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.

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  • 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: How will you write a code to calculate sum of n numbers?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often involved in the development of software applications. This question will give you a sense of how well a candidate can write code.

    Sample Answer: I would write a program that loops through the numbers and adds them together.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Programming skills
    • - Ability to communicate technical concepts
    • - Ability to solve problems

  • Question: How do you play Age of empire?
  • Question Overview: This question is a bit of a joke, but it's also a good way to gauge a candidate's personality. If they're willing to talk about their hobbies and interests, it shows that they're comfortable with conversation and are able to relate to others.

    Sample Answer: I've been playing Age of Empire for years. I'm a big fan of the series.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personality
    • - Interests

  • Question: How will you find the factorial of a number?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic programming question that tests a candidate's ability to think logically and solve problems. It's a good way to test a candidate's problem solving skills and their ability to think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would use a recursive function to find the factorial of a number.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem solving skills
    • - Ability to think logically
    • - Ability to work under pressure

  • Question: How will you find the sum of digits in a given number?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers need to be able to solve problems using a variety of different methods. This question tests a candidate's ability to think outside the box and come up with a solution that doesn't involve a computer.

    Sample Answer: I would use a calculator to add up the digits in the number and then subtract that total from the original number.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Problem solving skills
    • - Ability to think outside the box
    • - Creativity

  • Question: What are the properties of object oriented languages?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often work with object oriented languages like Java and C++. This question will give you a sense of the candidate's familiarity with the concepts behind object oriented programming.

    Sample Answer: Object oriented languages are designed to make it easier to create modular programs that can be reused and updated more easily.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of object oriented programming
    • - Ability to communicate technical concepts in simple terms

  • Question: What is a table in C?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often work with software developers and other IT professionals on a regular basis. This question will test a candidate's ability to communicate with other technical professionals.

    Sample Answer: A table is a data structure that stores information in rows and columns.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical communication skills
    • - Ability to communicate with other technical professionals
    • - Knowledge of programming languages

  • Question: How will you write an UPDATE query?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often involved in writing SQL queries to retrieve data from databases. This question tests a candidate's ability to write a basic UPDATE query.

    Sample Answer: An UPDATE query is used to change the value of a field in a database. It's different from an INSERT query because it updates an existing record instead of adding a new one.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - SQL query writing skills
    • - Knowledge of database structure
    • - Ability to communicate technical information in simple terms

  • Question: Write a c program.
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers are often required to write code in order to create or modify software. This can be a simple program or a complex application. It's a good idea to ask candidates to write a simple program as part of the interview process.

    Sample Answer: I wrote a program in C that used a series of if statements to determine whether a number was prime or not.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to write code
    • - Programming language skills
    • - Ability to communicate technical concepts in writing

  • Question: How does power plant generate electricity?
  • Question Overview: Systems engineers often work on projects that involve the design and implementation of power generation systems. This question will help you understand how well a candidate understands the basics of power generation.

    Sample Answer: A power plant generates electricity by using a turbine to spin a magnet inside a coil of wire. The spinning magnet induces a current in the wire.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of power generation
    • - Ability to communicate technical information in simple terms

  • Question: Where are you from originally?
  • Question Overview: This question is a simple one that can give you a lot of information about a candidate. It's a good way to find out about their background and culture. It's also a good way to find out if they're a good cultural fit for your organization.

    Sample Answer: I'm originally from Seattle.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Background
    • - Cultural fit