Leidos Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Leidos is an innovative solutions provider committed to empowering teams and contributing to communities while delivering exceptional customer success.

In the role of a Business Intelligence Analyst at Leidos, you will be responsible for leading analytical efforts and ensuring effective communication between technical teams and clients. The key responsibilities include planning and directing systems analysis, coordinating activities such as programming, and leading a team to resolve user issues with a clear path to solutions. Candidates should be adept at applying Business Intelligence methodologies within Operations, Maintenance, and Sustainment (OM&S) of Mission Partner Environments (MPE). Important skills for this role include proficiency in SQL, a strong foundation in algorithms, and hands-on experience in analytics. Moreover, familiarity with agile environments and collaboration with technical experts to enhance user acceptance testing processes is crucial.

The ideal candidate will have a proactive approach to problem-solving, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting. With an emphasis on community and collaboration, Leidos seeks individuals who align with its values and are eager to contribute to impactful projects.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations for the role, the skills needed, and the types of questions you may encounter during the process.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at Leidos is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates align with the company's mission and values. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

1. Initial Phone Screening

The process begins with a phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation typically lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Leidos. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, allowing you to gauge if it’s a good fit for you.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview. This can be conducted via video call or in person and typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. During this interview, you will be asked to demonstrate your technical knowledge relevant to Business Intelligence, including methodologies for Operations, Maintenance, and Sustainment (OM&S) of Mission Partner Environments (MPE). Expect questions that assess your understanding of systems analysis, programming concepts, and possibly a coding challenge or scenario-based questions.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical assessment, candidates often undergo a behavioral interview. This round may involve a panel of interviewers, including HR representatives and technical leads. The focus here is on your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle team dynamics. Questions may revolve around your approach to conflict resolution, collaboration in team settings, and your adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

4. Final Interview

The final stage typically involves a more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager or senior leadership. This interview is designed to evaluate your fit within the team and the organization as a whole. You may be asked to elaborate on your previous projects, leadership experiences, and how you can contribute to the ongoing success of Leidos. This is also an opportunity for you to ask more strategic questions about the company’s direction and your potential role in it.

5. Offer and Background Check

If you successfully navigate the interview rounds, you may receive a job offer. This will be contingent upon passing a background check, which is standard for positions requiring security clearance. The offer will include details about salary, benefits, and other employment terms.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during these stages.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Leidos emphasizes a collaborative and inclusive environment. Familiarize yourself with their mission, vision, and values, as these will guide your interactions during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with those of Leidos, and demonstrate your commitment to teamwork and community engagement.

Prepare for Technical and Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions during your interview. Brush up on your knowledge of Business Intelligence methodologies, particularly as they relate to Operations, Maintenance, and Sustainment (OM&S) of Mission Partner Environments (MPE). Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, including specific projects you've worked on and the methodologies you applied. For behavioral questions, use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Business Intelligence Analyst, you may be expected to lead a team or collaborate with various stakeholders. Highlight any leadership experiences you have, whether formal or informal. Discuss how you have successfully guided teams through challenges, facilitated communication, and driven projects to completion. This will demonstrate your readiness for a role that involves directing activities and coordinating efforts among team members.

Be Ready for Agile Environment Discussions

Leidos operates in an agile software environment, so be prepared to discuss your experience with agile methodologies. Familiarize yourself with concepts like daily scrums, backlog management, and user acceptance testing. If you have experience working in a SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) environment, be sure to mention it, as this is a preferred qualification for the role.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if Leidos is the right fit for you. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of projects you would be working on, and how success is measured within the organization. Asking about the company's future direction or recent initiatives can also demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During the interview, communicate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Practice articulating your experiences and skills in a concise manner. Remember to listen actively to the interviewers and engage in a two-way conversation. This will help you build rapport and demonstrate your interpersonal skills, which are crucial in a collaborative work environment.

