Databricks As a leading cloud-based data intelligence platform, its Solutions Architect interview not only examines technical capabilities, but also focuses on business understanding and solution design capabilities. Data Track positions focus on resolving data quality, integration and systems issues. Compared to some companies, new employees at Databricks have a longer onboarding period and mentor guidance, and the interview experience is relatively friendly. This interview experience will share my three-round interview experience, including behavioral interview, technical interview and online programming assessment, to provide reference for friends preparing for this position.
Interview background
Company:Databricks
Position: Solutions Architect (Data Track)
Interview rounds:Three rounds
- Hiring Manager Behavioral Interview
- Technical Interview
- Technical Assessment (CodeSignal)
Round 1: Hiring Manager Behavioral Interview
This round is mainly about Hiring manager Talk about past experience, as well as an introduction to the position and team. The corporate culture of Databricks gives me a very good impression: new employees usually have 3-6 months or even longer onboarding time, during which there will be mentors to familiarize themselves with the business and training. Compared with other companies' "get started as soon as they arrive", this model is really friendly.
During the process, the hiring manager also asked if he had used Databricks products. Because Databricks is a Cloud-based data intelligence platform, so if time permits, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with its products and basic functions before the interview, which will give you extra points.
Round 2: Technical Interview
This round focuses more on the Solutions Architect position itself and the technical concepts. Solutions Architect has several tracks in Databricks. The one I interviewed was Data Track. His main job is to help customers solve data quality, data integration and system-related issues, and provide technical solutions and support.
Interview questions include:
Suppose a customer encounters a problem with data quality performance, how would you approach it?
Reference answer: I will first clarify the specific manifestations of the problem, such as data errors, missing or delays, and then analyze the ETL/pipeline of the data flow from source to downstream to check for possible bottlenecks or errors. Then define key data quality indicators and propose optimization plans, such as adding data validation, cleaning steps or improving pipeline performance, and recommend long-term monitoring. The core is to quickly locate problems and provide implementable solutions.
Understanding of data storage layer, including the difference between data warehouse and data lake
Reference answer: Data lake is mainly used to store raw data and can process structured, semi-structured and unstructured data. It is flexible and low-cost, and is suitable for large-scale analysis; Data warehouse stores structured and cleaned data, optimizes queries and BI scenarios, and is more suitable for reports and business analysis. The choice depends on data type, access patterns and business needs.
Design ideas of Data pipeline/solutions
Reference answer: When designing the pipeline, I will consider the entire process from data source, data cleaning and conversion, storage to consumer, to ensure that the data is reliable, scalable and performance is controllable. Choose batch or streaming according to business needs, rationally design partitions and storage, and add monitoring and alarm mechanisms to ensure data quality and system stability.
Cloud related concepts
Reference answer: I will emphasize the elasticity, scalability and managed service advantages of cloud, such as cloud storage, serverless compute and automatic expansion and contraction, while taking into account security, permission management and cost optimization. In the solution design, the system is ensured to be highly available, reliable and maintainable.
The overall difficulty is not very high, and it is more focused on how you analyze problems and provide implementable solutions.
Round 3: Technical Assessment
This round is a programming test on CodeSignal, with a total of three questions that need to be completed in about a week. The inspection content mainly involves Python and PySpark. The questions are more difficult than the second round and require a certain understanding of data processing and distributed computing.
My suggestion is that you must first master the basics of Python and common operations of Pandas/PySpark to be able to process data efficiently. Secondly, you must have practical experience in DataFrame operations, data cleaning and simple ETL processes to ensure that you can quickly implement the functions required by the question. Finally, it is recommended to practice Python/Spark related questions on the online programming platform in advance, which can not only improve the speed of problem solving, but also improve the accuracy of the code and lay the foundation for completing the assessment.
Summary and suggestions
- Behavioral Round: Prepare in advance with your past project experience and understand Databricks’ culture and products.
- Technical Round: Understand the job responsibilities of a Solutions Architect, focusing on preparing data solutions, storage layers, and cloud concepts.
- Technical Assessment: Proficient in Python and PySpark, master data processing ideas, and answer more online programming questions.
The overall interview experience is very friendly. Databricks' examination of candidates is more focused on the ability to analyze problems and implement solutions rather than pure algorithmic ability. If your goal is Solutions Architect, it is recommended to be fully prepared for Data Track related technologies and product applications before the interview.
Write at the end
If you want to get instant tips and ideas in real interviews, or achieve seamless assistance in interviews with major companies such as VO, SDE, FAANG, etc., our professional team can provide full support. From OA to technical aspects to contract negotiation, we provide you with real-time assistance, simulation tests, and professional guidance, so that you can stand out in interviews and quickly get your favorite offer. If you want to experience an interview experience in advance with "a teacher guiding you by your ear", you can click here Contact us Learn more to help you pass interviews with major companies efficiently.
