Details Report for:
17-2199.06 - Microsystems Engineers
Apply knowledge of electronic and mechanical engineering theory and methods, as well as specialized manufacturing technologies, to design and develop microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Education | Wages & Employment
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Conduct harsh environmental testing, accelerated aging, device characterization, or field trials to validate devices, using inspection tools, testing protocols, peripheral instrumentation, or modeling and simulation software.
- Validate fabrication processes for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), using statistical process control implementation, virtual process simulations, data mining, or life testing.
- Conduct analyses addressing issues such as failure, reliability, or yield improvement.
- Conduct experimental or virtual studies to investigate characteristics and processing principles of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
- Conduct or oversee the conduct of prototype development or microfabrication activities to ensure compliance to specifications and promote effective production processes.
- Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components and packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, and package constraints.
- Develop formal documentation for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including quality assurance guidance, quality control protocols, process control checklists, data collection, and reporting.
- Develop or validate product-specific test protocols, acceptance thresholds, or inspection tools for quality control testing and performance measurement.
- Develop or validate specialized materials characterization procedures, such as thermal withstand, fatigue, notch sensitivity, abrasion, and hardness tests.
- Devise microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) production methods, such as integrated circuit fabrication, lithographic electroform modeling, and micromachining.
- Evaluate and select materials, fabrication methods, joining methods, surface treatments, or packaging to ensure acceptable processing, performance, cost, and availability.
- Investigate characteristics, such as cost, performance, and process capability, of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation and modeling software.
- Operate or maintain microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication and assembly equipment, such as handling, singulation, assembly, wire-bonding, soldering, and package sealing.
- Propose product designs involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology considering market data or customer requirements.
- Refine final microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) design to optimize design for target dimensions, physical tolerances, and processing constraints.
- Conduct acceptance tests, vendor-qualification protocols, surveys, audits, corrective-action reviews, or performance monitoring of incoming materials and components to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bill of materials, components and materials specifications, and packaging requirements.
- Demonstrate miniaturized systems that contain components such as microsensors, microactuators, or integrated electronic circuits fabricated on silicon or silicon carbide wafers.
- Develop and communicate operating characteristics or performance experience to other engineers and designers for training or new product development purposes.
- Develop and file intellectual property and patent disclosure or application documents related to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, products, and systems.
- Develop and verify customer documentation, such as performance specifications, training manuals, and operating instructions.
- Develop or implement microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) processing tools, fixtures, gages, dies, molds, and trays.
- Identify, procure, or develop test equipment, instrumentation, and facilities for characterization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications.
- Manage new product introduction projects to ensure effective deployment of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices and applications.
- Plan or schedule engineering research or development projects involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
100   |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 83 |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 50 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 22 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 11 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
| 0 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 78 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 78 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 78 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 72 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 61 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 39 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
Education
Education data collected from Engineers, All Other.
Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
| 82 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
| 15 |
Some college |
| 3 |
High school or less |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Engineering — Manufacturing Engineering
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineers, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineers, All Other.
| Category | Occupation Information |
|---|---|
| Median wages (2008) | $42.58 hourly, $88,570 annual |
| Employment (2006) | 170,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) | 29,000 additional employees |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2006-2016 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.