Cisco Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

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

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 stakeholders to deliver actionable insights through well-maintained ETL processes and Looker dashboards.

In this guide, we’ll navigate the interview process, providing key insights into technical Cisco data engineer interview questions and rounds and valuable tips. Let’s get started with the Interview Query!

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority; however, you can expect the following on a Cisco data engineer interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

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

Sometimes, 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 contain around 41 questions: 40 multiple-choice (MCQs) and one coding question. The MCQs cover 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 invite you to the technical screening round. Technical screening for the Cisco Data Engineer role is usually conducted virtually, 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 Trees, 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: This covers Java technologies such as validators and static keywords.
• REST API Interview: This interview tests understanding 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 the 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 technical virtual interview results, 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 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.

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

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:

1. Know Your SQL and Cloud Services: Cisco questions can focus on specifics, so understanding SQL, cloud infrastructure, and Cisco’s proprietary technologies is crucial.

2. Be Data-Driven: Cisco’s data engineering interviews test how well you can provide business-driving insights with data engineering. Ensure you brush up on your understanding of data pipelines, ETL processes, and data warehousing.

3. Embody the Cisco Spirit: Cisco values innovation and a collaborative spirit. Practice responding to behavioral questions, demonstrating your ability to work well with cross-functional teams and your enthusiasm for redefining company standards.

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

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 is often part of the job requirements. Proficiency in these areas showcases your ability to design and implement robust and scalable data pipelines.

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, data analysts, and multi-functional teams of IT experts. Cisco values innovation, diversity, and well-being, encouraging employees to take risks, think creatively, and learn from their experiences. The company also supports flexible work arrangements and offers ongoing learning and career development opportunities.

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.

You can also 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!