
SAIC Data Analyst Case Interview Template — Mission-Focused Analytics in a Secure Federal Environment
This case interview mirrors SAIC’s panel-driven, mission-first culture as a Fortune 500 technology integrator supporting defense, space, civilian, and intelligence customers. It emphasizes problem solving that directly advances a customer mission while aligning to SAIC’s core values of integrity, mission understanding, empowerment, and creativity. ([experience.saic.com](https://experience.saic.com/about-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [jobs.saic.com](https://jobs.saic.com/pages/talent-community?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) What it covers - Mission context: You’ll analyze an anonymized, defense-inspired dataset (e.g., maintenance work orders + supply and sensor feeds) to improve readiness KPIs for a notional program office; you must frame findings in terms of mission impact and operational risk. ([experience.saic.com](https://experience.saic.com/about-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) - Data skills: SQL querying, data profiling/cleansing, basic statistics (trend/variance, confidence in findings), and dashboard storytelling (Tableau/Power BI) tailored for non-technical government stakeholders. ([glassdoor.com](https://www.glassdoor.com/Interview/SAIC-Interview-Questions-E41130.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) - Secure-data mindset: Scenario prompts test how you would handle CUI/PII, classification boundaries, and handoffs in a cleared environment (e.g., when to mask, restrict joins, or segregate datasets); familiarity with clearance-driven constraints and documentation is expected for many programs. ([jobs.saic.com](https://jobs.saic.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [saic.com](https://www.saic.com/employee-tools/security-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) - Communication and teaming: Panelists assess how you brief program managers and (when applicable) customer representatives, and how you collaborate with a mixed team that often includes veterans and prior-service SMEs. ([glassdoor.com](https://www.glassdoor.com/Interview/SAIC-San-Diego-Interview-Questions-EI_IE41130.0%2C4_IL.5%2C14_IM758.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [saic.com](https://www.saic.com/features/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/saic-values-veterans?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Structure (75 minutes total) - 5 min: Panel intro and mission vignette (what the program does, who the end user is). - 30 min: Hands-on analysis. Perform 2–3 targeted SQL queries (or pseudocode), profile data quality, define 3–5 mission-relevant KPIs, and outline a one-page dashboard wireframe. You may do light calculations in a provided worksheet/IDE; internet and external data are disabled. - 10 min: Secure-data scenario. Walk through how you would deliver insights if parts of the dataset were classified or contained PII/CUI; note markings, access controls, and documentation you’d require. - 20 min: Executive brief. 7–10 minute readout to non-technical leaders, then Q&A focusing on assumptions, operational tradeoffs, and how to productionize the KPI(s) in a low-friction workflow for government users. - 10 min: Behavioral fit. Examples of mission ownership, integrity under pressure, partnership with customers, and learning agility; expect situational questions tied to prior federal or contractor environments. ([jobs.saic.com](https://jobs.saic.com/pages/talent-community?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Evaluation rubric (SAIC-calibrated) - Technical (30%): Clean joins, accurate calculations, statistical sanity checks, and clear visualization choices. - Mission impact (25%): KPI selection tied to readiness/availability or similar mission outcomes; ability to quantify value and risk. - Security and governance (20%): Correct handling of CUI/PII/classified constraints; clear articulation of markings, roles, controls, and documentation. ([jobs.saic.com](https://jobs.saic.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [saic.com](https://www.saic.com/employee-tools/security-services/e-qip-application?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) - Communication (15%): Crisp brief to non-technical stakeholders; ability to field customer-style questions. ([glassdoor.com](https://www.glassdoor.com/Interview/SAIC-Interview-Questions-E41130.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) - Team/culture fit (10%): Collaboration, integrity, and customer focus consistent with SAIC values and veteran-forward teams. ([jobs.saic.com](https://jobs.saic.com/pages/talent-community?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [saic.com](https://www.saic.com/features/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/saic-values-veterans?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Example prompt (used to drive the discussion) “You’re supporting a notional Air Logistics Complex. Work-order and parts data show rising mean time to repair (MTTR) on a radar subsystem. In 30 minutes, identify the top drivers, propose two KPIs the colonel should track weekly, sketch a dashboard, and explain how you would deliver the analysis if supplier data were controlled unclassified information.” What to bring/expect - Familiarity with SQL, spreadsheets, and a BI tool; ability to reason from imperfect government data; concise storytelling for program leaders; and awareness of clearance-driven boundaries even when working with de-identified case data. ([jobs.saic.com](https://jobs.saic.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
8 minutes
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About This Interview
Interview Type
PRODUCT SENSE
Difficulty Level
3/5
Interview Tips
• Research the company thoroughly
• Practice common questions
• Prepare your STAR method responses
• Dress appropriately for the role