environmental threats
The threats for the environment which are related to biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological, and physical hazards.
green
Microelectronics engineers design, develop, and supervise the production of small electronic devices and components such as micro-processors and integrated circuits.
Competences and skills
106 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceCross-sector
15 competencescomputer simulation
A programme run on a computer that represents dynamic responses of a system to explore a mathematical model behaviour, using a model of a real system, composed of mathematical equations.
digital
design drawings
The drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.
electricity
The principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
electricity principles
Electricity is created when electric current flows along a conductor. It entails the movement of free electrons between atoms. The more free electrons are present in a material, the better this material conducts. The three main parameters of electricity are the voltage, current (ampère), and resistance (ohm).
electronic equipment standards
The national and international quality and safety standards and regulations with regards to the use and manufacture of electronic equipment and its components, such as semiconductors and printed circuit boards.
electronic test procedures
Testing protocols that enable a variety of analyses of electronic systems, products, and components. These tests include the testing of electrical properties, such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and inductance as well as the testing of specific electronic components, such as the electron tubes, semiconductors, integrated circuits, and batteries. These tests include visual inspection, performance tests, environment tests, and safety tests.
electronics
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.
digital
engineering principles
The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
environmental legislation
The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
green
integrated circuits
Electronic components, made up from a set of electronic circuits which are placed on semiconductor material, such as silicon. Integrated circuits (IC) can hold billions of electronic components on a microscale and are one of basic components of electronic devices.
mathematics
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
microassembly
The assembly of nano, micro or mesoscale systems and components with dimensions between 1 µm to 1 mm. Because of the need for precision on a microscale, micro assemblies require reliable visual alignment equipment, such as ion beam imaging systems and stereo electronic microscopes, as well as precision tools and machines, such as microgrippers. The microsystems are assembled according to techniques of doping, thin films, etching, bonding, microlithography, and polishing.
microelectronics
Microelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.
microprocessors
Computer processors on a microscale that integrate the computer central processing unit (CPU) on a single chip.
digital
physics
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
Essential skills and competences 29 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
6 competencesabide by regulations on banned materials
Comply with regulations banning heavy metals in solder, flame retardants in plastics, and phthalate plasticisers in plastics and wiring harness insulations, under EU RoHS/WEEE Directives and China RoHS legislation.
green
ensure material compliance
Ensure that the materials provided by suppliers comply with the specified requirements.
model microelectronics
Model and simulate microelectronic systems, products, and components using technical design software. Assess the viability of the product and examine the physical parameters to ensure a successful production process.
digital
operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
digitalresearch
process customer requests based on the REACh Regulation 1907 2006
Reply to private consumer requests according to REACh Regulation 1907/2006 whereby chemical Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) should be minimal. Advise customers on how to proceed and protect themselves if the presence of SVHC is higher than expected.
test microelectronics
Test microelectronics using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
digital
Cross-sector
23 competencesadjust engineering designs
Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
analyse test data
Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
approve engineering design
Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.
conduct literature research
Conduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific literature topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.
conduct quality control analysis
Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.
demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.
research
design microelectronics
Design and develop microelectronic systems, products, and components according to specifications, such as microchips.
design prototypes
Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
develop electronic test procedures
Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of electronic systems, products, and components.
interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
research
manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
research
manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
digitalresearch
operate scientific measuring equipment
Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
perform data analysis
Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
digital
perform project management
Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.
research
perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
research
prepare production prototypes
Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.
read engineering drawings
Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
record test data
Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
report analysis results
Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.
synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
research
think abstractly
Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.
research
use technical drawing software
Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
digital
Optional knowledge 15 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
8 competencesbattery management systems
The electronic system that manages and monitors the performance of a battery.
consumer electronics
The functioning of electronic consumer goods such as TVs, radios, cameras and other audio and video equipment.
digital
integrated circuit types
Types of integrated circuits (IC), such as analog integrated circuits, digital integrated circuits, and mixed-signal integrated circuits.
digital
mechanical engineering
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
microelectromechanical systems
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are miniaturised electromechanical systems made using processes of microfabrication. MEMS consist of microsensors, microactuators, microstructures, and microelectronics. MEMS can be used in a range of appliances, such as ink jet printer heads, digital light processors, gyroscopes in smart phones, accelerometers for airbags, and miniature microphones.
digital
microoptics
Optical devices with a size of 1 millimeter or smaller, such as microlenses and micromirrors.
