Microsoft Machine Learning Engineer - Junior Level Interview Preparation Guide

Microsoft's Machine Learning Engineer interview process for junior-level candidates consists of 7 total rounds spanning 3-6 weeks. The process begins with a recruiter screen, followed by a 60-minute online assessment testing Python, data structures, algorithms, and basic ML concepts. Candidates then progress through 1 phone technical round and 4 onsite rounds covering DSA, ML fundamentals, system design/ML infrastructure, and behavioral assessment. The evaluation emphasizes balanced competencies: approximately 40% DSA/algorithms, 30% ML concepts, 20% system-level thinking, and 10% behavioral fit. Focus areas directly align with job description responsibilities including designing ML algorithms, building neural networks, deploying to production, optimizing for performance and scalability, and monitoring model quality.