Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-3026
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction.
• Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
• Maintain work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards.
• Repair nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submit work orders for equipment repair.
• Assist nanoscientists or engineers in processing or characterizing materials according to physical or chemical properties.
• Collaborate with scientists or engineers to design or conduct experiments for the development of nanotechnology materials, components, devices, or systems.
• 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.
• Monitor hazardous waste cleanup procedures to ensure proper application of nanocomposites or accomplishment of objectives.
• Monitor equipment during operation to ensure adherence to specifications for characteristics such as pressure, temperature, or flow.
• Measure or mix chemicals or compounds in accordance with detailed instructions or formulas.
• Inspect or measure thin films of carbon nanotubes, polymers, or inorganic coatings, using a variety of techniques or analytical tools.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Atomic force microscopes AFM, Atomic layer deposition ALD systems, Auger electron microscopes, Bake ovens, Bourdon tube gauges, Capacitance manometers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Nanosystems Engineers
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Chemical Technicians
• Robotics Technicians
• Chemists
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.