All About Microsystems Engineers
Microsystems Engineer Definition Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Microsystems Engineer Responsibilities
- Communicate operating characteristics or performance experience to other engineers or designers for training or new product development purposes.
- Conduct analyses addressing issues such as failure, reliability, or yield improvement.
- Design or develop sensors to reduce the energy or resource requirements to operate appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashing machines.
- Develop formal documentation for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including quality assurance guidance, quality control protocols, process control checklists, data collection, or reporting.
- Develop or validate specialized materials characterization procedures, such as thermal withstand, fatigue, notch sensitivity, abrasion, or hardness tests.
- Develop or validate product-specific test protocols, acceptance thresholds, or inspection tools for quality control testing or performance measurement.
Microsystems Engineer Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Microsystems Engineers say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- MEMS Process Engineer (Microelectromechanical Systems Process Engineer)
- MEMS Device Scientist (Microelectromechanical Systems Device Scientist)
- Radio Frequency Design Engineer (RF Design Engineer)
- Medical Device Engineer
- Semiconductor Engineer
Are There Job Opportunities for Microsystems Engineers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 132,500 jobs in the United States for Microsystems Engineer. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.
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.
How Much Does a Microsystems Engineer Make?
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 |
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
How do I Become a Microsystems Engineer?
Are there Microsystems Engineers education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Microsystems Engineers Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Aaron Jenne via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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