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Compensation & Benefits Counsel V (B5)

Applied Materials

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA, USA
USD 189k-260k / year + Equity
Posted on Jan 30, 2026

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary:

$189,000.00 - $260,000.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

Position Description

Applied Materials, Inc. is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.

Applied has an exciting opportunity to join a world-class Global Employment Law team as an employee benefits attorney. In this role, you will serve as a key legal advisor on employee benefits matters. You will partner closely with Applied’s Total Rewards team on all benefits‑related matters and will play a critical role in cross‑functional coordination and project management, including collaboration with Legal, HR, Payroll, Finance and other internal stakeholders.

The candidate will be expected to have a strong foundation of corporate benefits experience, including experience advising on ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations applicable to employee benefit plans.

This position is onsite (full‑time, 5 days a week) and based in Santa Clara, CA.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide legal advice and counsel on employee benefits matters, including retirement plans, health & welfare plans, wellness programs, and equity compensation
  • Draft and review employee benefit plan documents
  • Draft, review and negotiate employee benefits related contracts
  • Partner with the Total Rewards team on benefits strategy, plan design, vendor management, and benefits administration
  • Manage benefits‑related investigations, claims and inquiries
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting U.S. and global benefits programs; prepare guidance for stakeholders
  • Support cross‑functional projects, including compensation initiatives, M&A transactions, and internal policy development
  • Manage compliance with employee benefit laws and regulatory requirements, including ERISA, Affordable Care Act, COBRA
  • Monitor legal trends in employee benefits laws and proactively develop strategy to address emerging risks, ensure compliance, and position the organization ahead of legal changes

Basic Qualifications

  • Juris Doctorate Degree
  • 7+ years of relevant legal experience, including ERISA/benefits counseling at a top law firm and/or in‑house legal department.
  • Expertise in ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations applicable to employee benefit plans
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
  • Ability to proactively identify and solve complex problems, and think beyond existing solutions and frameworks
  • Strong interpersonal, writing, and communication skills; ability to clearly articulate and visually present complex legal advice to non-attorneys
  • Strong analytical abilities and excellent decision-making
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team, and ability to gain the trust of stakeholders to achieve a desired objective
  • Ability to travel periodically

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior in‑house experience at technology company supporting corporate benefits
  • Experience advising on employee benefits matters in mergers, acquisitions, and integrations
  • Familiarity with global benefits frameworks and cross‑border considerations
  • Experience handling employment law related matters, including leave of absence matters (FMLA and state and local leave laws) and disability accommodations

#LI

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.