GenAI Interview Prep

A Technical Guide for Entry, Mid-Level & Forward Deployed Engineers

A depth-first interview preparation guide covering Generative AI foundations, large language models, fine-tuning, GenAI systems architecture, and a dedicated track for Forward Deployed Engineers.

Author

Akhilesh Pothuri

Published

May 2026

Preface

This book is a depth-first interview preparation guide for engineers entering or advancing in Generative AI roles. It is structured around three role profiles:

Role Target Reader
Entry-Level GenAI Engineer 0–2 years experience; needs theory + code foundations
Mid-Level GenAI Engineer 2–5 years; architectural depth, system design, tradeoff reasoning
Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) Customer-facing technical work; solution design, integration, deployment

Each chapter covers a core concept end-to-end: the theory, working code, real-world context, and a tiered set of interview questions you can use for self-assessment.

How to Read This Book

  • If you’re interviewing soon: Jump directly to the Interview Questions section at the end of each chapter.
  • If you want to build depth: Read chapters sequentially — each part builds on the last.
  • If you’re an FDE: Part V is written specifically for your role, but Parts III and IV are equally important for your interviews.

About the Author

Akhilesh Pothuri is a Machine Learning Engineer focused on Generative AI systems. He writes about GenAI on Medium and maintains this open book as a companion resource.

License

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. Free to read and share with attribution; not for commercial reproduction.