Microsoft Test Automation Engineer (Staff Level) - Comprehensive Interview Preparation Guide
Test Automation Engineer
Microsoft
Staff
7 rounds
Updated 2/22/2026
Microsoft's interview process for Staff-level Test Automation Engineers typically follows a structured multi-stage approach beginning with initial recruiter screening, followed by 1-2 technical phone screens, and concluding with 4-5 onsite rounds (full or split across 2 days) that assess technical depth, system design capabilities, problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic thinking. The process evaluates your ability to design and maintain automated testing systems at scale, build robust automation frameworks, lead technical initiatives, and influence testing strategy across multiple teams.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening
30 min3 focus topicsculture fit
2
Technical Phone Screen 1 - Test Automation Framework Design
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
3
Technical Phone Screen 2 - CI/CD Integration and Test Strategy
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
4
Onsite Round 1 - System Design: Test Automation Infrastructure at Scale
90 min5 focus topicssystem design
5
Onsite Round 2 - Advanced Technical Problem Solving
90 min5 focus topicstechnical
6
Onsite Round 3 - Behavioral and Cross-Functional Collaboration
60 min4 focus topicsbehavioral
7
Onsite Round 4 - Leadership, Strategy, and Impact
90 min5 focus topicsbehavioral