Architecture & Engineering
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Also called: Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician), Nanofabrication Specialist, Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech)
US median pay
$66,120
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.1%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
6,600
76,700 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job 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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Troubleshooting3.5/5
- Systems Analysis3.5/5
- Operations Monitoring3.5/5
- Repairing3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.2/5
- Operation and Control3.2/5
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology4.3/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Computers and Electronics4.0/5
- Chemistry4.0/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Physics3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Doctoral degree40%
- Bachelor's degree30%
- Post-doctoral training10%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.