Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for DevOps Engineer Roles – 2025

Preparing for a DevOps engineer job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience working with software development and IT operations. Whether you’re applying for a role as a DevOps engineer, DevOps architect, or site reliability engineer, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. What inspired you to become a DevOps engineer?
  As a software developer, I saw the need for a role that bridges the gap between development and operations to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of software. I was drawn to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of DevOps and its focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
• 2. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest DevOps trends and technologies?
  I regularly attend conferences, participate in online forums, and follow thought leaders in the industry. I also constantly experiment with new tools and technologies in my personal projects to stay current with the ever-evolving DevOps landscape.
• 3. Can you walk us through your experience with Agile methodologies?
  Agile has been a key part of my career as a DevOps engineer. I have experience using Agile principles and practices such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean in my daily work. I also have experience leading cross-functional Agile teams and facilitating efficient delivery of software.
• 4. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within a team?
  I always strive for open and transparent communication within my team. If conflicts arise, I encourage team members to share their perspectives and come to a mutually beneficial solution. If necessary, I involve a mediator to help facilitate a resolution.
• 5. How do you handle tight deadlines or unexpected changes in a project?
  I prioritize tasks and collaborate closely with team members to ensure timely delivery of projects. I also proactively plan for potential changes and have strategies in place to adapt quickly and efficiently.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Can you explain your experience with automation and configuration management tools?
  As a DevOps engineer, I have extensive experience with tools such as Ansible, Chef, Puppet, and Terraform for automating and managing infrastructure and deployments. I regularly incorporate these tools into my projects and continuously adapt to new tools and technologies in this space.
• 7. How do you handle software testing in a DevOps environment?
  I believe in constantly testing code throughout the development process, rather than leaving it until the end. I have experience with automated testing tools such as Selenium and JMeter, and I also conduct manual testing to ensure thorough and reliable code.
• 8. Can you walk us through your experience with cloud computing and platforms?
  I have experience working with various cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. I have also helped migrate applications to the cloud and implemented strategies for efficient and secure cloud operations.
• 9. How do you ensure the security and privacy of data in a DevOps environment?
  I am well-versed in security best practices and have experience implementing security measures throughout the development and deployment processes. I also regularly conduct security audits and stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and solutions.
• 10. Can you explain your experience with containerization and orchestration tools?
  I have experience working with containerization tools such as Docker and container orchestration tools such as Kubernetes. I have used these tools to streamline deployment processes and improve scalability and reliability of applications.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you share a challenging situation you faced as a DevOps engineer and how you resolved it?
  In a previous project, we encountered a significant bug just before our planned deployment. I helped facilitate an emergency meeting with the development and operations teams to quickly resolve the issue and successfully deploy the software without any major impact on the customer.
• 12. How do you handle conflicting priorities in a project?
  I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency and communicate with my team to ensure everyone is aligned on the priorities. If needed, I involve project stakeholders to help make informed decisions about priorities and ensure smooth progress of the project.
• 13. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult team member?
  In a previous project, I had a team member who was consistently missing deadlines and causing conflicts with other team members. I approached them in a professional and empathetic manner, identified the underlying issues, and worked with them to improve their performance. Through consistent communication and support, they were able to contribute positively to the project and meet their responsibilities.
• 14. How do you handle feedback and criticism in a team environment?
  I believe feedback is a crucial part of personal and professional growth. I welcome constructive criticism and use it to continuously improve and add value to the team and the project. I also ensure that all feedback is provided respectfully and constructively to maintain a positive team dynamic.
• 15. How do you handle a failed deployment or major incident in a project?
  I take a proactive approach to mitigating the impact of any failures or incidents. I quickly identify the root cause, communicate effectively with all stakeholders, and work with the team to resolve the issue and implement preventative measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a key team member resigns during a project?
  I would first assess the impact on the project and communicate with other team members to redistribute responsibilities. I would then work with the departing team member to ensure a smooth transition of their tasks and knowledge to other team members.
• 17. How would you handle a disagreement with a stakeholder about project priorities or direction?
  I would first listen to their perspective and gather all relevant information. I would then communicate my perspective and work with them to find a mutually beneficial solution. I would also involve other stakeholders, if necessary, to make a well-informed decision that aligns with the project goals.
• 18. How would you handle a mistake made by a team member that impacts the project?
  I would first assess the impact of the mistake and communicate with the team member to understand the root cause. I would then work with them to rectify the mistake and implement preventative measures to avoid similar mistakes in the future. I would also involve other team members to help mitigate the impact on the project.
• 19. How would you handle a project that is behind schedule?
  I would first assess the reasons for the delay and work with the team to identify potential solutions. I would then communicate with project stakeholders to inform them of the situation and discuss a revised timeline. I would also work with the team to implement strategies for catching up on the timeline, such as adjusting priorities or increasing resources.
• 20. How would you handle a situation where a new technology is introduced in the middle of a project?
  I would first assess the potential benefits and risks of incorporating the new technology. If the benefits outweigh the risks, I would work with the team to plan and implement its integration into the project. I would also communicate with stakeholders to manage their expectations and ensure a smooth transition to the new technology.