400+ Senior Systems Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Explanation of COMP, COMP-2, COMP-3, Display, Continue, Next Sentence, and SOC7.

• COMP is a binary data type, COMP-2 is a packed decimal data type, COMP-3 is a packed decimal data type with sign, and Display is a character data type.

• Continue is used to transfer control to the next statement within the same paragraph, while Next Sentence is used to transfer control to the first statement of the next paragraph.

• SOC7 occurs due to a data exception error, such as an invalid numeric ...read more

COND parameter in JCL, parameters in JOB and STEP level, accessing GDG versions in a job.

• COND parameter is used to specify a condition code that must be satisfied for the job or step to execute.

• Parameters like TIME, REGION, MSGCLASS, etc. can be coded in both JOB and STEP level.

• GDG (Generation Data Group) is a group of datasets related to each other by a common name and a generation number.

• To access previous version, use (-1), next version use (+1), and current version use (0...read more

Design a Least Recently Used (LRU) cache data structure that supports get and put operations with capacity constraint.

• Implement a doubly linked list to keep track of the order of keys based on their recent usage.

• Use a hashmap to store key-value pairs for quick access.

• When capacity is reached, evict the least recently used item before inserting a new item.

• Update the order of keys in the linked list whenever a key is accessed or inserted.

To find the Nth prime number given a number N, implement a function that returns the Nth prime number.

• Create a function that takes N as input and returns the Nth prime number.

• Use a loop to iterate through numbers and check if they are prime.

• Keep track of the count of prime numbers found until reaching N.

• Optimize the algorithm by checking only up to the square root of the number for primality.

• Example: For N = 7, the 7th prime number is 17.

Questions related to Apache Spark, HIVE, and SQL.

• Apache Spark is a distributed computing framework used for big data processing.

• Dataframe, Datasets, and RDD are the core abstractions in Spark.

• Transformations and Actions are the two types of operations in Spark.

• Optimization techniques like caching, partitioning, and broadcasting can improve Spark performance.

• HIVE is a data warehousing tool that uses SQL-like syntax to query data stored in Hadoop.

• Dynamic and Static Partitioning...read more

Blacklisting vehicles is done for security reasons. ICD 2.5 introduces new features like cross tag count and boom barrier connection.

• Blacklisting vehicles is done to prevent security threats.

• ICD 2.5 has new features like cross tag count and boom barrier connection.

• Duplicated count helps in identifying duplicate tags.

• AVC related questions are related to Automatic Vehicle Classification.

• Our current organization system focuses on enhancing security measures.

EMC Networker is a backup software solution used for data protection and recovery in enterprise environments.

• EMC Networker is a backup software developed by EMC Corporation.

• It is used for backing up, archiving, and recovering data in enterprise environments.

• Networker supports a wide range of operating systems, applications, and storage devices.

• It provides features like data deduplication, encryption, and centralized management.

• Networker allows for backup to disk, tape, and cl...read more

Fetching multiple records from DB in COBOL and precompilation process

• Use SELECT statement with appropriate WHERE clause

• Use cursor to fetch multiple records

• Precompilation process involves converting COBOL code to C code

• Bind is necessary to link the precompiled C code with DB

• SQL error code for duplicate record present in table is -803

I prioritize quick resolution and clear communication to minimize disruption for busy investment professionals.

• Assess the issue quickly to understand its impact on operations.

• Communicate clearly with stakeholders, providing updates on the resolution process.

• Implement a solution efficiently, ensuring minimal downtime.

• Document the issue and resolution for future reference and to prevent recurrence.

• Provide training or resources to help users avoid similar issues in the future.

Threading is a technique to execute multiple tasks concurrently. Multithreading can be implemented using threads.

• Threading allows multiple tasks to run concurrently, improving performance and responsiveness.

• Threads are lightweight processes that share the same memory space.

• Threads can be created using programming languages like Java, C++, or Python.

• Multithreading can be implemented by creating and managing multiple threads within a program.

• Thread synchronization techniques li...read more

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. It is a company that provides internet access to customers.

• Some popular ISPs are Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum.

• ISPs offer different types of internet connections such as DSL, cable, and fiber optic.

• ISPs may also offer additional services such as email, web hosting, and virtual private networks (VPNs).

Abstract class can have both abstract and non-abstract methods, while interface can only have abstract methods.

• Abstract class can have constructors, fields, and methods, while interface cannot.

• A class can implement multiple interfaces but can only inherit from one abstract class.

• Abstract classes are used to define a common base class for related classes, while interfaces define a contract for classes to implement.

• Example: Abstract class 'Animal' with abstract method 'eat' and...read more

The Unix command to copy a directory is 'cp -r' and to delete the contents of a directory is 'rm -r'.

• To copy a directory, use the 'cp -r' command followed by the source directory and destination directory.

• To delete the contents of a directory, use the 'rm -r' command followed by the directory name.

• Be cautious when using the 'rm -r' command as it permanently deletes the contents of the directory.

