Nanosystems Engineer

Also called: Durability Engineer, Nanoelectronics Engineer, Nanofabrication Engineer, Nanofabrication Research Engineer, Nanoindentation Applications Engineer

Nanosystems Engineer

Varies

estimated salary

Nanosystems engineers 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.

  • Write proposals to secure external funding or to partner with other companies.
  • Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.
  • Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
  • Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results or recommendations.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Identify new applications for existing nanotechnologies.
  • Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.
  • Develop processes or identify equipment needed for pilot or commercial nanoscale scale production.
  • Generate high-resolution images or measure force-distance curves, using techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
  • Design nano-enabled products with reduced toxicity, increased durability, or improved energy efficiency.
  • Provide technical guidance or support to customers on topics such as nanosystem start-up, maintenance, or use.
  • Prepare nanotechnology-related invention disclosures or patent applications.
  • Engineer production processes for specific nanotechnology applications, such as electroplating, nanofabrication, or epoxy.
  • Design or engineer nanomaterials, nanodevices, nano-enabled products, or nanosystems, using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Develop catalysis or other green chemistry methods to synthesize nanomaterials, such as nanotubes, nanocrystals, nanorods, or nanowires.
  • Apply nanotechnology to improve the performance or reduce the environmental impact of energy products, such as fuel cells or solar cells.
  • Create designs or prototypes for nanosystem applications, such as biomedical delivery systems or atomic force microscopes.
  • Design nanosystems with components such as nanocatalysts or nanofiltration devices to clean specific pollutants from hazardous waste sites.
  • Coordinate or supervise the work of suppliers or vendors in the designing, building, or testing of nanosystem devices, such as lenses or probes.
  • Design nano-based manufacturing processes to minimize water, chemical, or energy use, as well as to reduce waste production.
  • Design nanoparticle catalysts to detect or remove chemical or other pollutants from water, soil, or air.
  • Reengineer nanomaterials to improve biodegradability.
  • Integrate nanotechnology with antimicrobial properties into products, such as household or medical appliances, to reduce the development of bacteria or other microbes.
  • Develop green building nanocoatings, such as self-cleaning, anti-stain, depolluting, anti-fogging, anti-icing, antimicrobial, moisture-resistant, or ultraviolet protectant coatings.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 96% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 92% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 53% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 48% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 48% responded "Very important".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 50% responded "Extremely important".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 46% responded "Some freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Prepare proposal documents.
  • Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
  • Operate precision equipment to control microscopic or nanoscopic processes.
  • Identify new applications for existing technologies.
  • Advise customers on the use of products or services.
  • Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Physics
  • Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Operating system software
  • Linux Hot Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
  • PTC Creo Parametric Hot Technology
  • Optical Research Associates LightTools Hot Technology
  • IMSI Design DesignCAD Hot Technology
  • LinkCAD Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Breault Research ASAP Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Tanner EDA L-Edit Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA Hot Technology
Development environment software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW Hot Technology
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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