Top Systems Engineer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

Interview Practice

Search Systems Engineer Questions:


  • Question: What made you choose software engineering as a career?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to get insight into a candidate's motivations and interests. It can also give you an idea of how well they understand the role of a systems engineer.

    Sample Answer: I've always been interested in computers and technology. I chose systems engineering because it's a field that allows me to work with a variety of technologies and solve problems in different ways.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Motivation for choosing a career in systems engineering
    • - Technical knowledge
    • - Interest in the field

  • Question: How will you reverse a string?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic programming question that can help you evaluate a candidate's technical skills. It's also a good way to see if they have a basic understanding of programming concepts.

    Sample Answer: I would use a for loop to reverse the string.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Programming language used
    • - Ability to solve a problem using multiple steps
    • - Ability to communicate the solution in simple terms

  • Question: What is the pulverization of coal?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to test a candidate's knowledge of basic chemistry and physics. Pulverization is the process of breaking solid materials into smaller pieces. The most common example is the pulverization of coal to make coal power.

    Sample Answer: Pulverization is the process of breaking solid materials into smaller pieces. It's most commonly used in the production of coal power.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Basic chemistry and physics knowledge
    • - Ability to research and explain an answer

  • Question: What is the difference between static and dynamic scope?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often involved in projects that require them to work with software developers. This question will test their knowledge of software development terminology and concepts.

    Sample Answer: Static scope refers to the original specifications for a project or product. Dynamic scope refers to changes that occur during the course of development.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of software development terminology
    • - Ability to communicate technical concepts in simple terms

  • Question: What is a Linked List?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often responsible for managing and maintaining existing systems. As a result, they need to have a working knowledge of the inner workings of different technologies. This question will test a candidate's knowledge of basic computer science concepts like linked lists.

    Sample Answer: A linked list is a data structure that consists of a series of nodes connected by pointers. Each node contains data and a pointer to the next node in the list.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of computer science concepts
    • - Ability to explain concepts in simple terms
    • - Knowledge of programming languages

  • Question: Can you give me an example of your strengths in real-time?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often involved in real-time situations where they have to make quick decisions and act on them. This question will give you a better idea of how well a candidate can think on their feet and make good decisions.

    Sample Answer: I was working with a team of developers on a project for a major financial company. We were in the middle of a code review when we discovered an issue with the software that could have caused major problems. I was able to quickly identify the problem and suggest a solution that was accepted by the team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to make quick decisions
    • - Ability to think on the fly
    • - Ability to communicate well under pressure

  • Question: Why should we hire you over others?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out what a candidate thinks makes them stand out from the crowd. It's also a good way to find out if the candidate has done their research on your company and industry.

    Sample Answer: I'm passionate about technology and I'm excited about the opportunity to work with your team. I've done my research on your company and I know you have a great reputation in the industry.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of company and industry
    • - Passion for the job
    • - Ability to communicate strengths

  • Question: How would you solve a Sudoku puzzle?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often required to solve complex problems. This question tests a candidate's ability to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.

    Sample Answer: I would first look for patterns in the puzzle. I'd then try to find a solution that matched the pattern.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem solving skills
    • - Ability to think outside the box
    • - Creativity

  • Question: Why do you want to work in Infosys?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's designed to get a candidate talking about their career goals and why they're interested in working for your company. It's a good idea to ask this question early in the interview, so you can get a sense of how well a candidate's goals match your organization's needs.

    Sample Answer: I've been following Infosys for years and have always been impressed with the company's reputation for quality and innovation. I'm excited to be part of the team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - Interest in working for your company
    • - Professional experience

  • Question: What is the difference between php and js?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to test a candidate's technical knowledge. The answer will depend on the specific technologies you're using. For example, PHP is a server-side scripting language, while JavaScript is a client-side scripting language. This question will give you a good idea of the candidate's technical expertise.

    Sample Answer: PHP is a server-side scripting language that's used to create dynamic web pages. It's often used in conjunction with HTML and CSS. JavaScript is a client-side scripting language that's used to create interactive elements on web pages.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical expertise
    • - Knowledge of programming languages
    • - Ability to communicate technical information in simple terms

  • Question: How will you work with your teammates who comes from an IT background?
  • Question Overview: Many systems engineers have a background in IT, but not all of them. It's important to know how well a candidate will fit in with the rest of your team. This question will help you understand how well a candidate will communicate with other members of the team.

