Airbnb Staff Engineering Manager Interview Preparation Guide
Engineering Manager
Airbnb
Staff
7 rounds
Updated 2/17/2026
Airbnb's Staff Engineering Manager interview process is comprehensive and spans 4-6 weeks. It combines rigorous technical assessment with deep evaluation of management capabilities, strategic thinking, and cultural alignment. The process includes a recruiter screen, technical phone screen, and 5-6 onsite rounds focusing on coding proficiency, system design, technical leadership, people management, and behavioral fit. Staff-level candidates face elevated expectations around cross-functional influence, technical strategy, and ability to lead and mentor senior engineers.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening
20 min4 focus topicsculture fit
2
Technical Phone Screen
50 min4 focus topicstechnical
3
Onsite Round 1: Coding Interview
60 min4 focus topicstechnical
4
Onsite Round 2: System Design Interview
60 min5 focus topicssystem design
5
Onsite Round 3: Technical Leadership and Architecture
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
6
Onsite Round 4: Engineering Management and Leadership
60 min5 focus topicsbehavioral
7
Onsite Round 5: Behavioral and Cultural Fit
60 min5 focus topicsbehavioral