Nanosystems Engineers

What the job really is

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-2199
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Provide scientific or technical guidance or expertise to scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, or others, using knowledge of chemical, analytical, or biological processes as applied to micro and nanoscale systems.
• Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
• Conduct research related to a range of nanotechnology topics, such as packaging, heat transfer, fluorescence detection, nanoparticle dispersion, hybrid systems, liquid systems, nanocomposites, nanofabrication, optoelectronics, or nanolithography.
• Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.
• Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results or recommendations.
• Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.
• Create designs or prototypes for nanosystem applications, such as biomedical delivery systems or atomic force microscopes.
• Write proposals to secure external funding or to partner with other companies.
• Generate high-resolution images or measure force-distance curves, using techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
• Develop processes or identify equipment needed for pilot or commercial nanoscale scale production.
• Provide technical guidance or support to customers on topics such as nanosystem start-up, maintenance, or use.
• Engineer production processes for specific nanotechnology applications, such as electroplating, nanofabrication, or epoxy.

Tools and technology

Apache Hadoop, Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Oracle Database

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Materials Scientists
• Microsystems Engineers
• Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
• Chemical Engineers
• Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
• Materials Engineers
• Photonics Engineers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Nanosystems Engineers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.