Airbnb Staff Software Engineer Interview Preparation Guide
Software Engineer
Airbnb
Staff
7 rounds
Updated 11/22/2025
Airbnb's Staff Software Engineer interview process is comprehensive and evaluates technical mastery, system design expertise, code quality judgment, and leadership capability. The process spans 3-6 weeks and includes a recruiter screening, technical phone screen, and 5 onsite interview rounds conducted at Airbnb's offices or virtually. For Staff level candidates, the process emphasizes architectural thinking, mentoring and team impact, strategic decision-making, and the ability to influence cross-functional initiatives. Interviewers assess both technical depth and leadership qualities essential for a senior individual contributor role.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening
20 min6 focus topicsculture fit
2
Technical Phone Screen
75 min6 focus topicstechnical
3
Onsite - Coding Round 1
60 min6 focus topicstechnical
4
Onsite - Coding Round 2
60 min6 focus topicstechnical
5
Onsite - System Design
60 min7 focus topicssystem design
6
Onsite - Code Review
60 min7 focus topicstechnical
7
Onsite - Behavioral and Leadership
60 min7 focus topicsbehavioral
Additional Information