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DevSecOps 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, Scripting, Automation, Security Tool Integration, Problem Solving.

Coding Challenge

50 min
What this section is for

Purpose

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

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Challenge: Write a script to automate the deployment of a web application with integrated security checks. Requirements: - Use a scripting language of your choice (e.g., Python, Bash). - Automate deployment to a cloud provider (e.g., AWS, Azure). - Integrate a security tool (e.g., OWASP ZAP) to scan the application post-deployment. - Provide logging for each step of the process. Follow-up Questions: - How would you handle errors during deployment? - What additional security measures could you integrate? - How would you ensure the script is maintainable?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess coding, scripting, automation, security tool integration, and problem-solving skills.

Signals to score

  • Clear understanding of the task
  • Logical and structured approach
  • Efficient use of scripting language
  • Effective integration of security tools
  • Comprehensive logging implemented
  • Considers error handling
  • Open to feedback and adjusts accordingly

Follow-up questions

  • Can you explain your thought process on how to approach the task?
  • How do you plan to handle errors in your script?
  • 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 specific improvements would you make to enhance the script?
  • How could you optimize the deployment process?
  • Are there any additional security checks you would add?
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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?

DevSecOps Engineer interviews — common questions

Who is this DevSecOps 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 DevSecOps 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, Scripting, Automation, Security Tool Integration, Problem Solving. 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 DevSecOps Engineer?

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

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