I am Santtu, and this summer I worked in Murata’s MEMS Design team. I have completed three years of Engineering Physics studies at Aalto University, and this year I will begin my master’s studies in Electrical Engineering. I was especially interested in the unique combination of physics and electronics that MEMS technology offers, which led me to apply for this role. My friends had also recommended Murata as an employer.

Right from the beginning of the summer, I felt welcomed as an equal member of the team. My work included several smaller projects where I modelled the operation of gyroscopes, ran simulations, wrote code, and 3D printed models. Although most of the work was done on a computer, I also verified some of the simulation results with hand calculations. Additionally, I took part in the development of a new product. While my team members were on a summer holiday, I was responsible for analysing the test data of this product.

Through these projects, I became familiar with a wide range of products and software tools. By modifying and 3D printing sensor models for demonstrations, I learned how gyroscopes and accelerometers operate. I also became familiar with design software through simulation work. Based on the simulation results, the most promising geometries were selected for further development. Even in this relatively short time, I got a good overview of the different projects and tasks.

Although my studies provided a strong foundation, there was still a lot to learn at the beginning of the summer. However, I received thorough training on MEMS sensor operation, and support was always available whenever I needed it. Perhaps the best part of the summer was how approachable everyone in the team was. It is genuinely enjoyable to come to work when you are surrounded by friendly and highly skilled colleagues. This was especially noticeable in larger projects, where many people work together.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job was seeing how I could apply the knowledge from my studies to real-world applications. At the same time, I believe that the experience I gained this summer will support my future studies as well. For example, I got a comprehensive introduction to semiconductor manufacturing processes, which was a completely new topic for me. I also enjoyed seeing how multidisciplinary Murata is, combining so many different fields.

Overall, my summer at Murata was a memorable and educational experience. I gained an incredible amount of firsthand experience in MEMS technology and the product development process.

Santtu Lukkari
Summer Trainee, MEMS Design Team