Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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.
Also known as: Cleanroom Operator, Cleanroom Technician (Cleanroom Tech), Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician), Nanofabrication Specialist, Nanoscience Technician (Nanoscience Tech), Nanotechnician, Nanotechnologist, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)
What You'd Do
- 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.
- 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.
- Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction.
- Prepare capability data, training materials, or other documentation for transfer of processes to production.
- 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.
- Compare the performance or environmental impact of nanomaterials by nanoparticle size, shape, or organization.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Other Tools
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.