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Microsystems Engineer

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All About Microsystems Engineers

Career Description Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Microsystems Engineer Responsibilities

  • Develop or file intellectual property and patent disclosure or application documents related to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, products, or systems.
  • Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.
  • Conduct acceptance tests, vendor-qualification protocols, surveys, audits, corrective-action reviews, or performance monitoring of incoming materials or components to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
  • Conduct or oversee the conduct of prototype development or microfabrication activities to ensure compliance to specifications and promote effective production processes.
  • Evaluate materials, fabrication methods, joining methods, surface treatments, or packaging to ensure acceptable processing, performance, cost, sustainability, or availability.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Microsystems Engineer?

These are the skills Microsystems Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Other Microsystems Engineer Job Titles

  • Device Engineer
  • MEMS Integration Engineer (Microelectrical Mechanical Integration Engineer)
  • MEMS Engineer (Microelectromechanical Systems Engineer)
  • Semiconductor Engineer
  • Systems Engineer

Job Opportunities for Microsystems Engineers

In the United States, there were 132,500 jobs for Microsystems Engineer in 2016. 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.

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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.

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Microsystems Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Microsystems Engineers make 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

What Tools & Technology do Microsystems Engineers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Microsystems Engineers:

  • 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

Becoming a Microsystems Engineer

What education or degrees do I need to become a Microsystems Engineer?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Microsystems Engineers Are Employed

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Microsystems Engineers work in the following industries:

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References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Aaron Jenne via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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