BMO Harris Bank Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

BMO Harris Bank is a leading financial institution committed to providing innovative banking solutions and exceptional customer service.

As a Data Engineer at BMO Harris Bank, you will play a pivotal role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports data collection, storage, and processing. You will be responsible for designing data pipelines, optimizing data flows, and ensuring the reliability of data systems. This role requires a solid understanding of databases, data warehousing, and ETL processes, along with proficiency in programming languages such as SQL, Python, or Java. A strong candidate is not only technically skilled but also possesses excellent problem-solving abilities and a collaborative mindset, as you will work closely with data analysts, data scientists, and business stakeholders to deliver actionable insights. Your contributions will directly align with BMO’s commitment to leveraging data to enhance customer experiences and drive business decisions.

This guide will equip you with insights and strategies to effectively prepare for your interview, allowing you to confidently demonstrate your fit for the Data Engineer role at BMO Harris Bank.

The interview process for a Data Engineer position at BMO Harris Bank is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Application and HR Screening

The journey begins with an online application, followed by an initial phone screening with an HR coordinator. This conversation is designed to gauge your interest in the role and the organization, as well as to discuss your background and relevant experiences. Expect questions about your career aspirations and how they align with the Data Engineer position.

2. Video Interview

Following the HR screening, candidates are often required to complete a video interview. This step involves answering a series of pre-set questions, allowing you to showcase your communication skills and provide insights into your professional journey. You may have the opportunity to redo your responses, which can help you present your best self.

3. Technical Interview

The next phase typically consists of a technical interview, which may involve two team leads or senior members from the data engineering department. This interview focuses on your technical competencies, including your experience with data management, programming languages, and relevant tools. While technical questions are included, the emphasis is also placed on your problem-solving approach and how you handle real-world data challenges.

4. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates usually participate in one or more behavioral interviews with hiring managers or team members. These interviews are designed to assess your teamwork, collaboration, and adaptability. Expect to discuss specific situations from your past experiences, particularly those that highlight your ability to work effectively in a team environment and overcome challenges.

5. Final Round Interviews

The final stage often includes a series of back-to-back interviews with various stakeholders, such as data scientists and senior analysts. These interviews delve deeper into your project experiences, technical skills, and how you can contribute to the team. Questions may revolve around your past projects, the lessons learned, and your salary expectations.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to be ready for a mix of technical and behavioral questions that reflect the collaborative and innovative culture at BMO Harris Bank. Next, we will explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Emphasize Team Collaboration

BMO Harris Bank places a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you have successfully worked within a team, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and contribute to group goals. This will demonstrate that you align with the company’s collaborative culture.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions throughout the interview process. Prepare to share stories that illustrate your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and how you handle feedback. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your actions on the team and project outcomes.

Showcase Your Technical Projects

While technical questions may not dominate the interview, be ready to discuss your relevant projects in detail. Articulate the challenges you faced, the technologies you used, and the results you achieved. This will not only showcase your technical expertise but also your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Engage with Your Interviewers

BMO Harris Bank values candidates who show genuine interest in the organization. During your interviews, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s future direction. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and help you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Authentic and Personable

The interview process at BMO Harris Bank is described as supportive and friendly. Approach your interviews with authenticity and confidence. Share your career journey and aspirations, and don’t hesitate to express your passion for data engineering. Building a rapport with your interviewers can leave a lasting impression.

Prepare for a Structured Process

The interview process may include multiple rounds, including video interviews and in-person discussions. Familiarize yourself with the format and prepare accordingly. For video interviews, practice recording your responses to common questions, ensuring you convey your thoughts clearly and concisely. For in-person interviews, be ready for a mix of behavioral and light technical questions.

Reflect on Your Salary Expectations

Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations during the interview. Research industry standards for data engineers in your area and consider your experience level. Present a range that reflects your skills and the value you bring to the team, while remaining open to negotiation.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at BMO Harris Bank. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you work within a team. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to data engineering challenges, and your ability to collaborate effectively.

Experience and Background

1. Describe a project you worked on that required collaboration with multiple teams. What was your role, and what challenges did you face?

BMO values teamwork and collaboration, so they will want to understand how you navigate group dynamics and contribute to shared goals.

How to Answer

Focus on your specific contributions, the challenges you encountered, and how you overcame them through collaboration.

Example

“In my last project, I worked with the data analytics and software development teams to create a data pipeline. My role was to design the ETL process, and I faced challenges in aligning our timelines. I organized regular check-ins to ensure everyone was on the same page, which ultimately led to a successful launch.”

2. Can you explain a time when you had to troubleshoot a data issue? What steps did you take?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge in data engineering.

How to Answer

Detail the specific issue, the steps you took to diagnose and resolve it, and the outcome of your actions.

Example

“I encountered a data inconsistency issue in our reporting system. I first traced the data lineage to identify where the error originated. After pinpointing the source, I implemented a fix and updated our data validation processes to prevent similar issues in the future.”

Technical Skills

3. What data engineering tools and technologies are you most proficient in?

BMO will want to know your technical expertise and how it aligns with their tech stack.

How to Answer

List the tools you are familiar with, providing context on how you have used them in past projects.

Example

“I am proficient in SQL for database management, Apache Spark for big data processing, and Python for scripting and automation. In my previous role, I used Spark to process large datasets efficiently, which improved our data retrieval times by 30%.”

4. Describe your experience with data modeling. What methodologies do you prefer?

Understanding your approach to data modeling is crucial for a data engineering role.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with different data modeling techniques and why you prefer certain methodologies.

Example

“I have experience with both dimensional and normalized data modeling. I prefer dimensional modeling for analytics projects because it simplifies complex queries and enhances performance. In my last project, I designed a star schema that improved query response times significantly.”

Behavioral Questions

5. Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your ability to accept feedback and grow from it.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance, how you reacted to the feedback, and what changes you made as a result.

Example

“During a code review, I received feedback about my coding style not adhering to team standards. I took it positively, researched best practices, and adjusted my coding style accordingly. This not only improved my code quality but also helped me mentor others on the team.”

6. Why do you want to work at BMO Harris Bank?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Express your interest in the company’s mission, culture, and how your skills can contribute to their goals.

Example

“I admire BMO’s commitment to innovation and customer service. I believe my background in data engineering can help enhance your data-driven decision-making processes, ultimately improving customer experiences.”

Project Management

7. Describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities. How did you ensure project success?

This question gauges your project management skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss how you assessed priorities, managed your time, and communicated with stakeholders.

Example

“In a previous role, I was juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines. I prioritized tasks based on their impact and urgency, communicated regularly with my team to delegate effectively, and ensured we met all deadlines without compromising quality.”

8. What is your approach to ensuring data quality and integrity in your projects?

BMO will want to know how you maintain high standards in your work.

How to Answer

Explain your strategies for data validation, testing, and monitoring.

Example

“I implement rigorous data validation checks at every stage of the data pipeline. I also conduct regular audits and use automated testing tools to ensure data integrity. This proactive approach has helped me maintain high data quality in all my projects.”