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Microsystems Engineer

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What Does it Take to Be a Microsystems Engineer?

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

Daily Life Of a Microsystems Engineer

  • Devise microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) production methods, such as integrated circuit fabrication, lithographic electroform modeling, or micromachining.
  • Conduct acceptance tests, vendor-qualification protocols, surveys, audits, corrective-action reviews, or performance monitoring of incoming materials or components to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Design or develop sensors to reduce the energy or resource requirements to operate appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashing machines.
  • Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
  • Design or develop energy products using nanomaterials or nanoprocesses, such as micro-nano machining.
  • Conduct or oversee the conduct of prototype development or microfabrication activities to ensure compliance to specifications and promote effective production processes.

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

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.

  • Process Engineer
  • Semiconductor Test Engineer
  • Radio Frequency Design Engineer (RF Design Engineer)
  • Medical Device Engineer
  • Project Design Engineer

What Kind of Microsystems Engineer Job Opportunities Are There?

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.

Do Microsystems Engineers Make A Lot Of Money?

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

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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 each U.S. state?

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

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 to Become a Microsystems Engineer

What education is needed to be a Microsystems Engineer?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Who Employs Microsystems Engineers?

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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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