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Nanosystems Engineers
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Overview
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Job Training
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Examples
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $55K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $75K
Median Salary: $103K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $134K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $166K
Demand
Core Tasks
Write proposals to secure external funding or to partner with other companies.
Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.
Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results or recommendations.
Provide scientific or technical guidance or expertise to scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, or others, using knowledge of chemical, analytical, or biological processes as applied to micro and nanoscale systems.
Conduct research related to a range of nanotechnology topics, such as packaging, heat transfer, fluorescence detection, nanoparticle dispersion, hybrid systems, liquid systems, nanocomposites, nanofabrication, optoelectronics, or nanolithography.
Identify new applications for existing nanotechnologies.
Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.
Develop processes or identify equipment needed for pilot or commercial nanoscale scale production.
Design nano-enabled products with reduced toxicity, increased durability, or improved energy efficiency.
Generate high-resolution images or measure force-distance curves, using techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
Provide technical guidance or support to customers on topics such as nanosystem start-up, maintenance, or use.
Prepare nanotechnology-related invention disclosures or patent applications.
Coordinate or supervise the work of suppliers or vendors in the designing, building, or testing of nanosystem devices, such as lenses or probes.
Engineer production processes for specific nanotechnology applications, such as electroplating, nanofabrication, or epoxy.
Design or engineer nanomaterials, nanodevices, nano-enabled products, or nanosystems, using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Apply nanotechnology to improve the performance or reduce the environmental impact of energy products, such as fuel cells or solar cells.
Create designs or prototypes for nanosystem applications, such as biomedical delivery systems or atomic force microscopes.
Develop catalysis or other green chemistry methods to synthesize nanomaterials, such as nanotubes, nanocrystals, nanorods, or nanowires.
Design nanosystems with components such as nanocatalysts or nanofiltration devices to clean specific pollutants from hazardous waste sites.
Design nano-based manufacturing processes to minimize water, chemical, or energy use, as well as to reduce waste production.
Design nanoparticle catalysts to detect or remove chemical or other pollutants from water, soil, or air.
Reengineer nanomaterials to improve biodegradability.
Integrate nanotechnology with antimicrobial properties into products, such as household or medical appliances, to reduce the development of bacteria or other microbes.
Develop green building nanocoatings, such as self-cleaning, anti-stain, depolluting, anti-fogging, anti-icing, antimicrobial, moisture-resistant, or ultraviolet protectant coatings.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Engineering and Technology
95%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Physics
90%
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Mathematics
88%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Chemistry
84%
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Computers and Electronics
77%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
74%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and Processing
71%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design
69%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Biology
60%
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Education and Training
60%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
80%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
80%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
78%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science
78%
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Writing
78%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning
75%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving
75%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Mathematics
75%
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Listening
73%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making
73%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
80%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
80%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
80%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
80%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Category Flexibility
78%
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Near Vision
78%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
78%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
78%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
78%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning
75%
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Top 10 Work Activities
Analyzing Data or Information
93%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information
90%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
90%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
87%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
87%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Interacting With Computers
86%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Thinking Creatively
86%
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information
84%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Processing Information
84%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
83%
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Detailed Work Activities
Prepare proposal documents.
Operate precision equipment to control microscopic or nanoscopic processes.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Prepare operational reports.
Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
Research engineering applications of emerging technologies.
Identify new applications for existing technologies.
Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Devise research or testing protocols.
Develop technical methods or processes.
Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
Design micro- or nano-scale materials, devices, or systems.
Advise customers on the use of products or services.
Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
Design materials for industrial or commercial applications.
Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.
Design alternative energy systems.
Create physical models or prototypes.
Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
Work Context
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
Structured versus Unstructured Work
To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
Education
Majors based on the broader career Engineers, All Other
Major
Interests
Investigative
96%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic
72%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Enterprising
67%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
43%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Artistic
39%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
19%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Analytical Thinking
91%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Innovation
87%
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Persistence
87%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Attention to Detail
86%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Achievement/Effort
85%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Initiative
83%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
83%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Independence
80%
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.
Adaptability/Flexibility
79%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Dependability
76%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Work Values
Achievement
96%
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
86%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
81%
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.
Support
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
39%
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.
