Nanotechnology Engineer

A nanotechnology engineer is someone who works around the smallest, most amazing fragments of science. From storing and altering things on the cellular level, to creating new, tiny pieces of electronics, nanotechnology engineers are the cream of the crop, possessing an acute attention to detail and a strong drive to make things better.

Nanotechnology engineers that work with nanoelectronics will create smaller, more efficient chips, cards, and even smaller computer parts to make products that can do as much as bigger products without so much electronic waste.

Similar Title: Nanotechnologist

What does a Nanotechnology Engineer do?

A nanotechnology engineer seeks to learn new things that can change the face of health, science, technology, and the environment on a molecular level. Nanotechnology engineers take advanced supplies and materials and turn them into something new and exciting. They may try to make a once heavy invention work better while weighing less, making the object far more efficient.

Nanotechnology engineers may also choose to work in the medical field creating new gadgets that can fix problems on a scale as small as the molecular level, thus changing the face of medicine forever. Those involved with bio-systems will create ways to store the tiniest amounts of DNA or other biological fragments for testing and manipulation.

Behind the scenes, these engineers must be good at paperwork and detailed description writing. They are responsible for writing extremely detailed reports describing their findings in their specific experiments

Design Skills

Nanotechnology engineers contribute to the design of commercial or industrial products containing nanomaterials. They incorporate technical specs and economic considerations into material designs.
Testing Procedures

These engineers create and reevaluate the testing procedures for materials. They also determine the safety environmental impact of nanomaterials.

Labs & Reports

These engineers prepare labs for testing nanomaterials. They also produce reports, white papers and other documentation to support all findings. These labs and reports are reviewed by supervisors.
Team Player

Nanotechnology engineers oversee the work of other engineers and scientists. They are also responsible for training colleagues and other staff on how to operate certain equipment and devices.

Nanotechnology Engineer Technician

Operates commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of molecular or macromolecular composition. Works under the supervision of engineering staff.

A person in this career:

Operates 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.
Maintains work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards.
Repairs nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submits work orders for equipment repair.

Nanosystems Engineers

Also known as nanoscience engineers, nanosystems engineers work with particles and materials the naked eye cannot see. They can work in various fields, collaborating with other scientists, doctors, and engineers to develop products that are more durable, energy-conscious, and less toxic.

Nano Engineering Technologist

Nano Engineering Technologists implement production processes for nanoscale designs to produce 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. They also 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.

Salary

Nanotechnology engineers earn an average yearly salary of $100,640.

Starting-level

Starting level nanotechnology engineer earnings begin at:

$28.24 per hour

$58,730 per year

Senior-level

Senior level nanotechnology engineer earnings begin at:

$62.81 per hour

$130,650 per year

Mid-level

Mid level nanotechnology engineer earnings begin at:

$48.38 per hour

$100,640 per year

Top-level

Top level nanotechnology engineer earnings begin at:

$79.18 per hour

$164,690 per year

Junior-level

Junior level nanotechnology engineer earnings begin at:

$37.29 per hour

$77,560 per year

These are 2021 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.

Nanotechnology engineers work with the latest technology in scientific equipment and computers. Since all of the work in nanotechnology is microscopic, it can be expected that the workplace will involve many different high-tech microscopes that will allow the engineer to see things far smaller than are visible to the naked eye.

Attention to detail is very important in this field, and the workplace facilitates that with few distractions and very focused teammates.

The workplace is most likely within a science research facility, a pharmaceutical company, or a medical supplies and equipment company, though there are many engineers who work for semiconductor manufacturing companies.

How to Become a Nanotechnology Engineer?

There are certain qualifications necessary in order to become a nanotechnology engineer. Most companies or government agencies will require a PhD in biophysics, bioengineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or another field similar to these. There are some jobs that can be attained with just a master’s degree, but they are harder to find and do not pay as generously as those given to engineers with PhDs.

Teamwork is crucial in this field, as engineers are responsible for directing and guiding other engineers in most workplace environments. Though the field is very self-motivated, having strong personal skills to work within this competitive team setting is an absolute must.

Companies looking for nanotechnology engineers expect a candidate to be able to work with global partners and to be able to think with a business-oriented mind. They look for candidates that have excellent leadership skills with a strong knack for problem solving, even on a highly complex level. Public speaking skills are a necessity, as engineers in nanotechnology will have to make announcements about advancements to insiders and outsiders, as well as write reports and essays for the purpose of publication in intellectual and scientific journals.

Similar Careers

Engineering Technician

Engineering technicians assist engineers with research and development, quality control, or design.

Nanotechnologist

Nanotechnologists perform a broad range of research on a molecular level and help create innovative ways to improve areas like medical care and electronic manufacturing.

Research Engineer

Research engineers plan, design, develop, and build innovative equipment and technologies using a research-driven process.

Sources:

Betterteam.com, 2022 | Canva.com, 2022 | CareerExplorer.com, 2022 | Engineeringonline.com, 2022 | OKCollegestart.org, 2022 | Owlguru.com, 2022

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