# Michael A. McNeilly

> Michael A. McNeilly (1939-2005) was a chemist, entrepreneur and Applied Materials co-founder and first CEO. He helped develop semiconductor deposition equipment with Walter C. Benzing, later founded other technology businesses, and also patented an anti-fogging sports goggle.

- **Role:** Chemist, inventor and entrepreneur
- **Organizations:** Applied Materials, Apogee Chemical, Union Carbide, TwinStar Systems, Advantage Production Technology
- **From:** Whitefish, United States
- **Education:** B.S. in chemistry, Gonzaga University, Whitefish High School
- **Known for:** Co-founded Applied Materials in 1967 and served as its first CEO., Co-inventor with Walter C. Benzing on U.S. patent 3,623,712 for a radiation-heated epitaxial reactor., Shared a 1979 SEMI award with Walter C. Benzing for infrared epitaxy.

## Career timeline

- **1964** — Graduated from Gonzaga University with a B.S. in chemistry; worked at Union Carbide.
- **1965** — Left Union Carbide and co-founded Apogee Chemical, according to his oral history.
- **1967** — Founded Applied Materials and became its first CEO.
- **1971** — Radiation-heated epitaxial reactor patent granted with Walter C. Benzing.
- **1972** — Applied Materials went public.
- **1976** — Jim Morgan joined Applied Materials and became CEO.
- **1979** — Shared SEMI recognition with Benzing; anti-fogging sports goggle patent granted.
- **2004** — Led TwinStar Systems in Fremont at the time of his July oral history.
- **2005** — Died October 30 in Menlo Park, California.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Applied Materials in 1967 and served as its first CEO.
- Co-inventor with Walter C. Benzing on U.S. patent 3,623,712 for a radiation-heated epitaxial reactor.
- Shared a 1979 SEMI award with Walter C. Benzing for infrared epitaxy.
- Inventor on U.S. patent 4,150,443 for an anti-fogging sports goggle.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-mcneilly
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Last updated: 2026-10-15