CrackingWalnuts
Largest in big tech. Azure, M365, Gaming, AI all hire steadily. The largest hirer in 2026 across all engineering levels.
Base, RSU vesting 25 percent yearly, annual bonus tied to performance. Generally below Meta and Google at the same level, broadly similar to Amazon SDE3 over four years. Check levels.fyi for current ranges by L-number.
> **How current is this?** Checked 3 August 2026. This company does not publish its interview structure, so everything here is what candidates consistently report. Loops change without announcement, so treat this as a guide rather than a specification.
Microsoft hires more software engineers than Meta, Google, and Netflix combined. The headcount is enormous and the loop reflects that: different orgs run different shapes. Azure infra is closer to Google in flavor, M365 is more product-focused, Gaming has its own domain bar.
The common thread is "As Appropriate" questions. Interviewers want you to ask what you do not know, narrow the problem, and only then code. Jumping into code without clarifying is a flag specific to Microsoft.
The level number system is unusual. The recruiter will say "Senior, L63 or L64" on the offer.
L63 is the bottom of Senior, L64 is the top. Same range applies to other levels: SDE II is 61-62, Principal is 65-66.
You can get an offer for L64 (high Senior) when you applied for Principal.
The AA round is unique. Some loops include it as a final 45 to 60 minute conversation with the hiring manager or a senior engineer.
Getting AA is a positive signal. It is invited when the earlier rounds went well.