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Microsystems Engineer

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What You Need to Know About Microsystems Engineer

Microsystems Engineer Job Description Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Life As a Microsystems Engineer: What Do They Do?

  • Research or develop emerging microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems to convert nontraditional energy sources into power, such as ambient energy harvesters that convert environmental vibrations into usable energy.
  • Plan or schedule engineering research or development projects involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
  • Propose product designs involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, considering market data or customer requirements.
  • Conduct experimental or virtual studies to investigate characteristics and processing principles of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
  • Develop or implement microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) processing tools, fixtures, gages, dies, molds, or trays.
  • Develop or validate product-specific test protocols, acceptance thresholds, or inspection tools for quality control testing or performance measurement.

What Every Microsystems Engineer Should Know

When polled, Microsystems Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

  • Mobile Device Engineer
  • Microsystems Engineer
  • MEMS Engineer (Microelectromechanical Systems Engineer)
  • MEMS Device Scientist (Microelectromechanical Systems Device Scientist)
  • System Engineer

Microsystems Engineer Job Outlook

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. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Microsystems Engineer per year.

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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?

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 is needed to be a Microsystems Engineer?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Microsystems Engineers Work

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Below are examples of industries where Microsystems Engineers work:

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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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