Affinity solutions Data Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions represent the types of inquiries you may encounter during your assessment. While the specific focus will shift depending on the seniority of the role and the specific project requirements, these patterns reflect the core competencies we seek in our Data Engineers.

Technical Proficiency and Domain Knowledge

These questions test your mastery of the tools and methodologies essential to our daily operations, particularly regarding database management and pipeline development.

• How do you optimize complex SQL queries for high-volume Oracle environments?
• Can you explain your experience with SSIS and how you handle error logging and troubleshooting?

Preparation for Affinity solutions requires a balanced approach. You must be technically rigorous while demonstrating that you are a cultural fit for our collaborative, relationship-driven environment.

Technical Competence – We evaluate your ability to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code. Be prepared to discuss your specific experience with Python, SQL, and relevant cloud platforms like GCP or Oracle.

Systemic Thinking – We look for engineers who understand the "why" behind the "how." You should be able to articulate how your technical decisions impact the broader business objectives and the efficiency of your team.

Communication and Collaboration – As a consulting-focused organization, your ability to communicate transparently is as important as your coding skills. Show us how you work with IT stakeholders and how you navigate ambiguity.

The interview process at Affinity solutions is designed to be a two-way discovery. We want to understand your technical depth and your alignment with our values, while also providing you with a clear picture of what it means to be part of our team. You can expect a process that prioritizes efficiency and direct, honest communication.

The experience typically moves from an initial screening to technical deep-dives and behavioral assessments. Our interviewers look for candidates who are not just experts in Data Engineering but are also curious, proactive, and willing to grow. The process is professional and rigorous, ensuring that we both have a shared understanding of the potential impact you will have in the role.

The visual timeline above illustrates the progression from initial contact to final decision. Interpret this as a structured journey: early stages focus on verifying your technical prerequisites, while later stages assess your ability to integrate into our specific project environments and team cultures. Use this to pace your study of SQL, Python, and your past project experiences.

SQL and Data Modeling

This is the bedrock of your role. We evaluate your ability to write performant code and structure data logically.

• Query Optimization – Understanding execution plans and indexing.
• Modeling Techniques – Star schemas, snowflake schemas, and normalization vs. denormalization.
• Advanced SQL – Window functions, common table expressions (CTEs), and complex joins.

As a Data Engineer at Affinity solutions, your primary mission is to ensure data integrity and accessibility. You will be responsible for defining and testing data models that serve specific business use cases, often working closely with product owners and IT stakeholders to translate requirements into technical specifications.

You will spend a significant portion of your time designing and developing data warehousing solutions and optimizing existing processes to improve performance and reduce memory consumption. Beyond development, you are expected to provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for production issues, contributing to a cycle of continuous improvement. You are not just a coder; you are a partner in our clients' success, expected to show initiative and suggest improvements to our architectures and workflows.

To be competitive, you should possess a blend of deep technical expertise and the soft skills necessary for a consulting environment.

• Must-have skills – Advanced SQL (especially in Oracle), professional experience with Python, at least 2 years of experience with SSIS or equivalent ETL tools, and a strong command of Git.
• Nice-to-have skills – Experience with GCP (BigQuery, Airflow), knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, and proficiency in French (if applying to the French-speaking roles in Portugal).
• Soft skills – Strong #Assertiveness in communication, a clear track record of #Action and proactiveness, and a genuine interest in #Learning new technologies.

Q: How long does the interview process usually take? The timeline varies, but we aim for efficiency. From the first screen to the final decision, most candidates complete the process within a few weeks, depending on interview availability.

Q: Is there a coding test? Yes, expect technical assessments that involve SQL and Python problem-solving. These are designed to test your real-world coding ability rather than abstract theory.

Q: What is the company culture like? Our culture is defined by our #Affinity values—empathetic, informal, and highly collaborative. We prioritize work-life balance and personal growth as much as technical output.

Q: Are these roles remote? We offer flexibility, including on-site, remote, and hybrid work modes. Specific arrangements are discussed during the interview process based on project requirements.

• Own your story: Be ready to walk through your previous projects in detail. Focus on the challenges you faced and the specific technical choices you made to overcome them.
• Value alignment: Familiarize yourself with our #Affinity, #Ambition, #Action, #Learning, and #Assertiveness values. Be prepared to provide examples of how you have demonstrated these in your career.
• Ask questions: We value candidates who are genuinely curious about our business and the impact of their work. Prepare 3–4 thoughtful questions about our team structure or current data challenges.
• Be transparent: If you don't know an answer, it is better to explain your thought process and how you would find the solution than to guess.

The Data Engineer position at Affinity solutions is an opportunity to join a high-performing, values-driven team that treats your career as a #LifetimeExperience. By focusing your preparation on mastering SQL and Python, understanding the nuances of data warehousing, and demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively, you will be well-positioned to succeed.

We encourage you to review your technical fundamentals and reflect on your past contributions to data infrastructure. You have the potential to make a significant impact here, and we look forward to seeing how your skills and mindset align with our mission. For further insights, continue exploring your preparation resources and get ready to showcase your best work.