EXHIBIT 99.1

                             NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC.

                                  CERTIFICATION

In connection with the periodic report of Novellus Systems, Inc. (the "Company")
on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 29, 2003 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), I, Richard S. Hill, Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify as
of the date hereof, solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of
the United States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

   (1)  the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
        15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

   (2)  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
        respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
        Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

Date: May 12, 2003                    By: /s/ Richard S. Hill
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Richard S. Hill
                                          Chairman of the Board of Directors and
                                          Chief Executive Officer