Intel

Is the RTO mandate just a way to force attrition?

I’ve been tracking these recent layoffs alongside the aggressive RTO enforcement, and it’s starting to feel like a calculated strategy. It’s much cheaper for them to get people to quit over commute times or personal health accommodations than it is to pay out severance packages. Watching the news about the disability lawsuit regarding RTO, it’s clear they are trying to prune the tree without taking the full PR hit of a formal mass layoff notice every single time. It feels incredibly cynical. They want us back in the office to 'collaborate,' yet every week a chunk of my team disappears anyway. How are we supposed to feel loyal to a company that treats us like a line item to be deleted to satisfy shareholders? My manager doesn't even know if his own team will be around by Q4. The morale is non-existent.

·2026-09-18T10:01:16.098331+00:00·2

·2026-09-18T10:01:13.560948+00:00·2

Another round in Santa Clara: 103 people gone today

Just saw the WARN filing update. 103 more people at the Santa Clara campus got the invite to a 'brief meeting' this morning. It’s relentless. At this point, I don't even think the leadership knows what the end state looks like, they’re just trimming the headcount to make the quarterly numbers look slightly less abysmal. If you are still there, keep your resume updated and stop putting in the 60-hour weeks. No one is safe, and 'performance' is just a variable they tweak to justify the next round of cuts. It’s hard to focus on shipping anything when you’re constantly looking over your shoulder wondering if you’re next on the spreadsheet.

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·2026-09-03T10:02:02.102384+00:00·1

RTO policy and layoffs - a bad combo?

Reading about the recent layoffs and remembering that article about the former employee suing over the RTO policy and disability. Makes me wonder how much of this is tied to company policies versus just pure business needs. We've seen a lot of churn, and the pressure to return to office seems to be increasing in parallel. Is anyone else feeling like these layoffs are partly a consequence of trying to force people back into old ways of working? Feels like a really rough way to manage a workforce, especially when you're also cutting heads. Seems like a high-risk strategy. Anyone experiencing similar disconnects between policy and workforce reality?

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Intel Santa Clara site impacted again - July 28th cuts

Just saw the news about another 103 layoffs, specifically mentioning Santa Clara. This is the second time in recent memory that the SC campus has been hit. Anyone else in that area or on a similar team get the axe or know someone who did? It feels like certain departments are just being hollowed out. Was working on a project that felt pretty critical, but apparently not critical enough to avoid the chopping block. Trying to figure out if this is a broader organizational shift or just more targeted cuts. Curious to hear if anyone has insights into what's driving this recent wave.

·2026-09-03T10:01:59.947014+00:00·1

·2026-08-27T22:00:32.8052+00:00·1

Another 103 gone - anyone else feeling the chill?

So, July 28th, another 103 layoffs reported in Santa Clara. That's the official number from the news. It's not a massive wave like some of the earlier rumors, but it's still significant. It makes you wonder who's left and what the long-term plan really is. Are these roles being eliminated entirely, or are they being consolidated? Feels like a constant churn. I've been here for a while, and the last couple of years have been... interesting. Just want to get a sense of whether this is a normal cycle for Intel right now or if there's something more concerning happening under the surface. Anyone impacted directly or know someone who was? Any details on departments or roles affected would be appreciated.

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·2026-08-27T22:00:30.506344+00:00·1

Santa Clara layoffs again - what's going on with product engineering?

Just saw the news about another 103 employees cut, this time in Santa Clara. It's getting hard to keep track. Honestly, I'm starting to wonder about the stability of my role, especially in the product engineering side. We keep hearing about Intel refocusing on AI and chip manufacturing, which sounds great on paper, but then they cut engineers. Are these cuts targeted at specific projects, or is it a broader restructuring I'm not seeing? Anyone in Santa Clara have any insight into which teams are being hit hardest? It feels like there's a disconnect between the 'AI innovation' narrative and the actual people being let go. Trying to stay optimistic, but it's tough when you see these numbers pop up every few months.

