PG&E Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

PG&E is a leading public utility company committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy to its customers.

As a Data Engineer at PG&E, you will play a pivotal role in transforming the way data is managed and utilized within the organization. Your key responsibilities will include overhauling existing database architectures, designing and implementing a master database management system for vegetation data, and ensuring data accessibility and accuracy across various departmental systems. You will also be expected to lead technical initiatives, mentor junior analysts, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and deliver innovative data solutions. A strong background in SQL, Python, and ETL processes is essential, along with the ability to navigate complex data challenges while maintaining a focus on PG&E's core values of safety, reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the expectations for the Data Engineer role and equipping you with the knowledge to articulate your relevant skills and experiences confidently.

The interview process for a Data Engineer position at PG&E is structured and involves multiple stages to assess both technical and behavioral competencies. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps you can expect:

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 gathering basic information about your background, education, and work experience. The recruiter will also discuss the role and the company culture, ensuring that you align with PG&E's values and expectations.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video call and will focus on your technical skills, particularly in SQL and Python. Expect to solve coding problems live, such as sorting data structures or discussing your experience with data pipelines. You may also be asked to explain your approach to database design and implementation.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical assessment, candidates typically undergo a behavioral interview, often in a panel format. This round involves multiple interviewers and focuses on situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership skills. Be prepared to discuss past experiences using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to articulate your responses effectively.

4. Final Interview with Hiring Manager

The final step usually involves a one-on-one interview with the hiring manager. This conversation will delve deeper into your technical expertise and how it aligns with the team's needs. You may be asked to discuss your vision for the role, how you handle ambiguity, and your approach to collaboration across departments.

5. Follow-Up and Offer

After the interviews, candidates can expect a follow-up from the HR team regarding their application status. The timeline for feedback can vary, but it is generally communicated within a week after the final interview. If selected, you will receive an offer detailing the role, compensation, and other relevant information.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical skills and past experiences.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at PG&E. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills in database design, SQL, and Python, as well as your ability to work collaboratively and lead projects. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, particularly in data engineering and project management, and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with database design and implementation?

This question aims to gauge your understanding of database architecture and your practical experience in designing systems.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you designed or implemented a database. Highlight the technologies used, the challenges faced, and how you ensured the database met business needs.

Example

“In my previous role, I led the design of a master database for a vegetation management system. I utilized SQL and GIS technologies to ensure the database could efficiently store and retrieve historical vegetation data. This involved collaborating with multiple departments to gather requirements and ensure the system was user-friendly and met regulatory standards.”

2. What is your experience with SQL and how have you used it in your projects?

This question assesses your proficiency in SQL, which is crucial for a Data Engineer role.

How to Answer

Provide examples of complex SQL queries you’ve written, including joins, subqueries, and any performance optimizations you implemented.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly in writing complex queries for data extraction and transformation. For instance, I optimized a query that aggregated data from multiple tables, reducing the execution time by 30% by implementing indexing and restructuring the query logic.”

3. Describe a data pipeline you have built. What were the key components?

This question evaluates your practical experience in building data pipelines.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you took to build the pipeline, the tools used, and how you ensured data quality and reliability.

Example

“I built a data pipeline using Apache Spark to process real-time data from IoT sensors. The pipeline included data ingestion, transformation, and storage in a data lake. I implemented data validation checks at each stage to ensure data integrity and used monitoring tools to track performance.”

4. How do you ensure data quality in your projects?

This question focuses on your approach to maintaining high data quality standards.

How to Answer

Discuss specific strategies you use to validate and clean data, as well as any tools or frameworks you employ.

Example

“I prioritize data quality by implementing automated validation checks during data ingestion. I also conduct regular audits and use tools like Apache Airflow to monitor data flows and alert me to any anomalies. This proactive approach has significantly reduced data errors in my projects.”

5. Can you explain your experience with ETL processes?

This question assesses your understanding and experience with Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes.

How to Answer

Describe your role in ETL processes, the tools you’ve used, and any challenges you faced.

Example

“I have worked extensively with ETL processes using Informatica and Talend. In one project, I was responsible for extracting data from various sources, transforming it to meet business requirements, and loading it into a data warehouse. I faced challenges with data format inconsistencies, which I resolved by implementing a robust data transformation strategy.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to lead a project through ambiguity.

This question evaluates your leadership skills and ability to navigate uncertainty.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where you led a project with unclear requirements or changing circumstances, focusing on your decision-making process.

Example

“During a project to implement a new data management system, the requirements were initially vague. I organized workshops with stakeholders to clarify their needs and iteratively refined the project scope. This collaborative approach helped us stay aligned and ultimately led to a successful implementation.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution strategies.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you resolved a conflict, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“In a previous project, two team members had differing opinions on the database design. I facilitated a meeting where each could present their perspective. By encouraging open dialogue, we were able to find a compromise that incorporated the best elements of both designs, ultimately enhancing the project outcome.”

3. Describe a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks.

This question evaluates your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a situation where you had to manage competing priorities, explaining your approach to prioritization.

Example

“When faced with multiple project deadlines, I assessed the impact and urgency of each task. I communicated with stakeholders to understand their priorities and adjusted my schedule accordingly. This approach allowed me to meet all deadlines without compromising quality.”

4. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies in data engineering?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed, such as online courses, webinars, or industry publications.

Example

“I regularly attend webinars and workshops on emerging data technologies. I also follow industry leaders on platforms like LinkedIn and participate in online forums. Recently, I completed a course on machine learning operations, which has enhanced my understanding of deploying ML models in production.”

5. What motivates you to work in data engineering?

This question aims to understand your passion for the field and your long-term career goals.

How to Answer

Share your enthusiasm for data engineering and how it aligns with your career aspirations.

Example

“I am passionate about data engineering because it allows me to solve complex problems and drive data-driven decision-making. I find it rewarding to create systems that enable organizations to leverage their data effectively. My goal is to continue advancing my skills and contribute to innovative projects that have a meaningful impact.”