Top System Engineer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your System Engineer interview by going through these most asked System Engineer interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

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  • Question: Tell me about yourself.
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak about their education, work experience, and any other pertinent information. You want to see if they have a passion for systems engineering and if they have the ability to communicate that passion.

    Sample Answer: I have been working in systems engineering for over 10 years. I have a bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in systems engineering. I am currently working on my certification as a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP).

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for systems engineering
    • - Ability to communicate that passion

  • Question: Why do you want to be in IT services industry?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant is passionate about the industry. It's also a way to see if they have a clear understanding of the industry and what it takes to succeed.

    Sample Answer: I love the fact that there are always new challenges to solve. I also like that I can work with a variety of people and technologies.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the industry
    • - A clear understanding of the industry

  • Question: How will you explain the functionality of linked list?
  • Question Overview: A linked list is a data structure that is used to store a collection of data. The data can be accessed sequentially, but the data itself is not stored sequentially. A linked list is a collection of nodes, where each node contains data and a reference to the next node in the list. The last node in the list contains a reference to null, which indicates the end of the list.

    Sample Answer: A linked list is a data structure that is used to store a collection of data. The data can be accessed sequentially, but the data itself is not stored sequentially. A linked list is a collection of nodes, where each node contains data and a reference to the next node in the list. The last node in the list contains a reference to null, which indicates the end of the list.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the functionality of linked list
    • - Ability to explain how linked lists are used in programming

  • Question: What is your project about?
  • Question Overview: This is a chance to see how the candidate approaches a problem. You want to see if they have a clear understanding of the problem and the solution. You also want to see if they can explain the project in layman's terms.

    Sample Answer: My project is about improving the efficiency of our systems. I am working on a new system that will allow us to better monitor our systems and reduce downtime.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the project in layman's terms
    • - Ability to define the problem and solution

  • Question: What are the projects you have worked on?
  • Question Overview: This is a chance to see how the candidate has handled projects in the past. You want to see if they have experience with project management, and if they are able to work well with others.

    Sample Answer: I have worked on many projects in my past jobs. I have always been able to work well with others and have a good understanding of how to manage projects.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Experience with project management
    • - Ability to work independently

  • Question: How will you express tic tac toe into programming world?
  • Question Overview: This is a fun question to ask because it tests the creativity of the candidate. The candidate should be able to express the game in a way that is logical and easy to understand.

    Sample Answer: I would create a class called "tic_tac_toe" and have it contain two arrays, one for X's and one for O's. Then I would create a method called "play" that would randomly place an X or an O in one of the nine squares. Then I would create another method called "check" that would check if there was a winner.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creativity
    • - Ability to explain the logic behind the programming
    • - Ability to explain the logic behind the programming

  • Question: Why do you want to join Infosys?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to explain why they are interested in the position and the company. The applicant should also be able to explain how their skills and experience will be an asset to the company.

    Sample Answer: I have always been interested in working for Infosys because of its reputation as a leader in the industry. I am very excited to work with you and your team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the company
    • - Passion for the position
    • - Passion for the industry

  • Question: What was the biggest problem that you faced in a project and how did you deal with it?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to see how the candidate thinks on their feet. You want to see if they are able to identify the problem and then find a solution. It's also important to see if they can identify the root cause of the problem and then prevent it from happening again.

    Sample Answer: I had a project that was supposed to be completed in three months, but it ended up taking six months. I was able to identify the problem as being due to a lack of communication between departments. I was able to solve the problem by setting up weekly meetings with all parties involved.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify the problem
    • - Ability to find a solution
    • - Ability to prevent the problem from happening again

  • Question: What is the difference between runtime polymorphism and compile time polymorphism?
  • Question Overview: A system engineer must understand the difference between runtime polymorphism and compile time polymorphism. Runtime polymorphism is when the same code is used for different purposes at different times. Compile time polymorphism is when the same code is used for different purposes at different times. This is a fundamental concept in systems engineering, and you want to see if the candidate understands the difference.

