general questions

Question 1

What are the main differences between SQL and NoSQL databases?

Answer 1

SQL databases are relational, have predefined schemas, and use structured query language. NoSQL databases are non-relational, have dynamic schemas, and scale horizontally more easily.

Question 2

Name three popular NoSQL databases.

Answer 2

MongoDB, Cassandra, and Redis.

Question 3

What is PostgreSQL known for?

Answer 3

PostgreSQL is known for its reliability, feature robustness, and support for both relational and non-relational queries.

Question 4

What are distributed SQL systems? Give two examples.

Answer 4

Distributed SQL systems are databases that appear as a single node but scale out horizontally. Examples include YugabyteDB and CockroachDB.

Question 5

What is Apache Kafka used for?

Answer 5

Apache Kafka is a distributed event streaming platform used for high-performance data pipelines, streaming analytics, and data integration.

Question 6

What is Apache Spark?

Answer 6

Apache Spark is an open-source unified analytics engine for large-scale data processing, capable of handling batch and stream processing.

Question 7

Name two major cloud infrastructure providers.

Answer 7

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Question 8

What are key considerations when designing high-performance, low-latency data systems?

Answer 8

Data locality, caching strategies, optimized data structures, efficient algorithms, and minimizing network calls.

Question 9

What is a microservices architecture?

Answer 9

A microservices architecture is an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled, independently deployable services.

Question 10

How would you approach managing distributed teams across London and Lisbon offices?

Answer 10

Establish clear communication channels, use collaboration tools, set regular check-ins, foster a unified team culture, and be mindful of time zone differences.

Question 11

How can you effectively collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and risk management teams?

Answer 11

Regular cross-functional meetings, clear documentation, shared goals, and fostering mutual understanding of each team’s needs and constraints.

Question 12

Name three techniques for monitoring system performance.

Answer 12

Use of monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana), log analysis, and performance profiling.

Question 13

What is GDPR and why is it important in data management?

Answer 13

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is an EU law on data protection and privacy. It’s important because it sets guidelines for collecting and processing personal information from EU citizens.

Question 14

How do you stay updated with new technologies in data engineering?

Answer 14

Following tech blogs, attending conferences, participating in online communities, and experimenting with new tools in personal projects.

Question 15

What is ComplyAdvantage’s primary mission?

Answer 15

ComplyAdvantage aims to neutralize the risk of money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and other financial crimes.

Question 16

Name three key technologies in ComplyAdvantage’s tech stack.

Answer 16

Kubernetes, Apache Kafka, and YugabyteDB.

Question 17

How would you handle a situation where team members disagree on a technical approach?

Answer 17

Facilitate open discussion, encourage evidence-based arguments, seek consensus, and if necessary, make a decision based on the best available information while explaining the rationale.

Question 18

What’s a good question to ask about the company’s future plans?

Answer 18

‘What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you see for ComplyAdvantage in the next 3-5 years, and how does this role contribute to addressing them?’