A cavity is formed within a first substrate together with trenches that separate first and second portions of the first substrate from each other and from the remainder of the first substrate. The first portion of the first substrate is disposed within the cavity and constitutes a microelectromechanical structure, while the second portion of the substrate is disposed at least partly within the cavity and constitutes a first portion of an electrical contact. A second substrate is secured to the first substrate over the cavity to define a chamber containing the microelectromechanical structure. The second substrate has a first portion that constitutes a second portion of the electrical contact and is disposed in electrical contact with the second portion of the first substrate such that the electrical contact extends from within the chamber to an exterior of the chamber.