FAANG-Standard Interview Preparation Guide: Network Engineer, Staff Level
Network Engineer
Staff
7 rounds
Updated 11/23/2025
This guide is based on general FAANG interview practices and may not reflect specific company procedures.
FAANG companies conduct comprehensive, multi-round interviews for Staff-level Network Engineers that assess technical mastery, architectural thinking, leadership capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration. The process evaluates your ability to design scalable network solutions, mentor junior engineers, drive technical decisions across teams, and contribute to strategic network planning. Expect a mix of technical deep-dives, system design/architecture challenges, operational excellence discussions, and behavioral assessments focused on leadership principles and impact.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screen
30 min3 focus topicsbehavioral
2
Technical Phone Screen
45 min5 focus topicstechnical
3
Network Architecture and Design Round
60 min6 focus topicssystem design
4
Advanced Protocols and Security Deep-Dive Round
60 min6 focus topicstechnical
5
Operational Excellence and Automation Round
60 min6 focus topicstechnical
6
Leadership, Mentorship, and Cross-Functional Impact Round
60 min6 focus topicsbehavioral
7
Hiring Manager Round
45 min4 focus topicsbehavioral
Additional Information