AT&T Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

AT&T Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Overview

AT&T is a connectivity and technology pioneer committed to transforming how the world connects and communicates. Focusing on innovation and customer satisfaction, AT&T offers robust solutions for mobile, internet, and cutting-edge technologies like 5G and fiber.

At AT&T, data engineers collaborate with developers and data product owners to enhance code in data warehouses and cloud platforms like Snowflake and Azure. Their responsibilities include business intelligence solutions through ETL processes, writing complex SQL queries with Python or Unix shell scripting, and creating visual reports with Power BI or Tableau. An ideal candidate is someone with 4-6 years of experience in RDBMS, SQL programming, and cloud technologies, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and flexibility for shifts and weekend support.

If you’re interested in advancing your career in the Telecommunication industry, this guide provides insights into the interview process and sample AT&T data engineer interview questions and equips you with strategies to succeed. Let’s get started!

What is the Interview Process Like for a Data Engineer Role at AT&T?

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority. However, you can expect the following on an AT&T data engineer interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

After submitting your application, if your CV stands out, a recruiter from the AT&T Talent Acquisition Team will contact you to verify key details such as your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be part of the screening process.

During this call, which typically lasts about 30 minutes, the recruiter will assess your fit for the role. You might also have the opportunity to ask questions about the company’s culture and the specifics of the role.

Technical Virtual Interview

You’ll be invited to a technical virtual interview if you pass the initial screening. This stage usually involves a video conference and takes about one hour, during which you will be asked various technical questions. Expect to discuss data systems, ETL pipelines, SQL queries, and possibly coding tasks related to data engineering challenges. For example, you might be asked, “What is the window function you used before?”

Depending on the specific role and seniority, this round might also include case studies or take-home assignments focused on data transformation, web scraping, and API calls.

Onsite Interview Rounds

If you successfully navigate the virtual technical interview, you will be invited to onsite interviews at the AT&T office. This component comprises multiple rounds of interviews, which assess your technical prowess in more depth.

You might undergo several technical interviews focusing on different aspects, such as your proficiency against hypothesis testing, probability distributions, and your approach to ad-hoc analysis. Additionally, you may need to present solutions to take-home assignments or case studies provided earlier.

What Questions Are Asked in an AT&T Data Engineer Interview?

Typically, interviews at AT&T vary by role and team, but commonly Data Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. Why are job applications decreasing despite stable job postings?

You observe that the number of job postings per day has remained stable, but the number of applicants has been decreasing. What could be causing this trend?

2. What would you do if friend requests on Facebook are down 10%?

A product manager at Facebook informs you that friend requests have decreased by 10%. How would you address this issue?

3. How would you assess the validity of an AB test result with a 0.04 p-value?

Your company is running an AB test to increase conversion rates on a landing page. The PM finds a p-value of 0.04. How would you evaluate the validity of this result?

4. How would you analyze the performance of a new LinkedIn feature without an AB test?

LinkedIn has launched a feature allowing candidates to message hiring managers directly during the interview process. Due to engineering constraints, an AB test wasn’t possible. How would you analyze the feature’s performance?

5. Should Square hire a customer success manager or offer a free trial for a new product?

Square’s CEO wants to hire a customer success manager for a new software product, while another executive suggests offering a free trial instead. What would be your recommendation?

How to Prepare for a Data Engineer Interview at AT&T

You should plan to brush up on any technical skills and try as many practice interview questions and mock interviews as possible. A few tips for acing your AT&T data engineer interview include:

  • Brush Up on Technical Skills: Focus on SQL, data processing frameworks like Hadoop or Spark, and coding languages like Python and SQL for writing efficient queries.
  • Understand Data Engineering Concepts: Review data architecture principles, ETL processes, and data warehousing as these are core to the role’s responsibilities.
  • Prepare for Behavioral Questions: While most of the focus will be on technical competence, be ready to discuss your experiences in team settings, problem-solving approaches, and examples of past projects.

FAQs

What is the average salary for a Data Engineer at Att?

$137,600

Average Base Salary

$203,104

Average Total Compensation

Min: $125K
Max: $171K
Base Salary
Median: $125K
Mean (Average): $138K
Data points: 5
Max: $203K
Total Compensation
Median: $203K
Mean (Average): $203K
Data points: 1

View the full Data Engineer at Att salary guide

What does the Data Engineer role at AT&T entail?

The Data Engineer at AT&T is responsible for tasks such as reading, extracting, transforming, staging, and loading data. You will develop data applications, work with the engineering team to integrate your work into production systems, process and analyze large amounts of structured and unstructured data, and mentor junior engineers. The role also involves defining data retention policies and participating in design and code reviews.

What skills and qualifications are required for the Data Engineer position at AT&T?

To qualify for the Data Engineer position, you typically need a Master’s degree in a relevant field like Computer Science or Electronic Engineering, along with 2-3 years of experience in related roles. Essential skills include proficiency in SQL, data mining, machine learning, software development, and experience with big data tools like Hadoop and Spark.

What are the perks and benefits of working at AT&T?

AT&T offers a range of benefits, including: - Medical/Dental/Vision coverage - 401(k) plan - Tuition reimbursement program - Paid Time Off and Holidays (at least 23 days of vacation per year and 9 company-designated holidays) - Paid Parental and Caregiver Leave - Adoption Reimbursement - Disability Benefits - Life and Accidental Death Insurance - Supplemental benefit programs - Extensive employee wellness programs - Employee discounts up to 50% off on AT&T products and services

Conclusion

Ready to embark on an exciting career journey with AT&T? From the very first phone call with the recruiter to the engaging video interview with the team, candidates are given a thorough and insightful experience. With a comprehensive role that includes working with advanced technologies, mentoring juniors, and continuously optimizing data solutions, AT&T offers a dynamic environment that promises growth and innovation.

To discover more about the company and prepare for your interview, visit our main AT&T Interview Guide, where we cover a range of interview questions that might be posed. We also have specialized guides for other roles, such as software engineer and data analyst, to give you a broader understanding of the interview process at AT&T.

Good luck with your interview!