William Conley on semiconductor manufacturing

About William Conley

William Conley, Chief Technology Officer at Mercury Systems, has discussed the geopolitical and strategic dimensions of the U.S.-China relationship, particularly regarding Taiwan and semiconductor manufacturing. In a September 2023 podcast appearance, Conley described the semiconductor industry as a critical economic and strategic factor in the rivalry, noting that the majority of semiconductors come through Taiwan. He stated that the real asset in semiconductor facilities is the skilled personnel, not just the equipment. Conley also drew a comparison between the current U.S.-China dynamic and the British-German rivalry before World War One, and said that societies in prolonged peace can become overconfident, increasing the risk of miscalculation and conflict. He described the shooting down of a Chinese balloon by an F-22 as a form of communication, signaling a willingness to expend resources to defend sovereignty. Conley has also spoken about his career trajectory and the nature of his work at Mercury Systems. In a 2022 interview, he said he deliberately left government to gain a greater understanding of the private sector, which led to his role as CTO. He described the challenge of designing computers that can survive harsh environments, such as on ships or at high altitude, and said that working on technology that helps ensure someone returns home to their family makes a significant difference. Conley previously served as the director for electronic warfare at the Pentagon, overseeing a roughly seven billion dollar portfolio of electronic warfare systems.

Profile compiled from William Conley's verified public interviews and appearances. See all quotes & transcripts →