Tech Companies

Novellus Systems Inc.

Overview
Culture
Recruiting
Facts & Resources
Subsidiaries & Divisions
Competitors

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Overview

Novellus Systems Inc. is among the 10 largest companies in the world that design and manufacture sophisticated equipment used to make semiconductors and other computer chips. Its products include systems for applying thin layers of electronic wiring on semiconductor wafers, cleaning the surface of the wafers in-between manufacturing steps and treating the thin layers to improve their mechanical properties.

The San Jose, Calif., company is subject to the same boom and bust cycles that affect larger rivals, including No. 1 chip-equipment maker Applied Materials Inc. The market for chip-making equipment suffered a severe downturn in 2009. However, the tech research firm Gartner Inc. projected spending on semiconductor capital equipment would rise to $29.4 billion in 2010, a 76% increase from 2009. Novellus CEO and chairman Rick Hill predicted an even more dramatic rebound in 2010, telling several online news sites that sales would rise 80 percent.

Culture

Novellus Systems Inc. offers two rewards programs to its full-time employees. Its Profit Sharing Program grants employees annual cash payouts that are made when the company meets its profitability goals. Employees who can significantly impact Novellus’ strategic goals are eligible to participate in the Key Employee Incentive Plan. If an employee qualifies for this plan, their bonus will be based on achievement of specific, individual strategic and management goals and objectives as well as on corporate financial performance.