Boeing Data Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space, and security systems. Renowned for its innovation and cutting-edge technology, Boeing has connected people globally and enabled exploration beyond our planet.

As a data scientist at Boeing, you’ll be responsible for leveraging data and information to drive success for every part of the company. To succeed in this role, besides being proficient in Python and R, you must also have a deep understanding of aerospace engineering concepts and regulatory frameworks. This will enable you to make data-driven decisions within the aerospace industry effectively.

This guide provides essential insights into the interview process, covering sample Boeing data scientist interview questions and valuable tips to help you prepare. Let’s get started!

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority, however, you can expect the following on a Boeing data scientist interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the Boeing Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

In some cases, the Boeing data scientist hiring manager stays present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also indulge in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the Boeing data scientist role usually is conducted through virtual means, including video conference and screen sharing. Questions in this interview stage may revolve around Boeing’s data systems, ETL pipelines, and data handling best practices.

You might be asked to solve coding problems related to algorithms and data structures. An explanation of machine learning models, like lasso and ridge regression, can also be expected. Depending on the role’s specifics, project-related questions involving programming, data visualization tools, and machine learning experience could be part of this stage.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Followed by a second recruiter call detailing the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds, varying with the role, will be conducted during your day at the Boeing office. Your technical prowess, including hands-on coding, machine learning, and project management capabilities, will be evaluated throughout these interviews.

In the case where you were assigned take-home exercises, a presentation round may also await you during the onsite interview. Scenario and behavioral questions will be prominent to judge how you handle workplace situations and challenges. There might be group activities for collaborative assessment and a possible group interview format with Boeing’s panel members.

Additional Rounds and Final Steps

Depending on the outcome of the aforementioned stages, you might face additional rounds that scrutinize specific technical skills or meet higher management for fitment interviews. The final steps could include HR discussions, background checks, and possibly a review of your online application details.

Typically, interviews at Boeing vary by role and team, but commonly Data Scientist interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. How would you set up an A/B test to optimize button color and position for higher click-through rates?

A team wants to A/B test changes in a sign-up funnel, such as changing a button from red to blue and/or moving it from the top to the bottom of the page. How would you set up this test?

2. Would you suspect anything unusual if an A/B test with 20 variants shows one significant result?

Your manager ran an A/B test with 20 different variants and found one significant result. Would you find anything suspicious about these results?

3. Why might the average number of comments per user decrease despite user growth in a new city?

A social media company launched in a new city and saw a decrease in the average number of comments per user from January to March, despite consistent user growth. What could be the reasons for this decrease, and what metrics would you investigate?

4. What metrics would you use to determine the value of each marketing channel for a B2B analytics company?

Given all the different marketing channels and their respective costs at a company selling B2B analytics dashboards, what metrics would you use to assess the value of each marketing channel?

5. How would you locate a mouse in a 4x4 grid using the fewest number of scans?

You have a 4x4 grid with a mouse trapped in one of the cells. You can “scan” subsets of cells to know if the mouse is within that subset. How would you determine the mouse’s location using the fewest scans?

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 Boeing data scientist interview include:

• Understand the Boeing intricacies: Boeing may ask project and scenario-based questions, so be prepared to discuss your hands-on project experiences, particularly those involving data and predictive modeling.
• Brush Up Your Technical Acumen: Revisit essential concepts in machine learning, data processing, ETL systems, and make sure you can explain models like lasso and ridge regression. Practice coding problems and be prepared for SQL queries.
• Be Detailed and Structured in Responses: Use methods like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your behavioral answers. Be ready to discuss scenarios like conflict resolution, team collaboration, and leadership experiences.

What is the average salary for a Data Scientist at Boeing?

How long does the hiring process at Boeing usually take?

The hiring process can be quite extended, often taking 3 to 4 months from application to offer. This includes multiple interview rounds and internal review processes, so patience is key.

Applying for a Data Scientist position at Boeing presents challenges and opportunities. From panel interviews and coding assessments to in-depth discussions about machine learning and practical applications, the interview process tests your technical abilities and soft skills.

Candidates have reported varying experiences, from highly structured and pleasant interactions to more chaotic scenarios. However, the complexity and diversity in the interview techniques reflect the high standards Boeing maintains for its workforce.

For those looking to better prepare for Boeing’s rigorous selection process, our main Boeing Interview Guide offers detailed insights and solutions. Explore interview questions specifically tailored for Boeing, as well as other roles like software engineer and data analyst.

Good luck with your interview!