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·2026-08-22T22:00:27.985992+00:00·1

RTO mandate and recent layoffs - Is Intel shooting itself in the foot?

Reading about the recent Santa Clara layoffs (103 people, July 28th) got me thinking. I also saw that HN thread about a former employee suing over being fired for not being able to RTO due to disability. It just feels like a really bad look and potentially a strategic misstep. We're already hearing about divisions being streamlined and jobs cut, like the Linux driver situation [3]. Then you add a rigid RTO policy that seems to ignore individual circumstances, and it feels like they're alienating good talent and creating unnecessary legal risks. How can you push for innovation and attract top people if the company culture seems so inflexible and, frankly, uncaring? Seems like they're focusing on short-term cost savings or perceived control over actual employee well-being and retention. Anyone else seeing this disconnect? Wondering how many of these recent layoffs were RTO-related.

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·2026-08-22T22:00:26.188952+00:00·1

Intel Santa Clara Cuts: What's the real story behind the latest 103 layoffs?

Just saw the news about another 103 employees let go at Intel, this time in Santa Clara. This is getting ridiculous. Feels like every few months there's another wave. Anyone on the inside know what's going on? Is it performance, a specific division being gutted, or just general belt-tightening? It's hard to reconcile these cuts with the positive spin on their sales and AI push. I have friends there, and the uncertainty is palpable. They're good people, talented engineers, and it's just demoralizing to see them get the chop without much explanation. Is this just the new normal in big tech, or is Intel's situation particularly bad right now? Curious to hear any insights from those directly affected or who have visibility into the internal situation. Stay strong everyone.

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·2026-08-17T22:00:31.705222+00:00·1

Intel's comeback narrative vs. reality on the ground?

Reading about Intel's strong sales forecasts and stock performance is one thing (like that HN post [1]), but then you see these consistent layoffs, like the latest 103 in Santa Clara. It's a weird disconnect. Are these cuts just 'streamlining' and making room for AI talent as some Mastodon posts suggest ([7]), or is there more going on under the surface? Feels like the company is trying to project strength while still shedding headcount. Curious to hear from folks still there – does it feel like a company on the upswing, or are people just waiting for the next shoe to drop? The Linux driver situation [3] after layoffs is also a bit concerning. Just trying to piece together the real picture beyond the PR spin.

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Santa Clara layoffs continue - 103 gone this week. Anyone know details?

Just saw the news about another 103 people being laid off at Intel, this time in Santa Clara. Doesn't seem like a huge number compared to some of the rumors or past events, but it's still 103 people. Anyone working there or recently let go have any insights into which departments were hit? Trying to get a sense if this is targeted or more widespread. It feels like the cuts are just a constant drip now, which is pretty unsettling. Wondering if this is related to any specific product lines or R&D areas. The news mentioned it was from The Business Journals, but no specific details on the 'why' this time. Any info is appreciated.

·2026-08-17T22:00:29.583145+00:00·1

RTO mandate + job cuts = unsustainable?

So, we get hit with another round of layoffs (103 this time) and then the company is pushing hard for RTO. It feels like a real disconnect. On one hand, they're trimming headcount, implying financial prudence or strategic shifts. On the other, they're demanding people return to offices that we've proven we can work effectively *away* from. It just adds another layer of stress. I’ve seen articles referencing disability accommodations and RTO, which is a whole other mess. My manager is already on our case about being in the office more. It feels like we're being asked to sacrifice flexibility and job security simultaneously. Is anyone else finding this combination particularly frustrating? How are you navigating it, especially if you're in a role that doesn't strictly require in-person collaboration?

·2026-08-12T22:00:35.967126+00:00·1

·2026-08-12T22:00:34.020209+00:00·2

Another 103 cuts in Santa Clara, any department safe?

