Etch Division lack of equality and cronyism - Mechanical Engineer IV Applied Materials Employee Review

1.0
Jul 7, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

My work was interesting and stimulating, but has become more of a drag lately.

Cons

This division has been taken over by staff from an infamous failed startup. Most of the original experienced AMAT engineers have left or have been squeezed out, and replaced their ex colleagues, in many cases with less experience, in higher positions, and very likely MUCH higher salaries. I've been a professional engineer for 30 years and with AMAT for over 15 years, earning several performance awards and always had great performance reviews and have heard that some of these new engineers, with much less experience, and hired at the same grade as me, are being paid up to 20% more than me. It's a toxic environment which is only going to get worse. Me, and many of my colleagues are preparing their exit strategies.

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5.0
Apr 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Friendliness Stock Purchase Benefits Culture Development

Cons

Hours Schedule Flexibility Relocation Salary

4.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Strong place to start your career. If you do the Fusion Program you will learn a lot. Good training and benefits. Amazing Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Coworkers are smart and grounded people.

Cons

Stingy with salary, raises, and promotions. The engineer roles are broken up into Jr and Senior so the title progression goes Engineer I, I Sr, II, II Sr, etc which slows career progression and pay. Only the CA office gets extra pay due to the expense of living there, even if the MA office is expensive.

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