Skyscanner Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine that connects millions of travelers with flights, hotels, and car rental options.

The Data Engineer role at Skyscanner is pivotal in ensuring that the vast amounts of data generated from user searches and transactions are efficiently processed, stored, and made accessible for analysis. This position involves designing and maintaining robust data pipelines, collaborating with data scientists and analysts to support data-driven decision-making, and ensuring data quality and integrity across various platforms. Ideal candidates should possess strong programming skills, particularly in Python or Scala, have experience with big data technologies like Hadoop and Spark, and be adept in SQL for database management. A deep understanding of data modeling, ETL processes, and cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud) is essential. Candidates should embody Skyscanner's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and customer focus, as this role directly supports the company’s mission to make travel easier for everyone.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the key competencies and values that Skyscanner seeks in a Data Engineer, as well as the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

The interview process for a Data Engineer role at Skyscanner is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that typically unfolds as follows:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with a brief phone call with a recruiter, lasting around 30 minutes. This initial screening focuses on understanding the candidate's background, motivations, and fit for the company culture. Expect to discuss your previous experiences, technical skills, and what you can bring to Skyscanner.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are required to complete a technical assessment, often conducted through platforms like HackerRank. This assessment usually consists of coding challenges that test your problem-solving abilities and understanding of algorithms and data structures. Candidates should be prepared for questions that may involve SQL queries, data manipulation, and algorithmic challenges.

3. First Round Interviews

Successful candidates will then move on to the first round of interviews, which typically includes two sessions. The first session focuses on cultural fit, where interviewers assess how well your values align with Skyscanner's. The second session dives deeper into your technical expertise, often requiring you to discuss a recent project in detail and answer questions related to your technical background.

4. Onsite Interviews

Candidates who perform well in the first round will be invited for onsite interviews, which can last a full day. This stage usually includes multiple interviews with different team members. Expect a mix of technical interviews, where you may be asked to solve problems on a whiteboard or discuss system design, and behavioral interviews that explore your past experiences and how you handle challenges.

5. Final Assessment

In some cases, there may be a final assessment that includes a group activity or a presentation. This is designed to evaluate your teamwork and communication skills, as well as your ability to collaborate effectively with others.

Throughout the process, candidates can expect to receive feedback at various stages, which reflects Skyscanner's commitment to a respectful and supportive interview experience.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to be ready for a range of questions that will test both your technical knowledge and your ability to fit within the company culture.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Skyscanner typically involves multiple stages, including an initial phone screening, a technical assessment, and several rounds of interviews focusing on both cultural fit and technical expertise. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your time and energy throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Technical assessments are a significant part of the interview process. You may encounter coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank, which can be tricky due to their interface. Practice coding problems that are relevant to data engineering, such as SQL queries, data modeling, and system design. Make sure to understand the underlying concepts, as interviewers often look for your thought process and problem-solving skills rather than just the final answer.

Emphasize Cultural Fit

Skyscanner places a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your values and how they align with the company’s mission. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share stories that demonstrate your teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. The interviewers are looking for candidates who not only have the technical skills but also embody the company’s culture.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During interviews, especially technical ones, clear communication is key. Practice explaining your thought process as you work through problems. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning and approach. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think it through and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if needed.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that explore your past experiences and how you handle various situations. Prepare examples that showcase your skills, such as overcoming challenges in projects, working in teams, or learning from failures. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.

Stay Engaged and Ask Questions

Engagement is crucial during interviews. Show genuine interest in the role and the company by asking insightful questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the company’s future direction. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if Skyscanner is the right fit for you.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in the position.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can enhance your chances of success in the interview process at Skyscanner. Good luck!

Technical Skills

1. Describe your experience with designing and implementing data back-end systems.

This question assesses your practical experience and understanding of data architecture, which is crucial for a Data Engineer role at Skyscanner.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you designed data systems, focusing on the technologies used and the challenges faced. Highlight your role in the project and the impact of your work.