MOEM
Micro-opto-electro-mechanics (MOEM) combines microelectronics, microoptics and micromechanics in the development of MEM devices with optical features, such as optical switches, optical cross-connects, and microbolometers.
quantum technology
The technology that works through principles of quantum mechanics such as quantum entanglement and quantum superposition.
digital
Cross-sector
7 competencesCAE software
The software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.
digital
firmware
Firmware is a software program with a read-only memory (ROM) and a set of instructions that is permanently inscribed on a hardware device. Firmware is commonly used in electronic systems such as computers, mobile phones, and digital cameras.
digital
micromechanics
The design and production of micromechanisms. Micromechanisms combine mechanical and electrical components in a single device that is less than 1mm across.
microsensors
Devices with a size smaller than 1 mm that can convert a non-electric signal, such as temperature, into an electrical signal. Because of their size, microsensors offer better accuracy, range, and sensitivity compared to larger sensors.
nanoelectronics
Quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, wave functions and inter-atomic interactions. Description of electrons on a nanoscale. Use of nanotechnology in electronic components on a molecular scale.
precision measuring instruments
Instruments used for precision measuring or manufacture, such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, scales, and microscopes.
semiconductors
Semiconductors are essential components of electronic circuits and contain properties of both insulators, such as glass, and conductors, such as copper. Most semiconductors are crystals made of silicon or germanium. By introducing other elements in the crystal through doping, the crystals turn into semiconductors. Depending on the amount of electrons created by the doping process, the crystals turn into N-type semiconductors, or P-type semiconductors.
Optional skills and competences 46 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesdefine manufacturing quality criteria
Define and describe the criteria by which data quality is measured for manufacturing purposes, such as international standards and manufacturing regulations.
develop product design
Convert market requirements into product design and development.
maintain safe engineering watches
Observe principles in keeping an engineering watch. Take over, accept and hand over a watch. Perform routine duties undertaken during a watch. Maintain the machinery space logs and the significance of the readings taken. Observe safety and emergency procedures. Observe safety precautions during a watch and take immediate actions in the event of fire or accident, with particular reference to oil systems.
manage intellectual property rights
Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.
research
Cross-sector
42 competencesapply blended learning
Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.
digitalresearch
apply for research funding
Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.
research
apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
research
apply soldering techniques
Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of soldering, such as soft soldering, silver soldering, induction soldering, resistance soldering, pipe soldering, mechanical and aluminium soldering.
apply technical communication skills
Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
assemble hardware components
Assemble the necessary hardware components, such as the motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), hard drive, disk drive, power supply unit, RAM, PCI card, mouse, keyboard, cameras and other necessary components to build the computer device. Attach the components manually using screwdrivers or use assembly machines and install the wiring.
digital
build business relationships
Establish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.
communicate with a non-scientific audience
Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.
research
communicate with customers
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
conduct research across disciplines
Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.
research
coordinate engineering teams
Plan, coordinate and supervise engineering activities together with engineers and engineering technicians. Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments. Make sure the team is aware of the standards and objectives of the research and development.
create technical plans
Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.
design firmware
Design the appropriate firmware to a specific electronic system.
digital
design integrated circuits
Design and draft integrated circuits (IC) or semiconductors, such as microchips, used in electronic products. Integrate all necessary components, such as diodes, transistors, and resistors. Pay attention to the design of input signals, output signals, and power availability.
develop professional network with researchers and scientists
Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.
research
disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
research
draft bill of materials
Set up a list of materials, components, and assemblies as well as the quantities needed to manufacture a certain product.
draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
research
evaluate research activities
Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.
research
increase the impact of science on policy and society
Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.
research
install software
Install machine-readable instructions, such as computer programs, in order to direct the computer's processor to perform a certain set of actions.
digital
integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
research
manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
digitalresearch
manage open publications
Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.
digitalresearch
mentor individuals
Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.
research
operate precision machinery
Operate machinery used for the making of small systems or components with a high level of precision.
perform resource planning
Estimate the expected input in terms of time, human and financial resources necessary to achieve the project objectives.
perform test run
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
prepare assembly drawings
Create the drawings that identify the different components and materials, and that provide instructions as to how they should be assembled.
program firmware
Program permanent software with a read-only memory (ROM) on a hardware device, such as an integrated circuit.
digital
promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
research
promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities
Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.
research
promote the transfer of knowledge
Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.
research
publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
research
solder electronics
Operate and use soldering tools and soldering iron, which supply high temperatures to melt the solder and to join electronic components.
speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
research
teach in academic or vocational contexts
Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.
research
train employees
Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
use CAD software
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
digital
use CAM software
Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
digital
use precision tools
Use electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools, such as drilling machines, grinders, gear cutters and milling machines to boost accuracy while machining products.
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
research