Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

photonics engineer_1.webp
$62,610 Median Wage (2022)
6,700 Projected job openings (2022-2032)
4.1% Projected growth (2022-2032)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

  • Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • 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.
  • Maintain test equipment.

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

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

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

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

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.