Compensation & Benefits Counsel V (B5)
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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
Nice To Haves
- 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
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
