Engineer – Microsystem Technology

Microsystems engineers design devices, equipment and processes for miniaturized technical systems and their enabling technologies. They combine electronic, mechanical and optical components into smart systems that autonomously capture data, analyze it, or trigger actions. Use cases include memory modules for smart cards, solar cells, medical devices and digital camera sensors. They transfer prototypes into industrial production by planning, monitoring and optimizing high-precision manufacturing, while ensuring robust quality control. In customer service they advise companies; in sales they prepare quotations and present them to clients.

Microsystems engineers can find employment, for example,

• with manufacturers of electronic components such as semiconductors, microcircuits, and chips
• with producers of IT equipment and systems
• at companies making industrial process control units, electromedical devices, or optical and photographic instruments
• in engineering consultancies and in research & development organizations

The salary level for Engineer – Microsystem Technology in Germany is: from 5103 up to 6450 EUR per month

What is it about?

Microsystems engineers design and manufacture devices and systems that combine electronic, mechanical and optical functions in very small spaces. They also contribute to production planning and control, quality assurance, customer service and sales.

Development

They create systems that respond autonomously to their environment. If a sensor on an airbag chip detects an impact, the signal is processed, measured and evaluated, and an actuator triggers the airbag. In R&D they unlock new applications of microsystems technology using CAD, experiments, simulations, design plans and prototypes—for example when developing a navigation system.

Production

In manufacturing, they ensure smooth operations by planning staffing, controlling assembly and production equipment, and optimizing processes. Chips and solar cells are built on circular silicon wafers where photoresist is applied or conductive paths are etched. Each step is checked because wafer defects propagate quickly. Using scanning electron microscopy along with spectroscopic and thermoelectric methods, they inspect structures in detail. To protect the highly sensitive chips, this work takes place in cleanrooms.

Additional roles

In sales and technical consulting, they advise clients on microsystems products, support the introduction of new systems and prepare quotations.