What Does a Microsystems Engineer Do?
Overview
A microsystem engineer researches, designs, develops or tests microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. Microsystems engineers use computer software to produce the design they are working with.
Also, these engineers assess their design plans to determine the production cost as well as the efficacy of the products; address issues, if necessary, changes are needed (to improve product or design), and the production process.
Tasks and Duties of a Microsystems Engineer
Daily, a microsystems engineer is responsible for the planning and/or scheduling of development projects about microelectromechanical systems technology.
- Plan and research about microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology
- Research development projects about MEMS technology
- Propose product designs related to MEMS technology while adhering to customer’s requirements, data, and specifications.
- Manage new product introduction and oversee the successful placement of MEMS applications or devices
- Develop microelectromechanical systems tools, develop or procure instrumentation, test equipment, or facilities to define MEMS application
- Develop and handle customer documentation including operating instructions and training manuals
- Draft intellectual property and patent disclosure related to microelectromechanical systems MEMS products, systems, or devices
- Develop performance specifications
- Take note of the operating performance and characteristics at the same time communicate these gathered experiences to fellow engineers and designers for training or development of new products
- Compose and maintain engineering documents such as materials specifications, bills of materials, and/or packaging requirements
- Supervise and conducts surveys, reviews, audits, performance monitoring of incoming materials, vendor qualification protocols, and such to ensure its in accordance with specifications
Apart from an engineer’s day–to- day tasks and responsibilities, a microsystem engineer might also conduct environmental testing and product testing to validate products or devices using different tools and simulation software.
Inspection of materials, fabrication methods, evaluation of packing materials, cost, performance, and availability are also part of an engineer’s responsibilities.
Add to that the weekly or monthly tasks to address issues for the improvement and development of microelectromechanical systems product or device designs. This added responsibility also involves the investigation of the cost and process capability using simulation software.
How to become a microsystems engineer?
Getting a career as a microsystems engineer requires a bachelor’s degree in microsystems engineering. Although this field focuses on elements from electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, and mathematics, one should have good designing skills as the main task involves designing MEMS devices and products.
Anyone with relevant training or a graduate of electrical engineering or mechanical engineering can have a career in this field for entry-level positions.
Apart from a bachelor’s degree or relevant training, one must be very experienced with computer design software, designs, and schematics. Besides, the job requires critical analytic skills to identify potential design issues and address existing problems.
One must also be a great team player with great communication skills to effectively communicate issues with team members to have a clearer understanding of issues related to design or products to come up with a solution based on their analysis.
A microsystems engineer can land a job in the energy sector, communication, automobile industry, medical services, and more.
Wondering what our engineers here at Linear MicroSystems focus on? Click here to check out what different products we work with and read through some of our case studies!
Linear MicroSystems, Inc. is proud to offer its services worldwide as well as the surrounding areas and cities around our Headquarters in Irvine, CA: Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Anaheim, Orange County, Fullerton, and Los Angeles.
