As a Data Engineer at Ameritas Life Insurance, you play a pivotal role in the design and operational management of our Investment Data and Analytics ecosystem. This position is vital for ensuring that data flows seamlessly between various systems, thereby supporting the data needs of portfolio managers and analysts. You will contribute significantly to building robust data pipelines and infrastructure, which are critical for the firm’s investment strategies, ultimately impacting how we serve our clients and manage over $23 billion in assets.

In this role, you will engage closely with stakeholders across departments, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and collaboration. You will not only focus on technical implementation but also on understanding the business context and requirements behind data initiatives. The complexity and scale of the data challenges you will face are both exciting and intellectually stimulating, making this a unique opportunity for any aspiring data professional.

Expect that interview questions for the Data Engineer position will primarily draw from online interview communities and may vary depending on the team dynamics and specific needs. Rather than memorizing answers, focus on understanding the patterns of questioning, as this will help you articulate your knowledge and experience effectively.

Technical / Domain Questions

This category focuses on your technical skills and domain knowledge relevant to data engineering.

• What data quality checks would you implement in a data pipeline?
• Can you explain how you would design a data flow for an investment management system?

Preparation is key for your success in the interview process at Ameritas Life Insurance. Focus on understanding the evaluation criteria that interviewers will use to assess your fit for the Data Engineer role.

Role-related knowledge – This refers to your technical skills and domain expertise relevant to data engineering. You will be evaluated on your proficiency in programming languages like Python and SQL, as well as your understanding of data management concepts.

Problem-solving ability – Interviewers will look at how you approach problems and structure your solutions. Be ready to discuss your thought process and provide examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past.

Communication skills – Since this role involves significant stakeholder interaction, your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively will be crucial. Prepare to demonstrate your interpersonal skills through specific examples.

Cultural fit / values alignment – Expect questions that assess how well you align with the values and culture at Ameritas Life Insurance. Reflect on your previous experiences and how they relate to the company's commitment to diversity, teamwork, and community.

The interview process at Ameritas Life Insurance for the Data Engineer position is designed to evaluate both your technical abilities and your fit within the team and company culture. You can expect a structured flow that emphasizes collaboration and communication, reflecting the company's values. Interviews will likely include a mix of technical assessments, behavioral questions, and discussions around your past experiences and how they relate to the role.

Throughout the process, the emphasis will be on your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate a genuine interest in learning and contributing to the team. This approach is distinctive compared to other companies, where the focus may solely be on technical skills without considering cultural fit.

This visual timeline illustrates the general stages of the interview process, including initial screenings, technical interviews, and final discussions. Use this to plan your preparation effectively, ensuring you manage your energy and focus on both technical and interpersonal skills throughout the process.

Role-related Knowledge

Your technical knowledge is paramount in this role. Interviewers will assess your understanding of data engineering principles, tools, and technologies.

• Data Flow Design – Be prepared to discuss how to design efficient data flows and the considerations involved.
• Data Quality Management – Expect to elaborate on methods for ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Technology Proficiency – Highlight your experience with SQL, Python, AWS, and any relevant data tools.

Problem-solving Ability

Your analytical skills will be tested through various scenarios. Demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving is crucial.

• Critical Thinking – Show your ability to analyze a problem from multiple angles and propose viable solutions.
• Innovative Solutions – Discuss instances where you implemented creative solutions to complex data challenges.

Communication Skills

Strong communication is essential for this role, given the emphasis on stakeholder interaction.

• Articulation of Ideas – Prepare examples that showcase how you simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
• Collaborative Engagement – Highlight experiences where you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams.

Cultural Fit / Values Alignment

The alignment of your values with those of Ameritas Life Insurance is a significant factor in the evaluation process.

• Teamwork and Collaboration – Be ready to share experiences that illustrate your ability to work effectively in teams.
• Commitment to Diversity – Reflect on how your experiences contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace.