Microelectronics

Microelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.

discipline of microelectronics
science of microelectronics
small electronic components
science of micro-electronics
discipline of micro-electronics
microchips
micro-electronics

knowledge

cross-sector

Microelectronics is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Microelectronics engineering technician: Microelectronics engineering technicians collaborate with microelectronics engineers in the development of small electronic devices and components such as micro-processors, memory chips, and integrated circuits for machine and motor controls. Microelectronics engineering technicians are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining the microelectronic systems and devices.
Semiconductor processor: Semiconductor processors manufacture electronic semiconductors as well as semiconductor devices, such as microchips or integrated circuits (IC’s). They may also repair, test, and review the products. Semiconductor processors work in cleanrooms and therefore need to wear a special lightweight outfit that fits over their clothing to prevent particles from contaminating their worksite.
Microelectronics engineer: Microelectronics engineers design, develop, and supervise the production of small electronic devices and components such as micro-processors and integrated circuits.

Microelectronics is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Precision device inspector: Precision device inspectors make sure precision devices, such as micrometers and gauges, operate according to design specifications. They may adjust the precision devices and their components in case of any faults.
Mechatronics assembler: Mechatronics assemblers assemble and maintain complex mechatronic equipment and machines, such as robots, elevators, and advanced home appliances. They build the mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, install software, set the systems in operation, and maintain and repair the components and systems.
Electronic equipment inspector: Electronic equipment inspectors check electronic equipment for any defects and malfunctions. They ensure that the equipment is correctly assembled according to specifications and national and international regulations.
Printed circuit board test technician: Printed circuit board test technicians inspect and test printed circuit boards. They perform a range of printed circuit board testing procedures and may perform minor repairs.
Electronics engineering technician: Electronics engineering technicians work closely with electronics engineers in the development of electronic equipment and devices. Electronics engineering technicians are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining electronic devices.
Optoelectronic engineer: Optoelectronic engineers design and develop optoelectronic systems and devices, such as UV sensors, photodiodes, and LEDs. Optoelectronic engineering combines optical engineering with electronic engineering in the design of these systems and devices. They conduct research, perform analysis, test the devices, and supervise the research.
Automated optical inspection operator: Automated optical inspection operators (AOI operators) operate automated optical inspection machines to inspect assembled printed circuit boards. They read blueprints and inspect the finished or in-process PCB assemblies for flaws or defects.
Sensor engineer: Sensor engineers design and develop sensors, sensor systems and products that are equipped with sensors. They plan and monitor the manufacture of these products.
Surface-mount technology machine operator: Surface-mount technology machine operators use surface-mount technology (SMT) machines to mount and solder small electronic components onto printed circuit boards to create surface-mounted devices (SMD).
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Electronics and automation vocational teacher: Electronics and automation vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, electronics and automation, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for an electronics and automation-related profession, such as electrician or technicians involved in automating production processes. Electronics and automation vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of electronics and automation through assignments, tests and examinations.
Sensor engineering technician: Sensor engineering technicians collaborate with sensor engineers in the development of sensors, sensor systems, and products that are equipped with sensors. Their role is to build, test, maintain, and repair the sensor equipment.
Electronic equipment assembler: Electronic equipment assemblers are responsible for the assembly of electronic equipment and systems. They assemble electronic components and wiring according to blueprints and assembly drawings. They may assist in quality inspection and equipment maintenance.
Microsystem engineer: Microsystem engineers research, design, develop, and supervise the production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which can be integrated in mechanical, optical, acoustic, and electronic products.
Electronics production supervisor: Electronics production supervisors coordinate, plan and direct the electronics production process. They manage labourers working on the production line, oversee the quality of the assembled goods, and perform cost and resource management.
Electrical engineer: Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems, electrical equipment, components, motors, and equipment with the feature of energy transmission. They engage in large scale projects such as the design and maintenance of power stations, and the distribution of power to smaller applications such as household appliances.
Electrical supervisor: Electrical supervisors monitor the operations involved in installing and servicing electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Computer hardware engineer: Computer hardware engineers design and develop computer hardware systems and components, such as circuit boards, modems, and printers. They draught blueprints and assembly drawings, develop and test the prototypes, and supervise the production process.
Optical engineer: Optical engineers design and develop different industrial applications with optics. They have knowledge of light, light transmission principles, and optics in order to design engineering specs of equipment such as microscopes, lenses, telescopes, and other optical devices.
Automation engineer: Automation engineers research, design, and develop applications and systems for the automation of the production process. They implement technology and reduce, whenever applicable, human input to reach the full potential of industrial robotics. Automation engineers oversee the process and ensure all systems run safely and smoothly.
Computer hardware test technician: Computer hardware test technicians conduct testing of computer hardware such as circuit boards, computer chips, computer systems, and other electronic and electrical components. They analyse the hardware configuration and test the hardware reliability and conformance to specifications.
Printed circuit board assembler: Printed circuit board assemblers read blueprints and drawings to assemble printed circuit boards. They use hand- and automated soldering tools and machines to connect electronic components to the board.
Optoelectronic engineering technician: Optoelectronic engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of optoelectronic systems and components, such as photodiodes, optical sensors, lasers and LED’s. Optoelectronic engineering technicians build, test, install and calibrate optoelectronic equipment. They read blueprint and other technical drawings to develop testing and calibrating procedures.

References

1. Microelectronics – ESCO