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Cloud Engineer interview questionsCoding Test round

A 60 min interview plan with a time-boxed script, what each question is for, and the signals to score against. Key skills: Coding, Automation, Scripting Languages, Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD Tools.

Coding Challenge

50 min
What this section is for

Purpose

Evaluate technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios related to cloud engineering.

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Challenge: Write a script to automate the deployment of a simple web application on AWS using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or CloudFormation. The application should include a load balancer, auto-scaling group, and a database. Requirements: - Use Terraform or CloudFormation - Deploy a web server behind a load balancer - Configure auto-scaling based on CPU usage - Set up a database instance Follow-Up Questions: - How would you handle secrets management in this setup? - What are the security considerations for this deployment?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess coding, automation, scripting languages, and infrastructure as code skills.

Signals to score

  • Clear understanding of IaC tools
  • Logical and structured approach
  • Explains thought process
  • Considers security and scalability
  • Efficient, clean, well-formatted code
  • Tests and debugs the code effectively
  • Open to feedback and adjusts accordingly

Follow-up questions

  • Can you explain your thought process on how to approach the problem?
  • How do you plan to handle security in your solution?
  • Can you walk me through your code and explain each step?
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If you had more time, what would you change in your solution?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess the candidate's ability to reflect on their work, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Signals to score

  • Recognizes limits in their original answer.
  • Points out clear areas to improve.
  • Suggests specific changes.
  • Talks about how changes could help performance.
  • Shares ideas clearly and logically.
  • Shows a desire to learn and improve.

Follow-up questions

  • What additional features would you add to enhance the deployment?
  • How would you improve the security of the setup?
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Great job on the coding exercise!

What this section is for

Purpose

Provides positive reinforcement to the candidate, helping to build confidence and create a supportive atmosphere before moving into the final part of the interview.

Closing

5 min
What this section is for

Purpose

Thanks the candidate for their time, provides next steps, and leaves a positive final impression.

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Do you have any questions for me about the team or the company?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Gauge the candidate’s curiosity and interest in the role.

Signals to score

  • Thoughtful questions asked
  • Interest in company culture
  • Curiosity about growth expressed
  • Questions about role raised
  • Inquiries about team challenges
  • Engagement with responses shown
  • Desire to learn next steps
  • Focus on company values expressed

Follow-up questions

  • What interests you most about this team?
  • Are there any areas of the role you’d like to explore further?

Cloud Engineer interviews — common questions

Who is this Cloud Engineer interview plan for?
It is written for the interviewer, not the candidate: the hiring manager, engineer or panel member running the Coding Test round for a Cloud Engineer role. It gives you a 60 min script to follow in the conversation — 3 questions with what each one is for and the signals to score against — so you are not writing the round from scratch the night before.
What does the Coding Test round assess?
This round is focused on: Coding, Automation, Scripting Languages, Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD Tools. It works through Coding Challenge and Closing, scoring against 21 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on all 3 questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
How is the 60 min split up?
Coding Challenge (50 min), Closing (5 min). The timings are there so the round stays on schedule and every candidate gets the same shape of interview — which is what makes two candidates comparable afterwards.
What other rounds should I run for a Cloud Engineer?

A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a Cloud Engineer:

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