"You can't even get an interview without a Ph.D," according to some - Process Engineer Lam Research Employee Review

2.0
Jul 13, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Smart, ambitious people, cutting edge technologies, opportunities to learn, etc. Good benefits and food.

Cons

Unfortunately, dielectric etch operates more like a NAVY battle station than a business; if one mistake is made, expect to be blasted with foul language, like a new recruit! This is NOT professional! A few, but not all, 'lifers' who have never had any other job other than in etch tend to have big mouths and egos, unfortunately. I was told "...you can't even get an interview here without a Ph.D, and it should be from MIT, Illinois, Yale, Stanford, Berkeley, CalTech, etc." This elitist mentality makes for a challenging work environment at times, despite core values. I believe hard work brings forth success, regardless of how prestigious the pedigree you may or may not have, so be sure not to listen to the arrogant ones!

Explore other reviews about Lam Research

5.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work life balance and management

Cons

Challenge customer, leans towards Taiwanese colleague

2.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pay is market rate or slightly higher. Smart new fresh grads join every year. They work hard.

Cons

Avoid Dielectric Etch Org as much as you can. Both product and process engineering. Constant Pressure, extreme long work hours, You are working 7/8 AM to 9/10PM, need to work on weekends because of lack of tool times. High level management yelling, screaming in meetings for anything trivial. If CVP wakes up not happy that day, someone will get yelled at in either large or small meetings for small things. THIS IS Dielectric Etch Culture at Lam. This place is a cesspool of nepotism. Even director levels are being yelled at constantly in meetings for various reasons, if he or she is not favored by the CVP. If a mediocre engineer or director who is liked by CVP, he will have much easy time cruising through with minimal effort and knowledge. ... If you are fresh PhD from top or mid tier schools, expect 80hr work weeks, and if you are not lucky, wait for 4 years to be promoted from lvl 3 to 4 level and stuck with no options to move around because you are stuck in Semiconductor equipment industry and other orgs in Lam won't take you. There are many junior engineers with excellent work ethic stuck doing the same things for half a decade without a move in their career. But if you are good at lip service, your life will be easier. Do not trust the general statement of Lam has good culture, it is very very dependent on which Org inside Lam.

1
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All