Just saw the news about another 103 layoffs in Santa Clara, effective end of July. Anyone have insights into which departments were hit this time? It feels like no one is safe, and the uncertainty is really starting to wear on people. I'm in engineering, and we've already seen a few rounds of cuts over the last couple of years. Makes you wonder about long-term stability here. Heard whispers about certain design teams being affected. Trying to stay focused on my work, but it's hard when you're constantly scanning the horizon for the next shoe to drop. Anyone else in SC feeling this vibe? How are people coping?

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·2026-08-07T22:01:19.5369+00:00·1

Anyone else feeling the pressure with the RTO push + constant layoffs?

Seeing the news about the latest 103 layoffs, specifically in Santa Clara, just adds to the anxiety. We've been hearing rumors for weeks, and then it's confirmed with an exact number. Meanwhile, the company is pushing hard for RTO, and frankly, it feels like a slap in the face. On one hand, they're telling us to come back to the office, making us commute again, dealing with traffic, etc. On the other hand, they're quietly cutting headcount, which signals instability and makes you wonder if your job is safe. I've heard stories (like that lawsuit about disability and RTO) that highlight how out of touch some of these policies feel when paired with job insecurity. Is anyone else in Santa Clara feeling this squeeze? How are you navigating it? It's a tough environment to stay motivated in when you feel like you're being asked to make sacrifices while the company is making these big, often painful, decisions.

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Linux Driver Unmaintained After Latest Cuts - Anyone Else Affected?

Just saw the news about the 103 layoffs on July 28th, apparently a chunk of them were in Santa Clara. Pretty grim. What's really concerning though is that article mentioning the Intel CPU temperature monitoring driver for Linux is now unmaintained because of it. That sounds like a pretty critical piece of code for a lot of people, especially those running Linux on Intel hardware for performance tuning or even just general stability. Is anyone here directly impacted by this? Did your team get hit? Is there any internal effort to pick this back up? It feels like these cuts are impacting more than just headcount, but actual product support and development, even for core components like this. Feels like we're shooting ourselves in the foot here.

·2026-08-07T22:01:17.37418+00:00·2

·2026-08-02T22:00:31.764182+00:00·1

Intel RTO Policy and Layoffs - A Bad Mix?

Okay, I saw that HN thread about the former Intel employee suing over RTO and their disability. It got me thinking. We've had these ongoing layoffs, and now we're seeing pressure to return to the office. Is anyone else feeling like these two things are creating a really toxic environment? Like, if you can't or won't RTO for whatever reason, are you now a target for the next wave of cuts? It feels like the company is trying to force people out indirectly. I understand the business needs, but the way it's being handled, especially with people who have been loyal for years, seems really cold. Has anyone else noticed this or felt pressured in a similar way? Just feels like a lose-lose situation for many employees right now.

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·2026-08-02T22:00:29.583961+00:00·1

Another Round of Layoffs - 103 in Santa Clara, July 28th

Just saw the news about another 103 people being laid off at Intel, this time concentrated in Santa Clara on July 28th. This feels like a constant drip, drip, drip of bad news. It's hard to stay motivated when you see this happening. Are these targeted cuts to specific projects, or is it a broader realignment? I'm trying to stay positive and focus on my work, but it's tough when the company keeps shedding people. Anyone in Santa Clara directly affected or know someone who was? Curious about the departments hit and if there's any pattern emerging beyond just "cost savings." It's unsettling to say the least.

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·2026-07-28T22:00:38.320165+00:00·2

Layoffs Continue While Intel Gets Incentives? Doesn't Sit Right.

So, another round of layoffs just happened at Intel. This is getting ridiculous. I saw a Hacker News thread mentioning how Intel is laying off workers while simultaneously receiving public funding and incentives. That just doesn't track. How can a company be cutting its workforce, people who have built their careers there, and at the same time be accepting money from taxpayers? It feels like a slap in the face to everyone who's dedicated years to Intel and is now on the chopping block. It's not just about the job loss itself, but the optics and the seeming contradiction in corporate behavior. Are these incentives supposed to be for job creation, or just a general bailout? Because it sure doesn't feel like the latter is happening for the rank-and-file. Anyone else feel this hypocrisy, or am I reading too much into it?

