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: Would you want to trade places with your parents?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to test a candidate's level of ambition. It's a good way to see how they view their career and their place in the world.

    Sample Answer: I would love to trade places with my parents. They have a great life and I would love to experience what they've experienced.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ambition
    • - Career goals
    • - Personal drive

  • Question: How will you find the average of even numbers from a given set of 10 natural numbers?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often required to work with data and perform calculations on it. This question will test a candidate's ability to work with numbers and perform basic mathematical operations.

    Sample Answer: The average of even numbers is the average of the even numbers plus half of the even numbers. In this case, the average is (4+6)/2 = 5.5.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to manipulate numbers
    • - Basic mathematical skills
    • - Ability to work with data

  • Question: Which location would you prefer?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often required to travel for work. If you're looking for a candidate that will be willing to travel, this is a good question to ask.

    Sample Answer: I prefer to work in an office, but I'm willing to travel as needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Travel experience
    • - Ability to work remotely

  • Question: Tell me something that is not in your CV.
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to ask at the end of an interview. It gives the candidate a chance to talk about something that isn't already in their resume. It also gives you a chance to see how well they can think on their feet and come up with something on the spot.

    Sample Answer: I'm a big fan of the New York Yankees.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creativity
    • - Communication skills
    • - Ability to think on their feet

  • Question: How will you write a program for matrix multiplication?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often required to write code for projects they're working on. This question tests a candidate's ability to write code for a specific problem.

    Sample Answer: I would start by writing the pseudocode for the program. Then I would write the program in C++.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Programming experience
    • - Problem solving skills
    • - Ability to work with complex problems

  • Question: How will you find an element from a list?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often responsible for working with large data sets. They might need to find a specific element in a list or database. This question will give you a sense of how well a candidate can work with large data sets and how they approach problems.

    Sample Answer: I would use a search algorithm like binary search or linear search to find the element in the list.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with large data sets
    • - Problem solving skills
    • - Ability to communicate results

  • Question: Who is your idol?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's designed to get a candidate talking about their interests and passions. It's a good idea to ask this question if you're looking for a candidate who will be a good cultural fit for your organization.

    Sample Answer: My idol is Steve Wozniak. He's a co-founder of Apple and he's been a huge influence on my career.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for technology
    • - Passion for specific projects
    • - Passion for the work environment

  • Question: What are your interests?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often required to work long hours and weekends. As a result, it's important to find out if a candidate has outside interests that will help them maintain a healthy work-life balance.

    Sample Answer: I enjoy playing basketball and reading.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Outside interests
    • - Hobbies
    • - Personal life

  • Question: What do you want to be known for?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to get a sense of the candidate's personal values and goals. It's a good way to find out if they have a strong work ethic or if they're more interested in fame and fortune.

    Sample Answer: I want to be known as a hard worker who is committed to doing the best job possible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personal values
    • - Career goals
    • - Ambition

  • Question: What is the magic number in java?
  • Question Overview: This question tests a candidate's knowledge of computer programming languages. The magic number is a value that is used to identify the version of the Java programming language.

    Sample Answer: The magic number in Java is 0xCAFEBABE.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of computer programming languages
    • - Ability to understand and explain complex concepts