I will check network connectivity, DNS settings, firewall, and proxy settings.

• Check if other devices are able to connect to the network

• Check if the network cable is properly connected

• Check if the DNS settings are correct

• Check if the firewall is blocking the connection

• Check if the proxy settings are configured correctly

Creating an API involves planning, designing, coding, testing, and deploying to ensure functionality and usability.

• Define the purpose and requirements of the API.

• Choose the architecture style (REST, GraphQL, etc.).

• Design the endpoints and data models (e.g., /users, /products).

• Implement authentication and authorization (e.g., OAuth, JWT).

• Write the code using a programming language (e.g., Python, Node.js).

• Test the API using tools like Postman or automated testing frameworks.

• Doc...read more

A thread scheduler is responsible for managing the execution of multiple threads in a system. Time slicing is a technique used by the scheduler to allocate CPU time to each thread.

• Thread scheduler is a component of the operating system that decides which thread to run next

• Time slicing involves dividing the CPU time among multiple threads based on a predefined time interval

• Example: In a round-robin scheduling algorithm, each thread is given a time slice to execute before movin...read more

I have worked on both Agile and Waterfall methodologies.

• I have experience in Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban.

• I have also worked on Waterfall methodology in projects that require a more structured approach.

• I understand the strengths and weaknesses of both methodologies and can adapt to the project's needs.

• For example, I used Agile methodology in a project that required frequent changes and iterations, while I used Waterfall methodology in a project that had a clea...read more

To build different environments in AWS using Terraform, follow these steps:

• Create a Terraform configuration file for each environment

• Define the resources needed for each environment in the configuration file

• Use Terraform commands to initialize, plan, and apply the configuration for each environment

• Use variables to customize each environment

• Use modules to reuse code across environments

Project management involves structured phases from initiation to release, ensuring quality and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Initiation: Define project scope and objectives, e.g., creating a project charter.

• Planning: Develop a detailed project plan, including timelines and resources, e.g., Gantt charts.

• Execution: Implement the project plan, coordinating teams and resources, e.g., daily stand-up meetings.

• Monitoring: Track progress and performance against the plan, e.g., using KPIs ...read more

The start() method is used to start a new thread, while the run() method contains the code that will be executed by the thread.

• start() method is used to start a new thread and calls the run() method.

• run() method contains the code that will be executed by the thread.

• Calling run() directly will not create a new thread, it will just execute the code in the current thread.

Client independent and client dependent are two types of tables in a database.

• Client independent tables contain data that is not specific to any particular client or user.

• Client dependent tables contain data that is specific to a particular client or user.

• Examples of client independent tables include product catalogs, while examples of client dependent tables include user profiles.

• Client dependent tables often have a foreign key relationship with client independent tables.

The latest OS is Windows 11. The latest application for office tools is Microsoft Office 2021.

• The latest OS released by Microsoft is Windows 11.

• Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021.

• The latest application for office tools is Microsoft Office 2021.

• Microsoft Office 2021 was released on October 5, 2021.

• Microsoft Office 2021 includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Application monitoring is done through various tools and configurations.

• We use tools like Nagios, Zabbix, and Prometheus for monitoring.

• We configure alerts for critical events and set up dashboards for easy visualization.

• We also use log aggregation tools like ELK stack to monitor application logs.

• We monitor system resources like CPU, memory, and disk usage.

• We perform load testing to identify performance bottlenecks.

• We use APM tools like New Relic and AppDynamics to monitor ap...read more

Unit testing is a software testing technique where individual units or components of a software application are tested in isolation.

• Unit testing is done to ensure that each unit/component of the software application is working as expected.

• It helps in identifying and fixing bugs early in the development cycle.

• Unit tests are automated and can be run frequently to ensure that changes made to the code do not break existing functionality.

• Examples of unit testing frameworks include...read more

Monolithic applications can be broken down to microservices by identifying cohesive and loosely coupled components and separating them into independent services.

• Identify the business capabilities of the application

• Identify the cohesive and loosely coupled components

• Separate the components into independent services

• Define the interfaces between the services

• Implement the services using appropriate technology stack

• Deploy the services in a scalable and fault-tolerant manner

Proxy server, Outlook troubleshooting, firewalls, and VMware are all important components of modern IT infrastructure.

• A proxy server acts as an intermediary between clients and servers, providing security and performance benefits.

• Outlook issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including network connectivity problems, incorrect settings, and corrupted data files.

• Firewalls are network security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefi...read more

Where clause filters rows before grouping, having clause filters groups after grouping.

• Where clause is used in the SELECT statement to filter rows based on a condition.

• Having clause is used in the GROUP BY statement to filter groups based on a condition.

• Where clause is used before grouping, having clause is used after grouping.

• Where clause filters individual rows, having clause filters groups of rows.

• Example: SELECT name, SUM(sales) FROM table WHERE sales > 1000 GROUP BY name...read more