Follow Up Professionally

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is well-prepared and aligned with Leidos' values and expectations. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence Analyst interview at Leidos. The interview process will likely assess both technical skills and behavioral competencies, focusing on your ability to analyze data, collaborate with teams, and resolve user issues effectively. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, methodologies, and how you can contribute to the team.

Technical Skills

1. What programming languages are you most comfortable using?

This question aims to gauge your technical proficiency and familiarity with relevant programming languages.

How to Answer

Discuss the programming languages you have experience with, emphasizing those that are most relevant to the role. Mention any specific projects where you utilized these languages effectively.

Example

“I am most comfortable using SQL for data manipulation and analysis, as well as Python for data processing tasks. In my previous role, I used SQL to extract and analyze large datasets, which helped inform strategic decisions for our marketing team.”

2. What is the difference between stack and heap memory?

This question tests your understanding of memory management, which is crucial for efficient programming.

How to Answer

Explain the fundamental differences between stack and heap memory, including their usage and lifetime.

Example

“Stack memory is used for static memory allocation, where variables are stored in a last-in, first-out manner. It is faster and automatically managed. In contrast, heap memory is used for dynamic memory allocation, allowing for more flexible memory usage, but it requires manual management and can lead to fragmentation.”

3. Describe three design patterns and how you have used them.

This question assesses your knowledge of software design principles and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Briefly describe three design patterns, such as Singleton, Observer, and Factory, and provide examples of how you implemented them in your projects.

Example

“I have used the Singleton pattern to ensure that a class has only one instance and provide a global point of access to it. For instance, in a logging utility, I implemented the Singleton pattern to manage log entries efficiently. The Observer pattern was used in a notification system where multiple components needed to be updated when a specific event occurred.”

4. Can you explain the Agile methodology and your experience with it?

This question evaluates your familiarity with Agile practices, which are essential in a collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your understanding of Agile principles and any specific experiences you have had working in Agile teams.

Example

“I have worked in Agile environments for over three years, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. I find that Agile promotes collaboration and adaptability, which are crucial for delivering high-quality products. In my last project, we successfully implemented Agile practices to improve our delivery time by 30%.”

5. How do you approach data analysis and reporting?

This question assesses your analytical skills and your ability to communicate findings effectively.

How to Answer

Outline your process for data analysis, including data collection, analysis techniques, and how you present your findings.

Example

“I start by clearly defining the objectives of the analysis. I then gather relevant data from various sources, clean it, and use tools like SQL and Excel for analysis. Finally, I create visual reports using Tableau to present the findings to stakeholders, ensuring that the insights are actionable.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you handled it.

This question aims to understand your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a challenge you faced, the actions you took, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we encountered a significant delay due to unexpected technical issues. I organized a meeting with the team to identify the root cause and brainstorm solutions. By reallocating resources and adjusting our timeline, we were able to deliver the project with minimal impact on the overall schedule.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and openly. I encourage team members to express their viewpoints and facilitate a discussion to find common ground. For instance, during a project, two team members disagreed on the approach to take. I organized a meeting where we could discuss the pros and cons of each approach, leading to a consensus that satisfied both parties.”

3. What motivates you in your work?

This question seeks to understand your intrinsic motivations and how they align with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Share what drives you professionally, linking it to the role and the company’s mission.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and make a meaningful impact through my work. At Leidos, I appreciate the commitment to innovation and customer success, which aligns with my passion for delivering high-quality solutions that enhance operational efficiency.”

4. Why do you want to work at Leidos?

This question assesses your interest in the company and your alignment with its values.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the company’s mission and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit.

Example

“I am drawn to Leidos because of its commitment to delivering innovative solutions in the defense sector. I admire the focus on collaboration and community impact, and I believe my background in business intelligence aligns well with the company’s goals. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that support national security.”

5. How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use project management tools like Trello to keep track of deadlines and progress. I also regularly communicate with my team to ensure alignment on priorities. For instance, during a busy period, I focused on high-impact tasks that aligned with our strategic goals, which helped us meet our deadlines successfully.”