A micro-electromechanical device or MEMS having a conformal layer of material deposited by atomic layer deposition is discussed. The layer may provide physical protection to moving components of the device, may insulate electrical components of the device, may present a biocompatible surface interface to a biological system, and may otherwise improve such devices. The layer may also comprise a combination of multiple materials each deposited with great control to allow creating layers of customizable properties and to allow creating layers having multiple independent functions, such as providing physical protection from wear and providing electrical insulation.