Pros
Applied Materials is a global company with a vary diverse workforce. Because of its size and presence in the global marketplace, if provides good oppportunities for you to explore different career paths. The company does focus on employee satisfaction and tries to promote a heathly work-life balance. Very competitive compensation benefits as well! Top executives make a good effort to communicate to every employee, with regular web-based and in-person 'town hall' meetings, all employee meetings and even web blogs.
Cons
Applied's primary business segment is the Semiconductor market, which is a cyclical business. Because of this cyclicality, the industry and company does experience fairly regular 'downturns' in the business. These down turns can put a strain on business performance and can lead to employee turn-over in some cases, but Applied has learned to mangage these downturns better over the years.