Cisco Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide 2024

Cisco

Cisco is a global leader in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure, committed to powering an inclusive digital future. Leveraging innovative technology, Cisco continually evolves to meet the dynamic needs of today's digital landscape.

Position: Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer at Cisco, you will be instrumental in designing, building, and maintaining scalable data pipelines. This role demands expertise in cloud technologies, primarily Google Cloud Platform, SQL proficiency, and strong programming skills in Python. You will collaborate with data analysts and various stakeholders to deliver actionable insights through well-maintained ETL processes and Looker dashboards.

This Guide

In this guide, we'll navigate you through Cisco's interview process for the Data Engineer role, providing key insights into technical questions, interview rounds, and valuable tips. Let's get started with Interview Query!

Submitting Your Application

The first step is to submit a compelling application that reflects your technical skills and interest in joining Cisco as a Data Engineer. Whether you were contacted by a Cisco recruiter or have taken the initiative yourself, carefully review the job description and tailor your CV according to the prerequisites.

Tailoring your CV may include identifying specific keywords that the hiring manager might use to filter resumes and crafting a targeted cover letter. Don’t forget to highlight relevant skills and mention your work experiences.

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the Cisco 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 Cisco data engineer 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.

Online Assessment

The online assessment will consist of around 41 questions: 40 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and one coding question. The MCQs cover topics such as networking, DBMS, OOPs concepts, C/C++ programming, and aptitude questions. The coding question will typically be of moderate complexity.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the Cisco Data Engineer role usually is conducted through virtual means, including video conferences and screen sharing. This stage consists of:

• 2 DSA Rounds: Focus on standard problem-solving questions, including but not limited to Binary Search Tree, valid parentheses, and medium-level coding questions.
• Competency in SQL Queries: Questions mainly to assess your proficiency in SQL, such as the creation and manipulation of data tables and writing optimized queries.
• Java Interview: Covers Java technologies such as validators and the static keyword.
• REST API Interview: Tests understanding of REST API standards and involves building a CRUD API for a given scenario.
• System/Database Design: Inquires about database and system design principles relevant to data engineering essentials.
• Relevant Project Work: Questions focused on your prior projects and the technology stacks you used, including difficulty faced and the role you played.

Each section of this stage aims to assess your depth of knowledge and practical approach to solving real-world problems.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Depending on the results of the technical virtual interview, you might be invited for onsite interviews. Multiple interview rounds will be conducted. Typically, the onsite interview loop involves:

• Technical Rounds: More in-depth questions about programming, ML modeling capabilities, and specific technical challenges.
• Behavioral Questions: Focus on your previous work experiences, challenges faced, and how you handled them.
• Managerial Rounds: While focusing on your technical skills, they might gauge your managerial and team-leading capabilities.
• HR Round: Final fitment interview to discuss your expected compensation, company culture, and other formalities.

Quick Tips For Cisco Data Engineer Interviews

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 Cisco interview include:

• Know Your SQL and Cloud Services: Cisco questions can be quite focused on specifics, so understanding SQL, cloud infrastructure, and Cisco’s proprietary technologies is crucial.
• Be Data-Driven: Cisco’s data engineering interviews test how well you can provide business-driving insights with data engineering. Make sure to brush up on your understanding of data pipelines, ETL processes, and data warehousing.
• Embody the Cisco Spirit: Cisco values innovation and a collaborative spirit. Practice responding to behavioral questions that demonstrate your ability to work well with cross-functional teams and your enthusiasm for redefining company standards.

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

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

Q: What does the interview process look like for a Data Engineer at Cisco?

The interview process typically consists of several stages including an initial recruiter call, a series of technical interviews, and a final managerial round. The technical interviews focus on problem-solving skills, data structures and algorithms, SQL queries, and cloud technologies. Candidates may also be asked to demonstrate their knowledge in specific programming languages like Python or Java and to present their past projects and experience.

Q: What are some common technical topics covered in Cisco’s Data Engineer interviews?

Common technical topics include data structures and algorithms, SQL and database queries, cloud technologies (especially Google Cloud Platform), ETL processes, data modeling and schema design, and programming skills in languages such as Python. Additionally, you might be asked questions regarding data integration, data warehousing, and analytics tools like Looker.

Q: How crucial is experience with cloud technologies for the Data Engineer role at Cisco?

Experience with cloud technologies, particularly Google Cloud Platform (GCP), is highly valued for a Data Engineer role at Cisco. Familiarity with cloud-based services such as Google BigQuery, SAP HANA, Teradata, and other data engineering tools and frameworks are often part of the job requirements. Proficiency in these areas showcases your ability to design and implement robust and scalable data pipelines.

Q: What kind of work environment and team can I expect at Cisco?

Cisco promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic work environment. You will work with highly motivated data architects and data analysts, as well as multi-functional teams of IT experts. Cisco values innovation, diversity, and employee well-being, encouraging employees to take risks, think creatively, and learn from their experiences. The company also supports flexible work arrangements and offers opportunities for ongoing learning and career development.

Q: How can I prepare effectively for a Cisco Data Engineer interview?

To prepare effectively, focus on mastering data structures and algorithms, SQL, and cloud technologies relevant to the role. Practice coding problems and develop a strong understanding of ETL processes, data modeling, and schema design. It is also beneficial to review your past projects and be ready to discuss them in detail. Leveraging resources from Interview Query can help you understand the types of questions to expect and provide you with valuable practice scenarios.

In conclusion, the journey to securing a Data Engineer position at Cisco involves a dynamic and multi-faceted interview process. Expect to navigate through various rounds, from DSA challenges to SQL queries, and from project discussions to coding tests. Cisco's interview stages, while rigorous, offer valuable insights into your problem-solving abilities, technical knowledge, and collaborative skills.

Cisco is eager to bring on board individuals who are not just technically proficient but also align with its inclusive culture and forward-thinking ethos. If you want more insights about the company, check out our main Cisco Interview Guide, where we have covered many interview questions that could be asked. We’ve also created interview guides for other roles, such as software engineer and data analyst, where you can learn more about Cisco’s interview process for different positions.

At Interview Query, we empower you to unlock your interview prowess with a comprehensive toolkit, equipping you with the knowledge, confidence, and strategic guidance to conquer every Cisco Data Engineer interview question and challenge.

You can check out all our company interview guides for better preparation, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Good luck with your interview!