A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) positioner, including an actuator and method for making the same, includes a stage formed within a first layer of semiconductor material, along with a series of beams, flexure hinges and controlled input thermal actuators. The actuators are operatively engaged with a second layer, and are selectively actuatable to effect longitudinal expansion thereof, so that relative actuation between individual ones of actuators spaced in the planar direction relative to one another is configured to generate controlled movement of the stage within the planar direction, and relative actuation between individual ones of actuators spaced orthogonally to the planar direction relative to one another is configured to generate controlled movement of the stage out of the planar direction. The relative position between the stage and the support is adjustable in each of six degrees of freedom, so that the compliant mechanism forms a quasi-static precision manipulator.