If you like combative and military cultures, this is a company to consider.
Pros
The benefits are good and the salary is reasonable, but not very competitive with other tech jobs. (And besides, one should get combat pay for working at AMAT.) Other than what I mentioned, this company is the worst place I've worked for in my long career.
Cons
Applied is constantly rated as a great place to work, but most employees I worked with over many years disliked being at Applied. My feedback is not "sour grapes", but the consensus of other employees at AMAT also. There are many disadvantages: It is a combative, not cooperative work environment. Succeeding in this company is all about politics. For instance, directors will sabotage a project to make sure another director doesn't succeed. Very few decisions are made because they provide an arsenal for your enemies. Failure is not acceptable, but indecisiveness is tolerated. Real success is rare. Sr. management does a poor job of evaluating the costs and risks of major programs. Job advancements and salary increases are based on favoritism. Now, profit sharing will be based on the same criteria – meaning some employees won’t be recognized for their contributions, while those who have not accomplished much will get generous bonuses.