Micron Student Site: Job Talk

"Go for it! Dream big and go far! Limits are set by everyday life, don't set your own." –John, Layout Designer

What do you do in your position?

I am a layout designer in the Research and Development Department of Micron Technology. I draw new designs and/or structures in 2-D for future uses in products to be manufactured by Micron's fabs. The structures (capacitors, resistors or other types of devices) are then pushed to the extremes to see if and when they fail, why they fail, and what we can do to make them more robust. Eventually the data gathered from testing these devices will be used to make fully functional parts in our high-speed products.

How or why did you decide to enter a technical career?

Science and technology have always intrigued me. I have always been inquisitive as to how complex mechanical and electrical devices work and what makes them tick. I would build circuits for fun out of parts from Radio Shack using books, manuals, and my imagination. So, naturally, a technical career was a good choice.

What do you like about your job?
Give an example of an interesting project or opportunity.

Among the things I like about my job is that I can tell people how fulfilling my job is. Moreover, sharing ideas with co-workers or other people guarantees that all aspects of a project are looked at and new ideas can emerge. I like the fact that no idea is bad and all ideas can lead to something exciting and new. For example, the current project I am working on is a product that might debut in the future, but certain problems need to be worked out before this part can be manufactured and used in electronic devices. So, with a list of obstacles in hand, a group of engineers, designers and other specialists got together to figure out how to overcome the problems. I was enthralled to see that complications in this new and exciting part are being worked out using the drawings I made. I can't wait to see the finished memory product!

What high school courses helped you prepare for your job or
college program?

Math and the sciences such as chemistry, physics etc. helped me prepare for college and my job. Art was also a good course because my job involves the ability to manipulate 2-D and 3-D objects within my mind in order to see potential complications.

What post-high school education did you pursue?

I am currently a BSU student with a senior status pursuing a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. Most of my education came from the military, which trained me as a nuclear engineer aboard submarines after I graduated from high school.

What advice would you give a student interested in pursuing a technical career?

Go for it! Dream big and go far! Limits are set by everyday life, don't set you own!

The advice I would give: gain as much knowledge as you can in whatever interests you. Don't waste time in wondering what you want to do. Try a class in something that sparks your interest. Moreover, if you don't like it, find something else, but don't quit. Look at me—I went from being a nuclear engineer on a submarine to Boise, Idaho, designing new memory products for Micron Technology. Now that's a stretch!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Computers! I love tinkering on computers. I am learning as much as I can about them and programming them.

Paintball! Enough said.

Working out! I like going to the gym to blow off the steam that accumulates over time.

Games and movies! There is nothing like a good game or a good movie. It relaxes the mind after thinking too much.

Driving! I like a good long drive in my car to someplace new. I went on a trip last summer in my new car. I saw 22 states in two weeks. What a blast to see so much just by driving and having fun in our great nation.

Education: Layout Engineer

Degrees typically sought for this position are a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering or an Associate of Applied Science in computer-aided drawing.