Life As a Microsystems Engineer
Job Description: Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Life As a Microsystems Engineer: What Do They Do?
- Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
- Develop formal documentation for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including quality assurance guidance, quality control protocols, process control checklists, data collection, or reporting.
- Conduct or oversee the conduct of prototype development or microfabrication activities to ensure compliance to specifications and promote effective production processes.
- Design or develop sensors to reduce the energy or resource requirements to operate appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashing machines.
- Plan or schedule engineering research or development projects involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
- Demonstrate miniaturized systems that contain components, such as microsensors, microactuators, or integrated electronic circuits, fabricated on silicon or silicon carbide wafers.
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What a Microsystems Engineer Should Know
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.
Types of Microsystems Engineer Jobs
- Project Design Engineer
- Patent Engineer
- MEMS Integration Engineer (Microelectrical Mechanical Integration Engineer)
- Project Engineer
- MEMS Device Scientist (Microelectromechanical Systems Device Scientist)
Microsystems Engineer Job Outlook
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. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Microsystems Engineer per 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.
Average Microsystems Engineers 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.
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
How do I Become a Microsystems Engineer?
Are there Microsystems Engineers education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Microsystems Engineers Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Microsystems Engineers work:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Aaron Jenne via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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