Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
$62,610Median Wage (2023)
6,700Projected job openings (2023-2033)
4.1%Projected growth (2023-2033)
Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Detailed Work Activities
Operate precision equipment to control microscopic or nanoscopic processes.
Maintain clean work areas.
Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
Research engineering applications of emerging technologies.
Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Maintain operational records or records systems.
Assemble equipment or components.
Prepare procedural documents.
Document technical design details.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Tasks
Process nanoparticles or nanostructures, using technologies such as ultraviolet radiation, microwave energy, or catalysis.
Operate nanotechnology compounding, testing, processing, or production equipment in accordance with appropriate standard operating procedures, good manufacturing practices, hazardous material restrictions, or health and safety requirements.
Maintain work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards.
Produce images or measurements, using tools or techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, particle size analysis, or zeta potential analysis.
Collaborate with scientists or engineers to design or conduct experiments for the development of nanotechnology materials, components, devices, or systems.
Repair nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submit work orders for equipment repair.
Measure or mix chemicals or compounds in accordance with detailed instructions or formulas.
Monitor equipment during operation to ensure adherence to specifications for characteristics such as pressure, temperature, or flow.
Collect or compile nanotechnology research or engineering data.
Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
Monitor hazardous waste cleanup procedures to ensure proper application of nanocomposites or accomplishment of objectives.
Contribute written material or data for grant or patent applications.
Inspect or measure thin films of carbon nanotubes, polymers, or inorganic coatings, using a variety of techniques or analytical tools.
Compare the performance or environmental impact of nanomaterials by nanoparticle size, shape, or organization.
Develop or modify wet chemical or industrial laboratory experimental techniques for nanoscale use.
Implement new or enhanced methods or processes for the processing, testing, or manufacture of nanotechnology materials or products.
Prepare detailed verbal or written presentations for scientists, engineers, project managers, or upper management.
Perform functional tests of nano-enhanced assemblies, components, or systems, using equipment such as torque gauges or conductivity meters.
Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction.
Assemble components, using techniques such as interference fitting, solvent bonding, adhesive bonding, heat sealing, or ultrasonic welding.
Prepare capability data, training materials, or other documentation for transfer of processes to production.
Analyze the life cycle of nanomaterials or nano-enabled products to determine environmental impact.
Measure emission of nanodust or nanoparticles during nanocomposite or other nano-scale production processes, using systems such as aerosol detection systems.
Assist nanoscientists or engineers in processing or characterizing materials according to physical or chemical properties.
Assist nanoscientists or engineers in writing process specifications or documentation.
Work Styles
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 28.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