    Sample Answer: Runtime polymorphism is when the same code is used for different purposes at different times. Compile time polymorphism is when the same code is used for different purposes at different times.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the difference
    • - Knowledge of how polymorphism is used in systems engineering

  • Question: How will you explain inheritance in java?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to explain inheritance in java in a way that is easy to understand. They should also be able to explain the different types of inheritance and how they work.

    Sample Answer: Inheritance is a way of reusing code by creating a new class that is based on an existing class. The new class inherits all the properties of the existing class.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain inheritance in java
    • - Ability to explain the different types of inheritance

  • Question: As you are a Non IT student, how will you cooperate or cop up with your teammates who comes from an IT background?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that will reveal how well the candidate can work with others. You want to see if they have experience working with people from different backgrounds.

    Sample Answer: I have worked with many different people in my previous jobs. I am sure I will be able to work with my teammates.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Flexibility
    • - Willingness to learn

  • Question: What is primary key in database and how is it different from unique key.
  • Question Overview: A candidate should be able to define the difference between a primary key and a unique key. The primary key is the main identifier for a table. The unique key is a field that can only have one value in the table.

    Sample Answer: A primary key is the main identifier for a table. It is used to identify records in a table. A unique key is a field that can only have one value in the table.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A comprehensive understanding of primary and unique keys
    • - A comprehensive understanding of database design

  • Question: What are the latest trends in your industry?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to identify the latest trends in their industry. This is a great way to learn how well they understand the industry and how they stay up to date with the latest news.

    Sample Answer: The latest trend I see in my industry is a move towards more cloud computing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify trends
    • - Knowledge of the latest trends

  • Question: How will you find the sum of digits in a given number?
  • Question Overview: This is a simple question to determine how well the candidate can think on their feet. You want to see if they can break down the problem into smaller parts, and if they can use logic to solve the problem.

    Sample Answer: I would first figure out if the number is even or odd. If it's odd, I would take the last digit and add it to the sum of the other digits. If it's even, I would take half of the number and add it to the sum of the other digits.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to break down the problem
    • - Ability to use logic

  • Question: What is your experience with this kind of work?
  • Question Overview: This is where you want to see if the candidate has experience in a similar role. If they have experience, you want to see if they are able to draw on that experience to provide examples of how they handled specific situations. If they have no experience, you want to see if they are willing to learn and adapt.

    Sample Answer: I have worked in a similar role for the past three years. I am willing to learn and adapt.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to provide examples
    • - Willingness to learn

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: This is a great opportunity to see how the candidate views the company and how they view the role of a systems engineer. You want to see if they are familiar with the company's products and services. You also want to see if they have a clear understanding of the role of a systems engineer.

    Sample Answer: I have been following your company for some time now, and I am very impressed with your products and services. I believe I can make a positive contribution to your organization.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the company's products and services
    • - Knowledge of the role of a systems engineer

  • Question: What do you want to know about the company?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to ask a candidate who has been invited for an interview. It's a way to see if they are interested in the company and the position. You want to see if they have done their research on the company and the position.

    Sample Answer: I want to know about the company's goals, its history, and its future plans.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A desire to learn about the company
    • - A desire to learn about the position

  • Question: Where would you prefer to work?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate has an interest in working in a specific area. If they are willing to relocate, it could be a sign that they are flexible and willing to work hard.

    Sample Answer: I would prefer to work in a large city with a lot of opportunities for growth.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to relocate
    • - Interest in a specific area

  • Question: How does a ship made of iron float when an iron rod sinks in water?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic brain teaser that tests the candidate's ability to think outside the box. It's also a great way to see how they approach a problem that seems illogical. You want to see if they are able to break down the problem and analyze it logically.

    Sample Answer: The ship is made of many different materials, not just iron. The iron rod sinks because it is heavier than water. The ship floats because it is made of materials that are lighter than water.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to break down the problem
    • - Ability to analyze it logically
    • - Ability to explain the answer