From Amazon to Applied Materials: Why a Young Engineer Switched Sectors

After completing a master's degree at Columbia University, Vinit Juneja faced a tight timeline to find employment under his F-1 STEM OPT visa, which would trigger a 90-day unemployment clock. He secured a short-term startup job before the clock started, then passed Amazon’s assessment and interview process, joining the Seattle giant in April 2025. While Amazon provided valuable learning and sophisticated internal tools, widespread layoffs raised concerns about his long-term security and the visa implications of a potential termination.

Observing the rapid expansion of AI-driven chip demand, Juneja applied to Applied Materials, a leading semiconductor equipment maker, and received a higher-paying technical product manager offer. He moved to Austin, enjoys the climate, and uses AI to build a searchable knowledge base and speed product design, highlighting how AI can replace repetitive tasks while still requiring human judgment.