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.

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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 work in a team?
  • Question Overview: This is an important question to ask because it will help you determine how the candidate will work with other team members. You want to see if they are a team player, and if they can work well with others.

    Sample Answer: I am a team player who is willing to share knowledge. I like to work with others to ensure the best possible outcome for the company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Team player
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Willingness to share knowledge

  • Question: How will you calculate the sum of n numbers?
  • Question Overview: This is a simple question that can reveal a lot about the candidate's thought process. You want to see if they have the ability to break down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable problems. You also want to see if they have the ability to apply logic and math to solve the problem.

    Sample Answer: I would first write down the numbers and then add them up one by one.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to break down the problem into smaller problems
    • - Ability to apply logic and math
    • - Ability to explain the solution

  • Question: What are your expectations from the company?
  • Question Overview: A candidate who has a clear understanding of what they expect from the company will be more likely to be satisfied with the job. You want to see if they have a clear understanding of the company's goals and how their role fits into the bigger picture.

    Sample Answer: I expect to be able to work with a team that is dedicated to providing the best possible solutions for our clients. I also expect to be able to learn new skills and contribute my own ideas.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A clear understanding of what the company expects
    • - A willingness to work with the company
    • - A desire to work with the company

  • Question: How will you find the average of even numbers from a given set of 10 natural numbers?
  • Question Overview: This is a simple question that can be used to determine if the candidate has the ability to think logically. It is also a good way to see if they have a basic understanding of programming.

    Sample Answer: I would first list all of the numbers and then add them up. I would then divide the total by 2 and take the average of the two numbers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to break down the problem
    • - Ability to think logically
    • - Ability to solve the problem

  • Question: How will you reverse a string?
  • Question Overview: This is a basic programming question. You want to see if the candidate has experience with programming languages and can think logically.

    Sample Answer: I would use a string reversal algorithm.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think logically
    • - Experience with programming languages

  • Question: What are the types of trees, graphs , queues, Linked lists?
  • Question Overview: This is a basic question to see if the candidate has a fundamental understanding of data structures. You want to see if they can identify the differences between a binary tree and a linked list.

    Sample Answer: A binary tree is a tree in which each node has at most two children. A linked list is a linear collection of nodes.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify the differences between data structures
    • - Ability to explain how data structures work

  • Question: How did you manage your team while doing project?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate manages a team. You want to see if they are able to delegate tasks and if they are able to work with the team to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.

    Sample Answer: I like to make sure everyone understands their role in the project. I also make sure that everyone is aware of the project's goals and how their role fits into the bigger picture.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to delegate tasks
    • - Ability to work with a team
    • - Ability to manage a team

  • Question: Why do you want to work here?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to ask because it gives you an idea of how the candidate feels about the company. It also gives you an idea of how well they know the company. You want to see if they are familiar with the company's mission, vision and values.

    Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work for a company that is dedicated to providing quality products and services to their customers. I am impressed with your commitment to customer service and your dedication to providing the best possible products.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission
    • - vision and values
    • - Passion for the company

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked in many interviews. You want to see how the candidate responds to this question. You want to see if they are able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. You also want to see if they can explain how they would improve their weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: I am good at analyzing problems and finding solutions, but I need to work on my presentation skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify strengths and weaknesses
    • - Willingness to improve weaknesses

  • Question: How will you explain merge sort?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic sorting algorithm that is used to sort a list of elements. It is a recursive algorithm that works by splitting the list into two sub-lists, and then recursively calling itself on each sub-list. The algorithm is called merge sort because it uses a merge operation to combine the two sorted sub-lists into one sorted list.

    Sample Answer: The algorithm works by splitting the list into two sub-lists, and then recursively calling itself on each sub-list. The algorithm is called merge sort because it uses a merge operation to combine the two sorted sub-lists into one sorted list.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the algorithm
    • - Ability to explain how it works