Microsystems Engineer

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A microsystems engineer could...

Overview Listen to this section

Have you ever seen a car-crash safety test? The airbags always deploy just in time to save the test dummy, which is good news for those of us who travel in cars! What makes the airbag deploy properly? A tiny microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device called an accelerometer. MEMS devices are used in many applications, from inkjet printer cartridges to neural probes. Typically 1 micrometer (µm) to 1 millimeter (mm) in dimension, MEMS devices require special techniques to make. Microsystems engineers apply their knowledge of electronic and mechanical engineering theory and methods, as well as manufacturing technologies, to design and develop MEMS devices. In this case, great things come in extremely small packages.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Microsystems Engineer?

1. 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.
2. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
3. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
4. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
5. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

6. Systems Analysis: ? Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
7. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
8. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
9. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
10. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Microsystems Engineer might do:

• Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.
• Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
• Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.
• Conduct analyses addressing issues such as failure, reliability, or yield improvement.
• 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.
• Develop formal documentation for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including quality assurance guidance, quality control protocols, process control checklists, data collection, or reporting.
• Communicate operating characteristics or performance experience to other engineers or designers for training or new product development purposes.
• Consider environmental issues when proposing product designs involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
• Design or develop energy products using nanomaterials or nanoprocesses, such as micro-nano machining.
• Design or develop industrial air quality microsystems, such as carbon dioxide fixing devices.
• Design or develop sensors to reduce the energy or resource requirements to operate appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashing machines.
• Design sensors or switches that require little or no power to operate for environmental monitoring or industrial metering applications.
• 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.