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: Why do you want to be in IT services?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to get a sense of a candidate's motivation for working in IT services. It can also help you understand their career goals.

    Sample Answer: I've always been interested in technology and I'm excited about the prospect of working with cutting-edge products and solutions. I'm also interested in the business side of things.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - Motivation for working in IT services
    • - Past experience in IT services

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that gives you a chance to get to know the candidate better. It's also a chance for the candidate to give you an idea of how they see themselves. This question is a great opportunity for the candidate to show their personality and sense of humor.

    Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to work with people and my ability to communicate effectively. My weakness is that I'm not a morning person.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Humor
    • - Personality

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often have a lot of freedom in their careers. They can move between different organizations or even different industries. As a result, it's important to ask candidates about their career goals. This question will give you a better idea of what they're looking for in their next role.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to be working with a company that is at the forefront of technology. I want to be able to work on projects that are exciting and challenging.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - Long-term career goals

  • Question: What are the types of security threats?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often responsible for creating security policies and procedures for their organizations. They need to be aware of the different types of security threats and how to prevent them.

    Sample Answer: Security threats can include viruses, malware, and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of security threats
    • - Ability to communicate security threats in simple terms
    • - Knowledge of security policies and procedures

  • Question: How many people reported to you in your previous organization?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often serve as managers or consultants for technology projects. As a result, they might have managed a team of developers or other IT staff. This question will give you a sense of the candidate's experience in this area.

    Sample Answer: I managed a team of four developers in my last role. I was responsible for their performance reviews and ensuring that they were meeting deadlines.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to manage and lead a team
    • - Ability to communicate with team members
    • - Ability to create a workable schedule

  • Question: Tell me about your project.
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to get a candidate talking about a specific project they've worked on. It's a good way to get a sense of their communication style and how well they can explain technical concepts.

    Sample Answer: I was involved in a project that created a new reporting system for the company's sales department. It was a big project that involved working with several different teams and departments.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Technical knowledge
    • - Ability to work with others

  • Question: Tell me about yourself and why did you choose the career path that you are undertaking?
  • Question Overview: This is a standard question that you'll find on most job interviews. It's a good opportunity to learn about the candidate's background and their motivations for pursuing a career in systems engineering.

    Sample Answer: I've always been interested in technology and how it can be used to solve problems. I've worked with computers since I was a teenager and I've always enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how to make them work better.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personal background
    • - Career history
    • - Motivations for pursuing a career in systems engineering

  • Question: What is the difference between functions and procedures?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often work with programming languages like C++ or Java, which use functions and procedures to define program logic. It's important to know the difference between the two and how they're used in programming.

    Sample Answer: A function is a block of code that performs a specific task. A procedure is a set of steps that can be executed by a function.

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

  • Question: What is a table in C?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often work with software developers and other IT professionals on a regular basis. This question will test a candidate's ability to communicate with other technical professionals.

    Sample Answer: A table is a data structure that stores information in rows and columns.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical communication skills
    • - Ability to communicate with other technical professionals
    • - Knowledge of programming languages

  • Question: How will you perform a join operation on the tables given with some criteria?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often responsible for creating data reports and queries in database management systems. This question will test a candidate's ability to perform basic database operations like joins and queries.

    Sample Answer: I'd use a join operation to combine the tables and then use the criteria to filter the results.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of database management systems
    • - Ability to follow a set of instructions
    • - Ability to communicate results in simple terms