It would depend on the company you are interviewing for. Some companies like Adobe might not ask System design very much for MTS2 (SDE2) role, but others like Amazon might have a dedicated interview for the same.

Now generally speaking if you are preparing for the interviews, you should be good in the following areas:

1) Data Structures and Algorithms

2) LLD

3) System Design

3) Behavioural

I can help you prepare a systematic plan for you to clear SDE2 interviews at top product based companies.

1. Not all organisations look for HLD from SDE2 roles. If you know LLD and design patterns you should do just fine
2. If you have basics clear, mastering system design should take few weeks to few months
3. generally companies look for system design rounds to make sure you are technically sound.
4. DSA is very important for SDE2 positions.

please connect with me for further questions

Hi Hardik,

1. For SDE2 position it's not always the case that a company will ask System Design but if they do then you should be good at it.
2. If you're a complete beginner than I'd say around 1.5 months(but TBH it depends on person to person and other factors).
3. I don't think there is any such role. But a closest role could be Software Architects (again its not completely System Design only).
4. A complete balance is MUST.

Here are a few key points on mastering system design for an SDE 2 position:

1. You need a foundational understanding of system design principles - scalability, reliability, availability, etc. I know common architectures, load balancing, caching, database scaling, etc.

2. You don't need extremely specialized or complex system design expertise yet. Focus more on broader concepts rather than details of every algorithm.

3. It will likely take 2-3 months of regular practice to get comfortable with most system design interview questions asked for an SDE 2 role. Go through common system design interview questions and practice mock interviews. 

4. DSA skills are still very important at this level. Ensure you brush up on concepts like arrays, hashmaps, graphs, dynamic programming, backtracking, etc. Also, practice problems on platforms like LeetCode.

5. Besides DSA and system design, have sound knowledge of OS, networking, and databases relevant to your target domain. 

6. There are specialized system design roles like Principal Engineer roles at higher levels, but for SDE 2 you need balance - aim for proficiency in DSA and good system design skills.

I'd recommend dedicating 2 months to solving at least 200 DSA questions across patterns and practicing system design questions for 10-15 frequent problem areas. This will help you master both pillars for an SDE 2 interview. Let me know if you need any other guidance!

The importance of system design for a Software Development Engineer (SDE) II position can vary depending on the company and the specific role. Generally, SDE II roles require a deeper understanding of system architecture and design compared to entry-level positions. Here are some key points to consider:

• System Design Knowledge:
• SDE II roles often involve working on complex systems, and a solid understanding of system design is crucial. This includes designing scalable and efficient systems, considering factors like data storage, retrieval, latency, and fault tolerance.
• Knowledge of architectural patterns, distributed systems, and design principles such as SOLID can be beneficial.
• Learning Duration:
• The time it takes to master system design depends on various factors, including your prior experience, the resources you use, and the complexity of the systems you're designing. Generally, it can take several months to a year or more to become proficient.
• Roles Specifically for System Design:
• Some companies have specialized roles such as "System Architect," "Infrastructure Engineer," or "Performance Engineer" that focus primarily on system design. However, many SDE II roles also involve substantial system design responsibilities.
• Importance of Other Skills:
• While system design is crucial, other skills are also important. Strong coding skills, algorithmic proficiency (Data Structures and Algorithms - DSA), and the ability to write efficient and maintainable code are typically required.
• Soft skills, communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are important in any software development role.
• DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms):
• DSA remains important at all levels of software development. SDE II positions often involve solving complex algorithmic problems and optimizing code. A good balance between system design and DSA is essential.
• Interviews and Assessments:
• SDE II interviews may include questions on system design, coding, and algorithms. Companies often assess candidates based on a combination of these skills.
• Continuous Learning:
• The tech industry is dynamic, and continuous learning is essential. Keeping up with new technologies, best practices, and industry trends is valuable for career growth.

In summary, for an SDE II position, a strong grasp of system design is important, but it's not the sole factor. A well-rounded skill set that includes DSA, coding proficiency, and effective communication is crucial for success in these roles. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends will also contribute to your long-term success in software development.