Kevin Arrieta, a graduate of UC Merced, recently returned to his alma mater to share insights from his journey as a robotics expert at Amazon. Graduating in 2024, Arrieta has quickly established himself in the field of automation engineering, and he took the opportunity to advise current students in an electrical engineering class on the importance of hands-on experience.
Arrieta’s journey into robotics began in high school in Compton, California. Facing challenges from the wrong crowd, he joined a robotics club after a pivotal conversation with his physics teacher. “Join my robotics club or I’m calling your mom,” he recalled. This ultimatum led to a newfound passion for programming and working with sensors, which his teacher recognized early on. “You have an engineering mind and you don’t even know it,” she told him, a sentiment that would guide his future.
During his visit, Arrieta encouraged students to embrace practical experiences. “Get your hands dirty,” he urged. He emphasized the value of personal projects and research, highlighting the unique resources available at UC Merced. “Speak to your professors,” he advised. “The relationship you can have with them is something you won’t see on a lot of campuses. Take advantage of that.”
Despite his success, Arrieta faced significant hurdles during his college years. In his third year, he started an e-commerce business that consumed around 60 hours a week. Balancing work and academics became overwhelming, leading him to consider dropping out. “I’m a person of faith, so I prayed about it,” he explained. Ultimately, he recommitted to his education, which led to internships with both Tesla and Amazon.
Arrieta’s determination paid off, as he navigated a demanding schedule of five engineering courses while working night shifts at Amazon. “It’s important to understand your bandwidth, how much you can handle,” he stated. His resilience was evident as he applied for numerous internships, ultimately receiving three offers after submitting around 100 applications.
Upon graduation, Arrieta entered the workforce with two years of experience, quickly advancing into management roles. “I’ve supported six Amazon sites all over the country,” he noted, showcasing his rapid career growth. Currently, he works for CNW Services, providing automation engineering support at an Amazon facility in Stockton.
Arrieta also shared a project he undertook: a robot designed to be controlled by a PlayStation 4 controller. Although initial attempts faced technical challenges, including connectivity issues, he eventually succeeded in programming the robot to operate autonomously. “As an engineer, you’re going to have these failures,” he reminded students. “Things that don’t play out the way you want them to play out.”
Reflecting on the current opportunities available at UC Merced, Arrieta pointed out that students now have the option to major in electrical engineering, a program that was not offered during his time. He encouraged students to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. “That person next to you, they’re probably going for the same internships you are,” he observed. “What are you doing to set yourself apart?”
Professor Sarah Kurtz, who teaches the electrical engineering class, highlighted the importance of Arrieta’s visit. “Many of our students are trying to understand what will happen after they finish their degrees,” she said. “Kevin’s visit was a fantastic opportunity for students to peek into the possibilities for their own futures.”
As Arrieta continues to excel in his career, his message remains clear: practical experience, resilience, and strong relationships are key to navigating the challenges of the engineering field. His story serves as an inspiration for students at UC Merced, encouraging them to pursue their passions and embrace the journey ahead.