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Intel's July 20th Layoffs: What's the Real Reason This Time?

Heard through the grapevine about more layoffs hitting Intel on July 20th. Around 200 employees, supposedly. It's getting hard to keep track. Every few months it feels like there's a new round. Is this just standard restructuring, or is something bigger going on? We keep hearing about the push into AI and foundry, but it seems like the older, established roles are the ones getting the axe. Saw a few posts mentioning Linux driver unmaintenance after previous cuts, which is worrying. Makes you wonder about the long-term stability of remaining teams. Anyone directly affected or have insights into the specific departments targeted this time? Trying to understand if it's performance-based, departmental consolidation, or just a general belt-tightening before a major strategic shift. It’s becoming a bit of a waiting game for a lot of us here.

·2026-07-28T22:00:35.803047+00:00·1

·2026-07-23T22:00:49.424205+00:00·2

Another layoff? When does it end?

Seriously, another layoff announcement from Intel? This is getting ridiculous. I feel like I just saw news about cuts a few months ago. Now they're saying ? employees are out as of July 20th. Is anyone at Intel feeling secure at all? It's demoralizing to see the company making headlines for job cuts, especially when you hear about them bringing in public funds. It just doesn't add up. What's the point of all these cuts if the company isn't seeing sustainable growth or if the leadership is making questionable decisions? It feels like a cycle of layoffs followed by brief periods of calm, then more layoffs. I'm starting to question my own future here, and I know I'm not alone. It makes you wonder if this is the new normal for large tech companies. Anyone else in a similar boat or have any perspective on why this keeps happening?

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Intel layoffs seem to be a recurring theme now.

Anyone else feeling the chill at Intel? Seems like every few months there's another round of cuts. This latest news about 2026 layoffs… it’s getting hard to keep track. Feels like a constant state of uncertainty. I saw a post mentioning that the Linux driver support is now unmaintained after some of the recent layoffs. That really hits home how these cuts affect more than just the people directly let go. It impacts the products and the ongoing maintenance. Makes you wonder what the long-term strategy is if they're constantly shedding people. Are they hiring for specific roles to replace those lost, or is it just a general downsizing? It's tough to plan for the future when you don't know if your department or even your specific role will be around next year. Anyone have any insights into what's driving these continuous reductions?

·2026-07-23T22:00:47.038037+00:00·2

Interview

Trying to prep for interviews but feeling rusty af

Okay, so I'm not *actively* looking or anything, but with all the recent talk and the general market uncertainty, I feel like I *should* be preparing just in case. I've been at Intel for 5 years in a backend test engineering role. My last real outside interview was ages ago. The technical stuff I can probably brush up on, but the behavioral questions? How do you even talk about your current situation without sounding desperate or, worse, like you're badmouthing Intel? Any tips on how to structure answers, especially when they ask about challenging projects or leadership? Is anyone else in a similar boat, casually prepping but dreading the interview process itself?

·2026-06-16T10:01:44.222939+00:00·2

·2026-06-16T10:01:42.401625+00:00·2

Unusual hiring freeze rumors? Anyone else seeing this?

Hey all, been at Intel for about 7 years now, mostly in the CPU design side. Lately, I've been hearing some really strange things from different corners of the company about a de facto hiring freeze. Not an official announcement or anything, but requisitions are supposedly being held up indefinitely, and new roles aren't even being posted. My own manager is super cagey when I ask about it, just saying things are 'under review.' Is anyone else in a different org seeing this? Feels like a weird way to manage costs if true, especially when we're supposed to be ramping up in some areas. Anyone have intel on why this might be happening or if it's company-wide?