    Sample Answer: I've worked on projects with teams that include both IT and non-IT members. I've found that it's important to understand each person's role and to work together to find the best solution for everyone.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate with other team members
    • - Past experience working with IT teams
    • - Ability to work with different types of people

  • Question: How would you create a database and query it with a condition they specified.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to test a systems engineer candidate's technical ability. It's a good idea to ask a systems engineer candidate to create a database and then write a query that meets specific requirements. This will give you a better idea of their technical skills and ability to work with databases.

    Sample Answer: I would create a database that includes the name, address, and phone number of all customers. I would then write a query that selects all customers who live in the state of New York.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical skills
    • - Database experience
    • - Ability to work with relational databases

  • Question: How will you reverse a linked list?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often required to write code, so it's a good idea to ask them about their programming skills. This question tests their ability to implement a basic data structure like a linked list. It's also a good way to see if they understand the concept of linked lists and how they work.

    Sample Answer: A linked list is a data structure that consists of nodes that are connected by pointers. To reverse a linked list, you have to start at the last node and work backwards until you reach the first node.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Programming skills
    • - Ability to implement basic data structures
    • - Knowledge of data structures and algorithms

  • Question: What do you think about FDI?
  • Question Overview: Foreign direct investment is a term used to describe the purchase of a company by a foreign company. It's often used in the context of a foreign company buying a U.S. company. This question is designed to test a systems engineer's knowledge of business and finance.

    Sample Answer: I think FDI is a good way for foreign companies to enter new markets and gain access to new customers. I've seen it work well in some cases, but it can be risky if the acquiring company doesn't have the right resources to support the new acquisition.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of business and finance
    • - Ability to communicate in simple terms
    • - Knowledge of specific case studies

  • Question: How will you prove your worth in coming years?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often involved in long-term planning and strategic thinking. As a result, they need to have a good sense of how their skills will be valued in the future. This question can help you understand how a systems engineer candidate thinks about their career and what they see as their future value.

    Sample Answer: I want to continue to develop my skills as a systems engineer. I'm interested in pursuing certification in the next few years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Long-term career goals
    • - Ability to think strategically about technology
    • - Ability to communicate career goals

  • Question: How will you explain inheritance in java?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often work with developers on major projects. They might help with the creation of technical documentation or serve as a liaison between developers and other departments. As a result, they need to have a working knowledge of programming languages and software development. This question will give you an idea of how well a candidate can communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

    Sample Answer: Inheritance is a way to create new classes from existing classes. It's a way to reuse code and create new objects that are based on existing objects.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of programming languages
    • - Ability to communicate technical concepts
    • - Ability to work with developers

  • Question: How will you explain merge sort?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often need to communicate technical concepts to non-technical people. This question is designed to test a candidate's ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. It's also a good way to gauge their knowledge of the concept.

    Sample Answer: Merge sort is a sorting algorithm that uses divide and conquer techniques. It's used in many applications like data mining and database management. It works by dividing the data into two halves, sorting each half, and then merging the two halves into a sorted list.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms
    • - Knowledge of merge sort
    • - Communication skills

  • Question: What are the latest trends in your area of interest?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often involved in the latest trends in technology. They might be working on the development of new products or services, or they might be involved in the planning stages of a new project. As a result, they're often exposed to new technologies and ideas. This question will help you gauge a candidate's interest in the latest trends in their field.

    Sample Answer: The latest trend I'm following is the move toward cloud computing. I think it's going to have a big impact on how we deliver IT services in the future.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of current trends
    • - Ability to communicate current trends to others
    • - Ability to explain how current trends will affect future projects

  • Question: How will you find the sum of digits in a given number?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers need to be able to solve problems using a variety of different methods. This question tests a candidate's ability to think outside the box and come up with a solution that doesn't involve a computer.

    Sample Answer: I would use a calculator to add up the digits in the number and then subtract that total from the original number.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem solving skills
    • - Ability to think outside the box
    • - Creativity

  • Question: How many interviews have you given and in how many of them did you fail?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge a candidate's experience with interviewing. It's also a good way to see how well they handle rejection. If you're looking for someone who has experience interviewing for systems engineering jobs, this question will give you a good idea of their experience level.

    Sample Answer: I've given about five interviews in the last year and I've failed two of them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with interviewing
    • - Ability to handle rejection
    • - Professional communication skills