Solution Architect Interview Experience - London, United Kingdom
Process
Generally, this process was a mess and a waste of time.
The signs that they were disorganized were there from the start. Two recruiters reached out after I sent through my application. I asked about the stages in the process and never received a straight answer.
After the interview with the hiring manager, I was told I would be asked to do three things: a technical interview, a code test, and a presentation. Sometimes I was told they do all three before coming back to you, other times I was told that if I passed one stage, I would get to the next.
After the interview with the hiring manager, I was asked to do a code test, and a technical interview was arranged. All good.
I stupidly completed the code test before the technical interview (don't do this in general, but definitely don't do this if you're interviewing here).
The technical interview did not go well for various reasons, but I was very surprised I wasn't even asked about Spark. Not one question about partitions, join types, etc., which others had mentioned here on Glassdoor.
After the technical interview, I heard back that it was a "no." I asked for feedback, and they said that based on the interview, they wouldn't proceed. I said, "Fine, what about feedback on my code test?" THEY DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT IT.
They ask you to return the code test within about a week, which I did, and they didn't even look at the code I wrote before deciding to reject me. Even if I did so poorly in the technical interview, why do things like this?
I'm actually furious that they think it's okay to waste my time like this.
It goes on: the recruiter (though polite overall) had the audacity to suggest that we speak again in six months in case a position opened up again. I understand they didn't like how I performed in the technical interview; that's fine. What could truly change in six months? Either accept me and train me up or let it go.
I feel like they are arrogant and don't even care that they wasted my time throughout this process. I don't know what masochistic person would put themselves through this again.
Questions
What is best practice in terms of data storage for ML (lake or warehouse)?
What is a star schema?
Some basic ML questions that others have mentioned here.
Code test is generic ML with their MLflow.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 4 interview experiences for the Databricks Solution Architect role in London, United Kingdom.
Success Rate
Databricks's interview process for their Solution Architect roles in London, the United Kingdom is very selective, failing most engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Databricks's Solution Architect interview process in London, United Kingdom.
Databricks Work Experiences
- 1.0Culture at the Contributor Level is AbominableSolution Architect • Current EmployeeNew York, New York, United StatesJuly 27, 2025Pros: The following are the best things about working at Databricks, in my opinion: * Great brand recognition in the business and technology communities. * The data platform is fantastic and getting better every day. * Cult following among customers, especially data engineering and data science teams.Cons: Databricks has hired about 6,000 employees since I started several years ago. I don't believe my experience at the company is common for field engineers. I cannot leave Databricks fast enough. The only thing keeping me at the company was my RSUs, but the potential windfall from RSUs isn't worth the stress and misery at work. Let me give you a snapshot of the last six months: * A peer was told he was being put on a performance plan, and he needed to find a new role. He wasn't given any paperwork. He reached out to HR only to learn he wasn't on a plan at all. His manager fabricated the whole thing. The manager was not terminated. The team member was moved to a new group. * A female team member called me one day to say HR was investigating her boss because of a sexual harassment claim stemming from a dinner we attended. She told me I would be contacted by HR to share my version of what happened, and not to disclose she reached out to me. HR never reached out. * My manager joined my first customer meeting, which was at a well-recognized company. We were meeting with their VP of Data and Strategy, who happened to be a woman. My male manager explained the value of the platform to her with the analogy of "baking a cake for your husband". I was asked he not be a part of future meetings. * Forget taking vacations or sick time. One of my account executives went to my manager while I was on vacation to cover a call. My manager responded, "I'm good at assigning accounts and filing [overlay requests]". * My manager NEVER gives me performance feedback. When I ask for feedback, I'm told everything is fine. I get to my review, and I get all sorts of constructive feedback. And you can't switch teams or roles unless you're exceeding expectations. It's this sadistic way to trap you in a position you hate. * I've been on the phone with colleagues either crying or irate, shaken by a call with their manager. Except for semi-annual employee surveys, I have never been asked for my point of view on the company or team. From my vantage point, you keep your mouth shut and work, or they have a pipeline of applicants ready to take your place.
- 5.0My best employer to dateSolution Architect • Current EmployeeSydney, New South Wales, AustraliaJuly 22, 2025Pros: Great vision, open company, smart coworkers.Cons: ANZ field engineering is in need of better structure and leadership.
- 5.0Best Company I've ever worked forSolution Architect • Current EmployeeDecember 11, 2024Pros: Great, transparent leadership. High energy & intelligent coworkers.Cons: Work-life balance is a bit tricky.
Databricks Interview Questions