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Interview

Best skills to highlight on resume after Intel? (Backend Validation)

Alright, been at Intel for 7 years, mainly doing backend validation work (pre-silicon mostly). Honestly, starting to think about dusting off the resume, but trying to figure out what's hot right now *outside* of the company. Any advice on what skills I should really emphasize when applying elsewhere? I've got a solid background in RTL, verification methodologies (UVM, formal), and scripting (Python, Perl). Should I be focusing more on cloud computing skills or maybe specializing in a particular architecture (ARM, RISC-V)? Any pointers from people who've made the jump (especially from validation) would be greatly appreciated. Trying to future-proof myself a bit here...

·2026-05-31T10:00:53.182629+00:00·2

Anyone else getting grilled about 'low performers' in skip-levels?

Okay, this is getting ridiculous. I'm in a pretty secure group (manufacturing side, 10+ years in), but my skip-level has been pulling managers into these weird 'performance calibration' meetings. It's basically a thinly veiled excuse to justify PIPs, and honestly, it feels like they're just trying to scare people into quitting before they have to offer packages. Anyone else seeing this kind of pressure? Makes me wonder if they're trying to avoid a real layoff by just pushing people out the back door. I'm a bit worried they'll start looking at tenure as a cost factor... and that could impact me. Is this normal Intel paranoia, or is something brewing?

·2026-05-31T10:00:51.345611+00:00·2

Salary

Intel Stock Options expiring soon - should I cash them out now?

Okay, so I've got a decent chunk of stock options that are about to expire, thanks to my time here over the last 12 years (mostly in software engineering). With all the uncertainty floating around, I'm seriously debating just cashing them out, even though I was hoping for a bigger return down the line. I'm worried the stock is going to tank even more if we do end up having big layoffs. Anyone have any thoughts on whether it's better to hold on and hope, or take the money and run? I realize this isn't financial advice, just looking for some opinions from people in the same boat. I'm mostly trying to think of ways to prepare in case I'm suddenly unemployed...

·2026-05-28T10:02:17.11147+00:00·2

Is anyone else's team being pressured to PIP people right now?

I'm in a weird spot. I've been at Intel for 8 years, solid performer reviews every year in validation. But suddenly, in the last few months, our manager has been REALLY pushing us to find performance issues with team members. Like, digging deep to justify PIPs. It feels manufactured, and honestly, it's making me super uncomfortable. My gut says this is layoff prep – get rid of people 'for cause' instead of paying out severance. Is anyone else seeing this in their teams? I'm in a hardware org, btw. I just don't want to be a part of something unethical, but also don't want to lose my job for resisting. Any advice?

·2026-05-28T10:02:14.249523+00:00·2

·2026-05-28T07:58:19.883964+00:00·2

Heard Rumors About a Reorg in PSG - Anyone Know Anything?

I'm hearing whispers about a possible reorg coming down the pipeline specifically in the Programmable Solutions Group. A friend mentioned that some projects are being quietly shelved, and there's a general sense of unease. Has anyone else heard anything concrete? I'm trying to figure out if I should be concerned, as it directly affects my team's work. It’s always the same though, hear it through the grapevine first, before any official announcements. Share what you know!

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·2026-05-28T07:58:16.984473+00:00·2

Severance Package Question - Need Advice!

Hypothetically speaking, if Intel *were* to do another round of layoffs, what's the typical severance package like these days? I've heard different things from different people. Is it based on tenure? Are there any negotiations possible? I'm trying to get a better understanding of what to expect, just in case. Any insights from people who've been through this before would be greatly appreciated. Trying to prepare and understand possible options. Also, does anyone know if unused vacation time is paid out?

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Anyone else feel like a sitting duck right now?

I'm in the validation team, been here almost 8 years. I've seen smaller RIFs happen, but the overall vibe lately is just…off. My skip-level keeps pushing this 'efficiency' mantra, and my manager is suddenly asking for detailed reports on everything I do. It feels like they're building a case to justify cuts. Honestly, I love my job, but I'm starting to dust off my resume. Anyone else feeling this way in their org? Or am I just being paranoid?

·2026-05-28T07:58:14.166112+00:00·2