you find whether two nodes are connected in a graph?

This question assesses your knowledge of graph theory and traversal algorithms.

How to Answer

Discuss the different approaches you could take, such as Depth-First Search (DFS) or Breadth-First Search (BFS), and explain how you would implement one of them.

Example

“I would implement a DFS algorithm starting from one node and mark all reachable nodes. If I reach the second node during the traversal, they are connected. If the traversal ends without reaching the second node, they are not connected.”

3. Can you implement a function to find the maximum profit from stock prices given in an array?

This question evaluates your ability to work with arrays and understand the concept of dynamic programming.

How to Answer

Outline your approach to iterate through the array while keeping track of the minimum price and calculating the maximum profit.

Example

“I would initialize a variable to track the minimum price and another for the maximum profit. As I iterate through the array, I would update the minimum price and calculate the potential profit at each step, updating the maximum profit accordingly.”

4. Describe how you would implement a sliding window algorithm.

This question tests your understanding of efficient data processing techniques.

How to Answer

Explain the concept of the sliding window and how it can be applied to various problems, such as finding the maximum sum of a subarray.

Example

“I would maintain two pointers to represent the window's start and end. As I expand the window by moving the end pointer, I would adjust the start pointer to ensure the window size remains within the required limits, calculating the sum as needed.”

5. How would you detect front-running in a trading system?

This question assesses your ability to apply algorithms to real-world financial scenarios.

How to Answer

Discuss the logic behind detecting front-running and how you would implement it using data structures to store trades and timestamps.

Example

“I would create a data structure to store trades along with their timestamps. By iterating through the trades, I would check if any trade occurs before a significant market event and flag it as potential front-running.”

SQL and Data Management

1. How do you optimize a SQL query for performance?

This question evaluates your understanding of SQL optimization techniques.

How to Answer

Discuss indexing, query structure, and the importance of analyzing execution plans.

Example

“I would start by analyzing the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. Then, I would consider adding indexes on columns used in WHERE clauses and joins, and rewrite the query to minimize the number of rows processed.”

2. Can you explain the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases?

This question tests your knowledge of database types and their use cases.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences in structure, scalability, and use cases for each type of database.

Example

“SQL databases are relational and use structured query language for defining and manipulating data, while NoSQL databases are non-relational and can handle unstructured data. SQL is ideal for complex queries and transactions, whereas NoSQL is better for scalability and flexibility with large volumes of data.”

3. How would you handle data migration between two databases?

This question assesses your understanding of data integrity and migration strategies.

How to Answer

Explain the steps you would take to ensure data integrity and minimize downtime during migration.

Example

“I would first create a backup of the source database. Then, I would develop a migration plan that includes data mapping, transformation rules, and a testing phase to ensure data integrity before switching to the new database.”

4. What are window functions in SQL, and how do you use them?

This question tests your advanced SQL knowledge.

How to Answer

Explain the concept of window functions and provide examples of their use in analytical queries.

Example

“Window functions allow you to perform calculations across a set of table rows related to the current row. For example, I can use the ROW_NUMBER() function to assign a unique number to each row within a partition of a result set.”

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

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills in a data context.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you took to identify the issue, analyze the data, and implement a solution.

Example

“I encountered a discrepancy in sales data between two reports. I traced the issue back to a data entry error in the source system. I corrected the entry, updated the reports, and implemented validation checks to prevent similar issues in the future.”