Harris Computer Systems Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Harris Computer Systems specializes in delivering mission-critical software solutions across various sectors, including public sector, healthcare, utilities, and private enterprise.

The Data Engineer role at Harris is pivotal in maintaining and enhancing the company's data processing infrastructure. Key responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining data pipelines using SQL and C#, along with refining and supporting existing ETL feeds. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills and technical proficiency, particularly in SQL programming and an understanding of ETL tools. Familiarity with C#/.NET and Python is advantageous, as is experience in enterprise-class software support.

Traits that align well with Harris's values include attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage cross-team projects. The role is crucial in ensuring data availability and integrity while identifying opportunities for process improvement.

This guide will assist you in preparing for your interview by highlighting the essential skills and responsibilities associated with the Data Engineer position, providing you with the confidence to articulate your qualifications effectively.

The interview process for a Data Engineer role at Harris Computer Systems is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several stages, allowing candidates to showcase their expertise and experiences while also gauging their alignment with the company's values.

1. Initial Phone Interview

The first step in the interview process is a phone interview conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, skills, and experiences. Expect to discuss your previous projects, the technologies you have worked with, and your motivations for applying to Harris. This stage is crucial for the recruiter to determine if you meet the basic qualifications and if you would be a good cultural fit for the company.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via video call or in-person, depending on the circumstances. During this round, you can expect to answer technical questions related to SQL, data pipelines, and possibly some coding exercises in languages like C# or Python. The focus will be on your problem-solving abilities and your understanding of data engineering concepts, including ETL processes and database management.

3. Panel Interview

The next stage often involves a panel interview with multiple team members, including the hiring manager and other engineers. This round is designed to evaluate your technical knowledge in greater depth, as well as your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. You may be asked to explain your past work experiences in detail, discuss challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Behavioral questions may also be included to assess your soft skills and teamwork capabilities.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted to further assess your fit within the team and the organization. This could involve discussions about your long-term career goals, your understanding of the company's mission, and how you can contribute to its success. This stage may also include a review of your technical skills through additional coding challenges or scenario-based questions.

Throughout the interview process, it is essential to demonstrate not only your technical expertise but also your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each stage, focusing on both technical and behavioral aspects.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Harris Computer Systems. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your experience with data infrastructure and analysis. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to data management, and how you can contribute to the company's data operations.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the process of designing and implementing a data pipeline?

This question assesses your understanding of data pipeline architecture and your practical experience in building them.

How to Answer

Discuss the key components of a data pipeline, including data ingestion, processing, and storage. Highlight any specific tools or technologies you have used in your previous projects.

Example

“In my last role, I designed a data pipeline that ingested data from various sources, processed it using Apache Spark, and stored it in a data warehouse. I ensured that the pipeline was scalable and could handle increased data loads by implementing partitioning strategies and optimizing query performance.”

2. How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your projects?

This question evaluates your approach to maintaining high standards in data management.

How to Answer

Explain the methods you use to validate data, such as data profiling, cleansing, and implementing checks during data ingestion.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at multiple stages of the data pipeline. For instance, I use automated scripts to profile incoming data for anomalies and inconsistencies. Additionally, I set up alerts for any data quality issues that arise during processing, allowing for quick resolution.”

3. Describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in your previous roles.

This question focuses on your SQL skills, which are crucial for a Data Engineer role.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of SQL queries you have written, the complexity of the data you worked with, and how your SQL skills contributed to project success.

Example

“I have extensive experience writing complex SQL queries for data extraction and transformation. In my previous job, I optimized a slow-running query that aggregated sales data, reducing the execution time from several minutes to under 30 seconds by adding appropriate indexes and restructuring the query.”

4. What ETL tools have you used, and how did you implement them in your projects?

This question assesses your familiarity with ETL processes and tools.

How to Answer

Mention specific ETL tools you have experience with, describe how you used them, and the impact they had on your data processing tasks.

Example

“I have worked with SSIS for ETL processes, where I developed packages to extract data from various sources, transform it according to business rules, and load it into our data warehouse. This automation significantly reduced manual data handling and improved data accuracy.”

5. How do you approach debugging issues in a data pipeline?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and technical troubleshooting abilities.

How to Answer

Discuss your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues, including any tools or techniques you use.

Example

“When debugging a data pipeline, I start by checking the logs for any error messages. I then isolate the component where the failure occurred, whether it’s during data ingestion or processing. For instance, I once encountered a data type mismatch that caused a failure in the ETL process, which I resolved by adjusting the data types in the source system.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the challenges.

This question assesses your resilience and problem-solving skills in a team environment.

How to Answer

Choose a specific project, outline the challenges faced, and explain the steps you took to overcome them.

Example

“I worked on a project where we had to migrate a legacy data system to a new platform. The biggest challenge was ensuring data consistency during the transition. I coordinated with the team to develop a phased migration plan, which included extensive testing and validation at each stage, ultimately leading to a successful migration with minimal downtime.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact on project deadlines and business objectives. I use project management tools like Trello to track progress and deadlines, allowing me to adjust priorities as needed. For instance, when faced with overlapping deadlines, I focus on tasks that are critical for project completion first.”

3. How do you handle feedback and criticism from peers or supervisors?

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

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you have used it to improve your work.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. In a previous role, I received constructive criticism on my documentation practices. I took that feedback seriously and implemented a more structured approach to documentation, which improved clarity and usability for my team.”

4. Can you give an example of how you worked effectively in a team?

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you contributed to a team project, highlighting your role and the outcome.

Example

“I was part of a cross-functional team tasked with developing a new reporting tool. I collaborated closely with data analysts to understand their needs and worked with developers to ensure the tool met those requirements. Our combined efforts resulted in a tool that improved reporting efficiency by 40%.”

5. Why are you interested in working at Harris Computer Systems?

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

How to Answer

Express your interest in the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals.

Example

“I am drawn to Harris Computer Systems because of its commitment to providing mission-critical software solutions that positively impact various sectors. I believe my background in data engineering and my passion for optimizing data processes align well with the company’s objectives, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work.”