Microsoft Staff-Level AI Engineer Interview Preparation Guide
AI Engineer
Microsoft
Staff
8 rounds
Updated 11/23/2025
Microsoft's Staff AI Engineer interview process is comprehensive and spans 4-6 weeks. It combines multiple technical rounds focused on deep learning, AI systems architecture, and advanced machine learning concepts, along with behavioral and cultural assessment. The process includes an initial recruiter screen, technical phone screen, and 6 onsite interview rounds evaluating coding skills, ML fundamentals, advanced deep learning, AI systems design, specialized AI domains (NLP/Computer Vision/Generative AI), and leadership/behavioral fit.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening
30 min4 focus topicsculture fit
2
Technical Phone Screen
60 min4 focus topicstechnical
3
Onsite Round 1: Coding and Data Structures Deep Dive
75 min5 focus topicstechnical
4
Onsite Round 2: Machine Learning Fundamentals and Theory
75 min6 focus topicstechnical
5
Onsite Round 3: Advanced Deep Learning and Neural Networks
90 min6 focus topicstechnical
6
Onsite Round 4: AI System Design and Architecture
90 min6 focus topicssystem design
7
Onsite Round 5: Specialized AI Domain Deep Dive
75 min6 focus topicstechnical
8
Onsite Round 6: Behavioral, Leadership, and Culture Fit
60 min6 focus topicsbehavioral
Additional Information