What Do Microsystems Engineer Do?
Example of Microsystems Engineer Job Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Life As a Microsystems Engineer
- Conduct or oversee the conduct of prototype development or microfabrication activities to ensure compliance to specifications and promote effective production processes.
- Identify, procure, or develop test equipment, instrumentation, or facilities for characterization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications.
- Evaluate materials, fabrication methods, joining methods, surface treatments, or packaging to ensure acceptable processing, performance, cost, sustainability, or availability.
- Validate fabrication processes for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), using statistical process control implementation, virtual process simulations, data mining, or life testing.
- Manage new product introduction projects to ensure effective deployment of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices or applications.
- Develop or implement microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) processing tools, fixtures, gages, dies, molds, or trays.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Microsystems Engineer Should Know
Microsystems Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Types of Microsystems Engineer
- Mobile Device Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- System Engineer
- MEMS Engineer (Microelectromechanical Systems Engineer)
Is There Going to be Demand for Microsystems Engineers?
There were about 132,500 jobs for Microsystems Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Microsystems Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Microsystems Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Microsystems Engineer Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Microsystems Engineer ranges between $50,750 and $155,650.
Microsystems Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Microsystems Engineers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $115,710 |
Alaska | $114,040 |
Arizona | $94,450 |
Arkansas | $71,510 |
California | $107,700 |
Colorado | $111,610 |
Connecticut | $100,230 |
District of Columbia | $132,530 |
Florida | $82,970 |
Georgia | $93,580 |
Hawaii | $96,940 |
Idaho | $110,270 |
Illinois | $87,220 |
Indiana | $73,340 |
Iowa | $78,230 |
Kansas | $82,060 |
Kentucky | $79,690 |
Louisiana | $90,580 |
Maine | $85,800 |
Maryland | $118,420 |
Massachusetts | $109,220 |
Michigan | $90,420 |
Minnesota | $101,620 |
Mississippi | $79,630 |
Missouri | $86,850 |
Montana | $79,590 |
Nebraska | $82,760 |
Nevada | $94,950 |
New Hampshire | $99,070 |
New Jersey | $114,990 |
New Mexico | $114,790 |
New York | $95,270 |
North Carolina | $83,900 |
North Dakota | $83,270 |
Ohio | $93,370 |
Oklahoma | $83,080 |
Oregon | $90,720 |
Pennsylvania | $96,550 |
Rhode Island | $95,790 |
South Carolina | $100,750 |
South Dakota | $84,320 |
Tennessee | $82,030 |
Texas | $113,370 |
Utah | $89,810 |
Vermont | $81,960 |
Virginia | $118,390 |
Washington | $104,890 |
West Virginia | $91,420 |
Wisconsin | $86,600 |
Wyoming | $97,040 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Microsystems Engineers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Microsystems Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- C
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- PTC Creo Parametric
- Apple macOS
- Simulation software
How to Become a Microsystems Engineer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Microsystems Engineer?
What work experience do I need to become a Microsystems Engineer?
Where do Microsystems Engineers Work?
Microsystems Engineers work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Aaron Jenne via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info | Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |