Everyone's experience is unique - Staff Product Engineer Lam Research Employee Review

5.0
3 Apr 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lam has great people who share a vision of a successful company. There are lots of "old-timers" here, which is a good thing - that means that the company fosters happy employees who are invested in the company. It doesn't mean there aren't new blood roaming around, because they are everywhere, as well. Lam has a better, calmer environment that its main competitor AMAT, IMO, speaking from my direct experience at both places. The compensation at Lam is good and the lateral/upward mobility is wide open. The ceiling goes very high for both individual contributors and people managers, all you need to do is ask for it.

Cons

I read some of the previous reviews, and my take on it was, each person's experience is their own. Their reviews are probably weighted based on their interactions with their direct manager and their close coworkers. As a crusty old engineer, I know that nothing is permanent and no situation is final. A bad manager will soon be replaced with a different one, and work roles change as well. Look at the bigger picture. OK, so what's bad about Lam? Well, some of the buildings on the Fremont campus are showing their age (I'm looking at you, CA01), break areas are nothing fancy, and parking can be spotty at times. Yes, the work load can be incredible, but what did you expect for a Silicon Valley tech job?

Explore other reviews about Lam Research

5.0
29 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Really kind, collaborative, and supportive team. Fast paced and fun!

Cons

Poor systems, a bit clunky, and not built out well.

1.0
25 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Opportunities to support global activities

Cons

Heavy micromanagement — frequent revisions on ppt to minor details like font size and colors. Frequently calling staffs even after work hours and lunch time. Manager often takes on additional work from other teams without considering current team workload, So the manager appears supportive and “nice” externally but creates additional burden to the subordinates. Manager controls team budget strictly for team-building activities (events and meals), team members feel restrictive and reluctant to participate, for example team members dare not order appetizers, dessert or drinks on top of entrees during team events. Manager used up most of the travel budget. Biz trip and personal travel boundaries are unclear, especially when manager frequently has business trips overlaps with personal travel. Seems like manager using biz trip to get free hotel and free air tickets for PTO.

4
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