Sujay Vittal, ’19, M.S. in computer science, is an engineering leader at Samsara in Seattle, where he helps teams use technology to work smarter and make better decisions. In his role, Sujay focuses on practical problem-solving, turning complex data into tools that help people do their jobs more efficiently and with greater insight.
As he looks back on his career, Sujay points to a mix of leadership, research and hands-on experience as especially influential. Early on, he co-founded a startup while still an undergraduate student and served as its chief technology officer, leading dozens of interns as they built a real product that reached thousands of users. That experience taught him how to lead teams, take risks and learn quickly, lessons that continue to guide him today.
During his time at Purdue University Northwest, Sujay also led student research teams and worked on projects that explored real-world challenges, including economic inequality and disaster recovery. Presenting this work internationally helped him learn how to explain complex ideas in clear, meaningful ways so research could inform action.
Sujay later spent six years at Microsoft and Microsoft AI, where he worked on large-scale systems used by people around the world. What he valued most was learning how strong processes, thoughtful design and teamwork come together to support reliability and trust. Just as important, he developed a deep appreciation for responsibility, ensuring technology is used ethically, securely and with people’s interests at the center.
In early 2026, Sujay decided to leave big tech for a new opportunity where he could have a more direct and visible impact. He was drawn to Samsara by the chance to apply his experience to solve everyday business challenges and help shape how organizations use technology in practical, meaningful ways.
Today, Sujay feels most proud of building tools that support people behind the scenes, helping teams work more efficiently, anticipate needs and focus on what matters most. He describes his role not as working on just one piece of technology, but as helping build systems that truly support how people work.
Sujay’s journey reflects the foundation he built at Purdue University Northwest, combining leadership, curiosity and a commitment to using knowledge thoughtfully to make a real difference.
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Purdue Northwest
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