InterviewStack.io LogoInterviewStack.io

Microsoft Senior Site Reliability Engineer Interview Preparation Guide

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
Microsoft
Senior
8 rounds
Updated 11/22/2025

While search results confirm that Microsoft conducts SRE interviews and provide insights into SRE interview topics and culture at Microsoft, official Microsoft careers page with detailed job postings and comprehensive interview process documentation were not available in search results. This guide combines industry-standard SRE interview patterns for Senior-level positions with insights from available Microsoft interview references and applies realistic expectations for the Senior SRE level (5-12 years experience).

Microsoft's Senior SRE interview process typically consists of multiple rounds designed to assess technical expertise in systems reliability, infrastructure automation, incident management, and architectural decision-making. The process includes recruiter screening, technical phone interviews, and comprehensive onsite rounds covering system design, troubleshooting, Kubernetes operations, and behavioral competencies. For Senior level, expect 5 onsite interview rounds focusing on complex problem-solving, leadership potential, and strategic thinking about reliability engineering. The entire process typically spans 6-8 weeks from initial application to offer.

Interview Rounds

1

Recruiter Screening

2

Technical Phone Screen - Linux Systems and Infrastructure Fundamentals

3

Technical Phone Screen - Infrastructure Automation and Operational Excellence

4

Onsite Round 1: System Design - Distributed Systems Architecture

5

Onsite Round 2: Incident Response and Real-World Troubleshooting

6

Onsite Round 3: Service Level Objectives and Reliability Engineering Strategy

7

Onsite Round 4: Kubernetes and Container Orchestration Operations

8

Onsite Round 5: Behavioral and Leadership

Additional Information

Want to create your own tailored preparation guide using our deep research?

Get Started for Free