The tech industry is witnessing inspiring stories of young professionals who are rewriting the rules of success. One such name making headlines is Manoj Tumu, a 23-year-old Indian-American engineer who transitioned from Amazon to Meta with a staggering compensation package of over ₹3.36 crore ($400,000). His journey from Amazon to Meta highlights the importance of career strategy, AI/ML expertise, and effective interview preparation.
In this article, we’ll explore Manoj Tumu’s background, his journey at Amazon, the reasons behind his move to Meta, and the valuable lessons aspiring tech professionals can learn from his career path.
Who is Manoj Tumu?
- Age: 23
- Profession: Machine Learning Engineer
- Background: Indian-American tech professional
- Specialization: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Manoj Tumu has become a trending figure in the global tech community for landing a role at Meta with one of the highest-paying packages offered to young engineers in recent times.
Manoj Tumu at Amazon
Before joining Meta, Manoj Tumu worked at Amazon as a Machine Learning Engineer. His work focused on scalable AI models and ML applications for real-world business challenges.
At Amazon, he:
- Gained industry-grade technical experience in AI/ML.
- Understood the significance of team collaboration and large-scale projects.
- Prepared for the next step in his career by building a solid foundation in applied machine learning.
Despite his success at Amazon, Tumu felt that Meta’s AI ecosystem offered more innovative opportunities and room for personal growth.
The Big Move: Amazon to Meta
In 2025, Manoj Tumu made headlines by leaving Amazon to join Meta. His new role came with a compensation package worth over $400,000 (₹3.36 crore).
What made this shift remarkable?
- No referrals – He landed the job entirely on his own merit.
- Focused preparation – Instead of countless side projects, he emphasized internships and real-world experience.
- Strategic career move – He selected Meta because of its focus on generative AI, AR/VR, and advanced machine learning applications.
Career Advice from Manoj Tumu
Manoj Tumu’s story is not just about the money. It is about strategic career growth and smart decision-making. He has shared a few key lessons:
1. Prioritize Real-World Experience
Instead of trying to fill resumes with random side projects, Manoj advises students and young engineers to focus on internships and professional work experience, which carry more weight in interviews.
2. Tailor Interview Preparation
He stresses the importance of preparing behavioral stories that align with a company’s values. For instance, Amazon’s “Leadership Principles” and Meta’s “Move Fast” culture require different approaches in interviews.
3. Be Strategic About Job Choices
While salary is important, Tumu suggests choosing roles where the work itself excites you. At Meta, he was drawn to the AI and ML projects rather than just the pay package.
Lessons for Aspiring Tech Professionals
Manoj Tumu’s journey holds inspiration for fresh graduates and young engineers. Key takeaways include:
- AI/ML is a hot career path → High demand, big salaries, and long-term growth.
- Skill-building beats random projects → Focus on solid technical skills and impactful experience.
- Networking is useful, but not everything → You can succeed without referrals if you prepare smartly.
- Behavioral interviews matter → Culture fit is just as important as technical skills.
Recognition and Media Buzz
Manoj Tumu’s transition from Amazon to Meta has been widely covered in leading publications like The Economic Times, Times of India, and NDTV. His story resonates because it combines ambition, intelligence, and strategy.
Such coverage positions him as an emerging role model for young Indian professionals aiming for global success in tech.
Conclusion
The story of Manoj Tumu is more than just about leaving Amazon for Meta with a high-paying package. It’s about career vision, persistence, and smart preparation. As AI and machine learning continue to dominate the tech world, professionals like Tumu are proof that with the right mix of skills and strategy, young engineers can achieve extraordinary success in global companies.
His journey shows that real-world experience, passion for technology, and culture-fit interviews can be far more powerful than mere referrals or flashy side projects. For aspiring engineers, Manoj Tumu’s success is not just motivational but also a practical blueprint for navigating the competitive tech industry.
Who is Manoj Tumu?
Manoj Tumu is a 23-year-old Indian-American machine learning engineer who left Amazon to join Meta with a ₹3.36 crore salary package.
What was Manoj Tumu’s role at Amazon?
He worked as a Machine Learning Engineer, focusing on AI/ML applications in real-world scenarios.
How much is Manoj Tumu’s Meta package?
His total compensation at Meta is valued at over $400,000 (~₹3.36 crore).
How did Manoj Tumu prepare for Meta interviews?
He focused on real-world experience, strong technical skills, and behavioral interview preparation tailored to Meta’s values.
What can students learn from Manoj Tumu?
Students can learn the importance of real-world internships, AI/ML skills, cultural alignment in interviews, and passion-driven career choices.
Conclusion
The story of Manoj Tumu is more than just about leaving Amazon for Meta with a high-paying package. It’s about career vision, persistence, and smart preparation. As AI and machine learning continue to dominate the tech world, professionals like Tumu are proof that with the right mix of skills and strategy, young engineers can achieve extraordinary success in global companies.
His journey shows that real-world experience, passion for technology, and culture-fit interviews can be far more powerful than mere referrals or flashy side projects. For aspiring engineers, Manoj Tumu’s success is not just motivational but also a practical blueprint for navigating the competitive tech industry.
Julie Sweet – Accenture CEO, Biography, Leadership, and AI Strategy