As AI adoption and market pressures rise, major companies across tech, EV, and manufacturing are scaling back their workforce—some for the third time this year.
Rivian: Third Round of Layoffs in 2025
Rivian, the EV startup, is cutting 600 jobs, representing about 4% of its workforce. This marks the company’s third round of layoffs in 2025.
- Earlier layoffs in June and September affected 100–150 employees, mainly in commercial and manufacturing roles.
- The October layoffs are broader, though details remain undisclosed.
- The cuts follow a wider EV market slowdown, as demand cools and competition intensifies.
Meta: AI Infrastructure Teams Affected
Meta will reportedly lay off around 600 employees in its AI infrastructure units, including its renowned FAIR (Fundamental AI Research) team.
- Other product-related roles will also be affected.
- However, Meta’s high-profile TBD Labs, led by new Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, is exempt from layoffs.
- The restructuring reflects Meta’s evolving AI strategy, focusing on centralized, revenue-generating AI initiatives.
Applied Materials: Job Cuts in Semiconductor Sector
Facing tighter U.S. semiconductor export controls, Applied Materials is planning to reduce its workforce by 4%, or approximately 1,400 jobs.
- The move is intended to streamline operations and adapt to global supply chain challenges.
- It underscores the continued volatility in the semiconductor market, especially with heightened geopolitical and regulatory constraints.
Handshake: Startups Also Feeling the Pressure
College recruiting platform Handshake laid off around 100 employees, about 15% of its U.S. workforce.
- The layoffs spanned various roles within the recruiting business vertical.
- Handshake, which connects students and recent grads with job opportunities, is responding to shifting market conditions and potential funding pressures.
Smartsheet: Layoffs Amid Acquisition and CEO Exit
Smartsheet has cut over 120 jobs as the company transitions leadership and ownership.
- The layoffs follow the retirement of longtime CEO Mark Mader.
- Earlier in 2025, Smartsheet was acquired for $8.4 billion by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners, taking it private.
- The enterprise software firm is realigning resources post-acquisition to improve operational efficiency.
Google: More Cuts in Cloud and Design Teams
Google continues trimming its workforce, with over 100 design roles eliminated in its Google Cloud division.
- U.S.-based teams were especially impacted.
- The cuts are part of a strategic shift toward AI investments, and come after previous layoffs across Google’s Silicon Valley offices, including 50+ jobs in Sunnyvale.
- Affected employees have until early December to find new roles internally.
Paycom: Automation Drives Reductions
HR software firm Paycom is reportedly laying off more than 500 employees.
- The decision is attributed to AI and automation increasing operational efficiency, particularly in back-office functions.
- The company is offering severance, outplacement services, and internal job assistance to those impacted.
- The cuts signal how AI adoption is reshaping traditional roles, even in non-tech-heavy sectors.
Key Takeaways: A Shifting Tech Employment Landscape
- October has been a heavy layoff month, affecting both big tech players and scaling startups.
- Companies cite reasons ranging from AI and automation, to market downturns, export regulations, and organizational restructuring.
- While AI-related roles remain in demand, traditional jobs in design, manufacturing, and back-office operations are increasingly at risk.
- These shifts suggest an ongoing rebalancing of talent priorities across the industry.
