u/mmmm01010101

Hi everyone,

I’m currently finishing my PhD and trying to decide between two semiconductor opportunities in the Bay Area. I’d really appreciate some industry perspective.

Option 1:
Applied Materials – Process Engineer III (Deposition)

Option 2:
Lam Research – Product Engineer III (Etching)

A bit more context:

• Compensation seems fairly similar
• Both are process/productivity-oriented roles
• Long-term, I’m interested in technical growth but also want a sustainable career path

From conversations during interviews:

• Applied team culture seemed more balanced/supportive
• Lam selective etch work seems extremely cutting-edge and high visibility

For people in semiconductor/process engineering:
Which path would you personally choose early in your career, and why?

Thanks!

I‘m preparing for my onsite interview this week, but I got email from the same company that I was added to another job description which is one level higher than I will interview… I’m confused bc I’ve never applied to that job and my experience level is not matched with it. I can see it in my career site tho…