What is a DevOps Engineer at Cohesity?

The DevOps Engineer role at Cohesity is pivotal in ensuring the seamless integration of development and operational processes, fostering a culture of collaboration and efficiency. As a DevOps Engineer, you will contribute to the design, implementation, and maintenance of infrastructure and applications that power Cohesity’s data management solutions. Your work directly impacts the reliability and performance of products that help organizations manage their data effectively, ensuring that customers have access to the tools they need for data protection and recovery.

In this role, you will engage with complex systems that handle vast amounts of data, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions. The combination of Cohesity’s cutting-edge technology and your expertise will play a critical role in enhancing the overall user experience and optimizing operational workflows. You can expect to work on exciting projects that not only challenge your technical skills but also allow you to make significant contributions to the company’s mission.

Common Interview Questions

During your interview process, you can expect a variety of questions that assess both your technical expertise and your fit within the Cohesity culture. The questions below are drawn from actual experiences shared by candidates and are representative of the types of inquiries you may encounter. While they provide a framework, remember that specific questions may vary depending on your interviewers and the team.

Technical / Domain Questions

This category tests your foundational knowledge and practical skills in relevant technologies.

• Explain the Linux boot process.
• What are the differences between TCP and UDP?
• How do you troubleshoot a network connectivity issue?
• Describe how you would configure NFS and CIFS.
• What is the OSI model and how does it apply to networking?

Behavioral / Leadership Questions

These questions evaluate your interpersonal skills and ability to work within teams.

• Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you overcome it?
• How do you handle feedback and criticism in a team setting?
• Explain how you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects.
• Tell me about a time you had to persuade a team member to adopt your approach on a project.
• What motivates you to perform well in your role?

Problem-Solving / Case Studies

This section assesses how you approach and resolve complex problems.

• Given a scenario where a server is down, what steps would you take to identify and fix the issue?
• How would you design a scalable infrastructure for a web application?
• Explain how you would implement CI/CD in a project.
• Discuss a time when you had to implement a solution under tight deadlines. What was your strategy?
• If a user reports a slow application, how would you investigate the issue?

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for your interview should be strategic, focusing on both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Familiarize yourself with Cohesity’s products and values, as this knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with the company’s mission.

Role-related knowledge – You will need to showcase a strong understanding of DevOps practices and technologies. Familiarize yourself with tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and cloud platforms.

Problem-solving ability – Interviewers will evaluate how you approach challenges. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically when tackling technical problems.

Culture fit / values – Demonstrating how your work style aligns with Cohesity’s culture is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with teams and adapt to changing environments.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process at Cohesity is designed to assess candidates thoroughly while maintaining a respectful and professional atmosphere. Generally, the process involves a combination of technical and behavioral interviews, often conducted via video conferencing to accommodate candidates from various locations. You can expect a structured format that allows for both in-depth technical assessments and discussions about your previous experiences and how you handle workplace scenarios.

Candidates typically go through several rounds, beginning with initial HR screenings, followed by technical interviews with potential peers and the hiring manager. The final stages often involve discussions around compensation and a verbal offer. Throughout the process, emphasis is placed on communication, collaboration, and a culture of continuous learning, reflecting Cohesity’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

The timeline visualizes the various stages of the interview process, from initial contact to final offer discussions. Use this overview to help manage your preparation and energy throughout the process. Each stage is an opportunity to present your skills and fit for the role, so approach them with confidence.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Understanding how you will be evaluated during the interview process can significantly enhance your preparation. Below are key evaluation areas that Cohesity focuses on for the DevOps Engineer role.

Role-related Knowledge

This area measures your technical expertise and familiarity with relevant tools and technologies. Interviewers will look for a solid grasp of concepts related to Linux, networking, and cloud environments.

• Linux Commands – Know essential commands and their outputs.
• Networking Fundamentals – Understand protocols, IP addressing, and troubleshooting techniques.
• DevOps Tools – Be prepared to discuss CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and orchestration tools.

Problem-solving Ability

Your approach to tackling complex problems is critical. Interviewers will assess your ability to think critically and structure your solutions logically.

• Scenario-based Questions – Expect to solve real-world problems relevant to the role.
• Technical Challenges – Be ready to demonstrate your troubleshooting methods in a hands-on manner.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential in a collaborative environment. You will need to express your ideas clearly and engage constructively with your interviewers.

• Articulate Your Thought Process – Practice explaining your reasoning during technical discussions.
• Interpersonal Skills – Show your ability to work effectively with team members and stakeholders.