Indian engineers in Silicon Valley
When you think of Indian engineers in Silicon Valley, highly skilled technical professionals from India working in the heart of global technology innovation. Also known as Indian tech talent in the US, they make up nearly 15% of the engineering workforce at major Silicon Valley firms like Google, Apple, and Meta. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. These engineers don’t just fill roles; they lead product teams, build AI models, design cloud infrastructure, and sometimes start their own companies. Many came here after studying at IITs or other top Indian engineering schools, then cracked the visa and interview process that few ever navigate successfully.
The path isn’t easy. It starts with mastering core skills—data structures, system design, coding in Python or Java—and then learning how to communicate those skills under pressure. The JEE Advanced, India’s most competitive engineering entrance exam. Also known as IIT-JEE, it’s the first major filter that separates the top performers—and many of those top performers end up in Silicon Valley. But the real test comes later: the technical interviews, the cultural adjustment, the long hours. What keeps them going? It’s not just salary. It’s the chance to work on problems that scale to billions of users, to learn from the best, and to build careers that aren’t limited by geography.
And it’s not just about software. CBSE, India’s national education board that shapes how millions of students learn math and science. Also known as Central Board of Secondary Education, it’s the foundation for many of these engineers’ early technical training. Their schools taught them to solve problems fast, memorize formulas, and push through tough exams—skills that translate surprisingly well into coding sprints and debugging marathons. But the real edge? They often bring a mindset shaped by limited resources: make do with less, optimize everything, and find clever workarounds. That’s why startups love hiring them.
Some stay for decades. Others return to India to start their own firms. A few even go back to teach. But no matter where they land, their story is part of a larger shift: the global tech industry doesn’t just need talent—it needs diverse perspectives. And Indian engineers in Silicon Valley are proving that brilliance doesn’t come from one country, one university, or one background. It comes from grit, preparation, and the courage to step into the unknown.
Below, you’ll find real stories, salary insights, and practical advice from people who’ve walked this path—whether they’re just starting out or already leading teams. No fluff. Just what works.
- By Nolan Blackburn
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- 16 Nov 2025
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