I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Apple (Cupertino, CA) in Jun 2025
Interview
previously interviewed for a Software Data Engineer role within Apple Media Products, with a focus on distributed systems, large-scale data processing, and system design. The interview process included:
System Design & Architecture: Discussed approaches for building scalable data pipelines, optimizing query performance, and ensuring reliability in distributed systems.
SQL & Data Processing: Solved advanced SQL problems involving multi-table joins, aggregations, and window functions, optimized for performance.
Python & Backend Coding: Implemented algorithms and debugging exercises to handle large datasets and edge cases efficiently.
Applied ML Context: Addressed how to integrate data engineering with machine learning workflows to support personalized recommendations and analytics.
From this experience, I gained insight into Apple’s high expectations for code efficiency, clarity in system design communication, and the ability to bridge backend engineering with data-driven decision-making.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why do you leave your current company, and why apple?
Initial HR screen with basic questions about yourself and your background, followed by a technical screening round.
I was only asked technical questions; there was no coding round. I believe coding may be a separate round.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Technical Data engineer questions. Questions on ETL experience
First round technical interview - implement Map Reduce using Python (or other language of choice) in Hackerrank. Online via zoom, with a member of the team one would be joining.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Implement Map Reduce using Python or other language of choice
Assez difficile. Enormément de questions qui ont peu de rapport entre elle. Le recruteur était cependant très à l'écoute sur les problématiques métiers rencontrées lors de ce call. Merci à lui.