A solid background in mathematics, physics, and science will be helpful for aspiring microfabrication engineers. Any microfabrication-related experience you can obtain via an internship, co-op, or part-time job while you’re in college will improve your chances of landing a job in the field.
Successful microfabrication engineers have excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented personalities; science, engineering, and technical skills; creativity and imagination; and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. Additionally, technicians should be able to follow instructions and perform sometimes-repetitive tasks.
Microfabrication engineers must know how to use (or be willing to learn):
- Analytical or scientific software (e.g., MathWorks MATLAB, FLOOPS, etc.)
- Computer-aided design software (e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, MEMSCAP MEMS Pro)
- Development environment software (e.g., National Instruments LabVIEW)
- Object- or component-oriented development software (e.g., C++, PERL)
- Spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
- Advanced Manufacturing Engineers
- Advanced Manufacturing Technicians
- Biochemists
- Biomedical Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemists
- Drug Developers
- Electronics Engineering Technicians
- Engineering Technicians
- Futurists
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Microbiologists
- Microfabrication Technicians
- Nanomaterials Scientists
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Nanotechnicians
- Nanotechnologists
- Robotics Engineers
- Robotics Technicians
- Semiconductor Technicians