Pros
The company has an open mind when it comes to accepting diversity in backgrounds, and very importantly, creating a positive atmosphere to express ideas/concerns and assimilate within. For example, in my context, I come from a purely mechanics and more mathematical background, while Lam is more rooted to materials. My managers and seniors guided me through this transition, and moreover, encouraged me to apply my (humble) experience with mechanics to different fundamental challenges faced by dielectrics deposition, In addition, I have felt that the company provides a largely free hand, resources, and cross vertical expertise in trying out own research ideas (note, still within a regime guided by customer needs - and that's fun). I am like, what more can a recently graduated PhD student ask! As a consequence, I feel I have gone to bed several days feeling happy what I contributed. I can see some (at least two) ideas find resources and fruition in my first year at Lam. Now, beyond work, I think Lam (I am talking only about Tualatin campus, I have no clue of Cali campus) is in a good location. There is a lot of stuff to do beyond work here, and Lam happy hours help you connect to colleagues outside work, and have fun. At a more personal level, for internationals (like me), it is important that I state that Lam is very generous and helpful when it comes to travel and visas. I must say that I have felt on several occasions that our HR is more concerned of my visa (than me, and I am dead serious); many thanks to HR and Lam for making me a part of their family and allowing me to contribute to Lam in a (I think) meaningful way.
Cons
I think this is more for the industry than Lam as such. The semiconductor industry is fast paced. If you are from a different background altogether, please be advised that the learning curve can be sometimes stiff. You need to be passionate and on occasions, remember to pause yourself to catch a breath,