Example

“In my previous role, I designed a data back-end system for a travel application that processed user data in real-time. I utilized AWS services for scalability and implemented a microservices architecture to ensure modularity. This system improved data retrieval times by 30%, significantly enhancing user experience.”

2. Can you explain the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases? When would you use one over the other?

Understanding database types is essential for a Data Engineer, as it influences data storage and retrieval strategies.

How to Answer

Provide a concise comparison of SQL and NoSQL, mentioning their strengths and weaknesses. Use examples to illustrate scenarios where one would be preferred over the other.

Example

“SQL databases are structured and ideal for complex queries, while NoSQL databases offer flexibility for unstructured data. I would use SQL for applications requiring ACID compliance, like financial systems, and NoSQL for handling large volumes of diverse data, such as user-generated content in a travel platform.”

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

This question evaluates your hands-on experience with data pipelines, a core responsibility of a Data Engineer.

How to Answer

Detail the components of the pipeline, the technologies used, and the challenges you faced. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and the results achieved.

Example

“I built a data pipeline that ingested data from multiple sources, including APIs and databases, using Apache Kafka for real-time processing. The challenge was ensuring data consistency across sources, which I addressed by implementing a robust error-handling mechanism. This pipeline reduced data processing time by 40%.”

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

Data quality is critical in engineering roles, and this question assesses your approach to maintaining it.

How to Answer

Discuss specific strategies or tools you use to monitor and validate data quality. Mention any frameworks or methodologies you follow.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at various stages of the data pipeline, using tools like Apache Airflow for orchestration. Additionally, I conduct regular audits and use automated testing frameworks to ensure data integrity, which has helped maintain a 99% accuracy rate in our datasets.”

5. What is your experience with cloud platforms, and how have you utilized them in your projects?

Cloud platforms are integral to modern data engineering, and this question gauges your familiarity with them.

How to Answer

Highlight specific cloud services you have used, the projects they were part of, and the benefits they provided.

Example

“I have extensive experience with AWS, particularly with services like S3 for data storage and Redshift for data warehousing. In a recent project, I migrated our on-premise data warehouse to AWS, which improved our query performance by 50% and reduced operational costs by 30%.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of adversity.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your ability to navigate challenges. Focus on your thought process and the outcome.

Example

“In a project where we were integrating a new data source, we encountered unexpected data format issues. I organized a team brainstorming session to identify solutions, and we decided to implement a data transformation layer. This not only resolved the issue but also improved our data integration process for future projects.”

2. Describe a situation where you had to work closely with a team. What was your role?

Collaboration is key in engineering roles, and this question evaluates your teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your role in the team, how you contributed, and the overall success of the collaboration.

Example

“I worked on a cross-functional team to develop a new feature for our travel app. My role was to ensure the data architecture supported the feature. I facilitated communication between the data and development teams, which led to a successful launch that increased user engagement by 20%.”

3. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I use a combination of Agile methodologies and project management tools like Jira to prioritize tasks. I assess the impact and urgency of each task, focusing on high-impact projects first. This approach has helped me consistently meet deadlines while maintaining quality.”

4. Can you give an example of a time you made a mistake? What did you learn from it?

This question evaluates your ability to learn from experiences and take responsibility.

How to Answer

Be honest about a mistake, focusing on what you learned and how you applied that lesson in the future.

Example

“I once overlooked a critical data validation step, which led to incorrect data being processed. I immediately took responsibility and worked with the team to rectify the issue. This experience taught me the importance of thorough checks, and I now implement a checklist for data validation in all my projects.”

5. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in data engineering?

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

How to Answer

Discuss specific resources, communities, or practices you engage with to stay informed.

Example

“I regularly attend industry conferences and webinars, and I’m an active member of several online data engineering communities. I also follow key thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn and read relevant publications to keep up with emerging technologies and best practices.”