1

Mems Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Microsystems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

... research lab or deep-tech startup experience. A Successful Candidate Will Be Measured By • Functionality, performance, and manufacturability of MEMS/NEMS devices. • Functional autonomy ...

Mems Research information

What is a MEMS researcher?

MEMS researchers are professionals who study and develop Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), which are tiny integrated devices or systems that combine electrical and mechanical components at the microscale. They work on designing, fabricating, and testing these miniaturized systems for use in various applications like sensors, actuators, medical devices, and consumer electronics. MEMS researchers often collaborate with engineers and scientists from multiple disciplines to innovate and improve the performance and reliability of MEMS technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a MEMS researcher?

To excel as a MEMS Researcher, you need a strong background in microfabrication, materials science, and physics, typically supported by an advanced degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD tools, cleanroom processes, and characterization instruments like SEM or AFM is essential, along with experience in simulation software such as COMSOL. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration skills help researchers innovate and navigate complex technical challenges. These competencies are vital for advancing MEMS technology and ensuring successful project outcomes in multidisciplinary research environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in MEMS research, and how can job seekers prepare to overcome them?

Professionals in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) research often encounter challenges such as interdisciplinary collaboration, rapid technological advancements, and the need for precise fabrication and testing. Researchers must frequently work with experts in electronics, materials science, and mechanical engineering, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Staying current with the latest fabrication techniques and simulation tools is essential, as is developing problem-solving abilities to address unexpected issues in device performance. Candidates can prepare by gaining hands-on laboratory experience, engaging in cross-disciplinary projects, and keeping up-to-date with recent publications in the field.

What is the difference between Mems Research vs Mems Design?

AspectMems ResearchMems Design
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or materials engineering, often with research experienceRequires similar engineering degrees, with focus on design tools and CAD software
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or R&D departmentsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, or R&D teams
Industry UsageFocuses on exploring new materials, processes, and device conceptsFocuses on creating detailed device designs for fabrication
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared with Mems Design due to overlapping skills and goals

In summary, Mems Research involves exploring new materials and device concepts, often in academic or lab settings, while Mems Design focuses on creating detailed device layouts for manufacturing. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

Lead Photonics & Nanotechnology Engineer

Devyantram

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$150 - $170/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Lead Photonics & Nanotechnology Engineer

Devyantram is building a unified platform of bionic robots, from nanoscale to humanoid, powered by a bionic brain system that fuses biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI to tackle global challenges in climate, medicine, and defense.

Role Summary

You will lead the design and development of Devyantram's nano/microscale intelligence hardware, spanning micro and nano-robotic systems and the photonic and MEMS/NEMS subsystems that support the CEREBRION bionic brain platform. You are responsible for architecting intelligence-substrate hardware at the micro and nano scale, not just building individual components.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and simulate photonic circuits, waveguides, resonators, and interferometers.
  • Develop optical interconnects and signal-routing subsystems.
  • Work on optical memory and optical compute elements.
  • Target high-bandwidth sensing, low-latency communication, and energy-efficient computation.
  • Own photonics fabrication, testing, and characterization.
  • Design MEMS/NEMS devices for sensing and signal transduction, actuation, and interfacing.
  • Lead nano and microfabrication workflows from cleanroom through foundry.
  • Define packaging, integration, and scaling strategy.
Micro/Nano-Robotic Systems
  • Architect distributed micro and nano-robotic platforms and their coordination strategies.
  • Enable cooperative, hierarchical, and adaptive behaviors across distributed units.
Compute Hardware
  • Contribute to unconventional, brain-inspired compute hardware spanning photonic and electromechanical approaches.
  • Translate cognitive and AI requirements into physical micro and nano implementations.
  • Co-design with the bioengineering, mechatronics, and controls teams.
IP & Technical Leadership
  • Generate foundational IP across photonics, MEMS/NEMS, and micro/nano-robotics.
  • Lead invention disclosures and support patent strategy with counsel.
  • Define the long‑term nanoscale‑intelligence hardware roadmap.
  • Mentor junior researchers and engineers.
Required Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of demonstrated expertise in photonics engineering and micro/nanoengineering.
  • Strong MEMS/NEMS and nanofabrication experience.
  • Proven ability to bridge theory, fabrication, and system-level integration.
Strongly Preferred
  • Optical or holographic computing.
  • Unconventional or non‑von‑Neumann computing.
  • Nanorobotics or microrobotics.
  • Brain‑machine interfaces or neural probes.
  • Advanced research lab or deep‑tech startup experience.
A Successful Candidate Will Be Measured By
  • Functionality and performance of the nanoscale compute hardware.
  • Successful design and fabrication of photonics and MEMS/NEMS systems.
  • Functional autonomy and scalability of micro and nano‑robotic platforms.
  • Reliability of hardware integration across subsystems.
  • Strength, novelty, and defensibility of generated core IP.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.

The pay range for this role is: 150,000 - 170,000 USD per year (Ashburn, VA)

#J-18808-Ljbffr