Life As a Microsystems Engineer
Microsystems Engineer Example Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
A Day in the Life of a Microsystems Engineer
- Devise microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) production methods, such as integrated circuit fabrication, lithographic electroform modeling, or micromachining.
- Develop or validate product-specific test protocols, acceptance thresholds, or inspection tools for quality control testing or performance measurement.
- Design or develop energy products using nanomaterials or nanoprocesses, such as micro-nano machining.
- Plan or schedule engineering research or development projects involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
- Develop or file intellectual property and patent disclosure or application documents related to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, products, or systems.
- Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Microsystems Engineer?
When polled, Microsystems Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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 Jobs
- MEMS Process Engineer (Microelectromechanical Systems Process Engineer)
- Microsystems Engineer
- Project Design Engineer
- Semiconductor Test Engineer
- System Engineer
Microsystems Engineer Employment Estimates
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.

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
Microsystems Engineers make between $50,750 and $155,650 a year.

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 |
What Tools 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
Learn what Microsystems Engineer education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Microsystems Engineer?

Where Microsystems Engineers Are Employed

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.
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