High School

Microfabrication technicians must have a strong background in science, mathematics, and computer science to be a successful. Take courses in mathematics (geometry, trigonometry, and calculus), computer science (especially computer-aided design), and chemistry, biology, physics, and other science courses. English and speech classes will help you learn how to write reports and develop your public speaking and presentation skills.

Postsecondary Education

Many microfabrication technicians have associate’s degrees in laboratory science, engineering technology, materials science, biotechnology, chemistry, nanoscience, nanotechnology, biology, or related areas. Vocational-technical schools and community colleges offer associate degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electromechanical and related technicians. ABET accredits associates and higher degree programs, and associates degree programs usually include college algebra, trigonometry, and basic science courses. Technicians who earn an associates degree from community college programs may concentrate in such fields and electromechanics and mechatronics, industrial maintenance, and process control.

Certification

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry offers 12 certificate programs in laboratory testing, technology, and management. Each program consists of four to eight courses. To learn more, visit https://www.aacc.org/education/online-certificate-programs.

Other Education or Training

Microfabrication technicians need to continue to learn throughout their careers in order to keep their skills up to date. Many professional associations offer webinars, seminars, conferences, workshops, and other continuing education opportunities. For example, MEMS & Sensors Industry Group offers webinars and conference sessions on computer-aided design, standards and testing, new and emerging technologies, manufacturing trends, intellectual property, and other topics. SPIE, which describes itself as an “international society advancing an interdisciplinary approach to the science and application of light,” offers courses such as “Laser Microfabrication Techniques,” “Optimization Methods for Lithographers,” and “Modeling and Computational Lithography Fundamentals.” Other associations that provide good resources include the American Institute of Physics, ASME, Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE Computer Society, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, SME, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.

Certification or Licensing

Microfabrication technicians can become certified by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (https://certifiedelectronicstechnician.org), National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (https://www.nicet.org), and the Electronics Technicians Association International (https://www.eta-i.org). Pursuing voluntary certification is a good way to demonstrate your skills and dedication to potential employers.

Other Requirements

Microfabrication technicians who are seeking jobs with government agencies may be required to be U.S. citizens and undergo background investigations.

A solid background in mathematics, physics, and science will be helpful for aspiring microfabrication technicians. 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 technicians 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 closely with engineers and as a member of a team, as well as independently. Additionally, technicians should be able to follow instructions and perform sometimes-repetitive tasks.