17-2199.06

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

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Key Tasks

  • Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.
  • Evaluate materials, fabrication methods, joining methods, surface treatments, or packaging to ensure acceptable processing, performance, cost, sustainability, or availability.
  • Refine final microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) design to optimize design for target dimensions, physical tolerances, or processing constraints.
  • Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
  • 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.
  • Develop or file intellectual property and patent disclosure or application documents related to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, products, or systems.
  • Conduct or oversee the conduct of prototype development or microfabrication activities to ensure compliance to specifications and promote effective production processes.
  • Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.
  • Conduct experimental or virtual studies to investigate characteristics and processing principles of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
  • Conduct analyses addressing issues such as failure, reliability, or yield improvement.
  • Plan or schedule engineering research or development projects involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
  • Devise microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) production methods, such as integrated circuit fabrication, lithographic electroform modeling, or micromachining.
  • Develop or validate specialized materials characterization procedures, such as thermal withstand, fatigue, notch sensitivity, abrasion, or hardness tests.
  • Propose product designs involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, considering market data or customer requirements.
  • Validate fabrication processes for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), using statistical process control implementation, virtual process simulations, data mining, or life testing.
  • Demonstrate miniaturized systems that contain components, such as microsensors, microactuators, or integrated electronic circuits, fabricated on silicon or silicon carbide wafers.
  • Develop formal documentation for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including quality assurance guidance, quality control protocols, process control checklists, data collection, or reporting.
  • Manage new product introduction projects to ensure effective deployment of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices or applications.
  • Conduct acceptance tests, vendor-qualification protocols, surveys, audits, corrective-action reviews, or performance monitoring of incoming materials or components to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Develop or implement microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) processing tools, fixtures, gages, dies, molds, or trays.
  • Develop customer documentation, such as performance specifications, training manuals, or operating instructions.
  • Communicate operating characteristics or performance experience to other engineers or designers for training or new product development purposes.
  • Identify, procure, or develop test equipment, instrumentation, or facilities for characterization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications.
  • Develop or validate product-specific test protocols, acceptance thresholds, or inspection tools for quality control testing or performance measurement.
  • Oversee operation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication or assembly equipment, such as handling, singulation, assembly, wire-bonding, soldering, or package sealing.
  • Consider environmental issues when proposing product designs involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
  • 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.
  • Design or develop energy products using nanomaterials or nanoprocesses, such as micro-nano machining.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
75%
Active Listening
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Complex Problem Solving
72%
Systems Analysis
69%
Writing
69%
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
Speaking
66%
Science
66%
Monitoring
66%
Time Management
63%
Active Learning
63%
Systems Evaluation
63%
Mathematics
60%
Operations Monitoring
56%
Learning Strategies
56%
Instructing
53%
Quality Control Analysis
53%
Coordination
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Negotiation
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Operations Analysis
50%
Persuasion
47%
Management of Personnel Resources
47%
Programming
41%
Operation and Control
41%
Troubleshooting
38%
Management of Material Resources
35%
Technology Design
35%
Equipment Selection
31%
Management of Financial Resources
31%
Repairing
25%
Equipment Maintenance
22%
Installation
10%

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
91%
Engineering and Technology
90%
Mathematics
77%
Physics
74%
Design
73%
English Language
62%
Production and Processing
56%
Mechanical
55%
Administration and Management
50%
Chemistry
50%
Customer and Personal Service
42%
Telecommunications
42%
Public Safety and Security
38%
Personnel and Human Resources
34%
Communications and Media
29%
Sales and Marketing
29%
Economics and Accounting
29%
Administrative
28%
Law and Government
28%
Education and Training
22%
Biology
22%
Medicine and Dentistry
14%
Geography
13%
Transportation
11%
Sociology and Anthropology
9%
Psychology
9%
Foreign Language
8%
Building and Construction
7%
History and Archeology
4%
Philosophy and Theology
4%
Therapy and Counseling
4%
Fine Arts
3%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
78%
Written Comprehension
78%
Deductive Reasoning
72%
Oral Expression
72%
Inductive Reasoning
72%
Problem Sensitivity
69%
Written Expression
69%
Fluency of Ideas
66%
Information Ordering
66%
Near Vision
63%
Speech Recognition
63%
Visualization
63%
Category Flexibility
63%
Selective Attention
63%
Originality
63%
Mathematical Reasoning
60%
Speech Clarity
60%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Flexibility of Closure
56%
Number Facility
56%
Time Sharing
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Far Vision
47%
Speed of Closure
47%
Memorization
47%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
41%
Finger Dexterity
41%
Control Precision
41%
Hearing Sensitivity
38%
Manual Dexterity
38%
Auditory Attention
35%
Depth Perception
31%
Trunk Strength
28%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Multilimb Coordination
22%
Rate Control
22%
Reaction Time
19%
Extent Flexibility
19%
Static Strength
19%
Explosive Strength
16%
Spatial Orientation
10%
Stamina
3%
Response Orientation
3%
Sound Localization
0%
Night Vision
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
86%
Working with Computers
86%
Getting Information
85%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
77%
Analyzing Data or Information
75%
Processing Information
75%
Thinking Creatively
75%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
75%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
74%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
74%
Documenting/Recording Information
72%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
69%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
69%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
65%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
64%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
64%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
63%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
62%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
56%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
56%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
55%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
53%
Scheduling Work and Activities
50%
Controlling Machines and Processes
49%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
47%
Coaching and Developing Others
42%
Developing and Building Teams
41%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
41%
Training and Teaching Others
41%
Handling and Moving Objects
38%
Performing General Physical Activities
38%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
37%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
36%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
34%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
31%
Selling or Influencing Others
31%
Assisting and Caring for Others
31%
Performing Administrative Activities
29%
Staffing Organizational Units
27%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
18%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
9%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

94%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

93%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

92%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

87%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

86%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

86%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

85%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

84%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

80%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

79%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

73%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

69%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

67%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

62%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

58%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

57%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

57%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

55%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

52%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

48%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

47%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

46%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

44%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

40%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

40%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

39%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

37%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

36%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

35%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

35%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

31%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

31%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

28%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

28%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

27%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

27%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

25%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

24%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

24%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

23%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

19%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

19%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

18%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

17%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

15%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

13%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

12%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

12%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

12%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

9%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

9%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

9%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

6%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

6%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

6%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

3%

Education

Master's degree

34%

Bachelor's degree

31%

Doctoral degree

22%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

88

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

77

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

65

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

16

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

6

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

5

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Innovation
84%
Dependability
80%
Intellectual Curiosity
79%
Cautiousness
76%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Integrity
64%
Adaptability
62%
Perseverance
56%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
52%
Self-Confidence
45%
Initiative
39%
Stress Tolerance
36%
Cooperation
32%
Leadership Orientation
27%
Self-Control
20%
Social Orientation
17%
Sincerity
10%
Humility
8%
Optimism
5%

Work Values

Achievement
78%
Independence
78%
Working Conditions
78%
Recognition
72%
Support
61%
Relationships
39%

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