Nanosystems Engineers
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.
SOC: 17-2199.09
Common Job Titles
Process Development EngineerResearch Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeSynthesize nanoscale materials and devices with unique molecular compositions applying principles of nanoscale physics, chemistry, and engineering across interdisciplinary projects.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze experimental data from atomic force microscopes, scanning electron microscopes, and spectroscopy systems to characterize material properties and optimize nanosystem performance.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign nanofabrication processes using lithography, deposition, and etching techniques leveraging CAD software and simulation tools to meet specifications.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate computational models of nanoscale phenomena using molecular dynamics simulators, finite element analysis, and quantum chemistry software.Advanced
- KnowledgeDevise innovative solutions to manufacturing challenges in nanoscale systems leveraging creative thinking and emerging technologies to advance product development.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate system performance and compliance with engineering specifications using critical thinking and quality control analysis in laboratory and production settings.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate advanced nanofabrication equipment including chemical vapor deposition systems, electron beam lithography, and molecular beam epitaxy systems following established protocols to produce nanoscale structures.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform material characterization using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and ellipsometry to validate nanoscale properties with precision.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate interdisciplinary perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, and electrical engineering when collaborating with research teams to solve complex nanosystem challenges.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret scientific literature and technical specifications to inform design decisions and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate safety protocols and regulatory compliance in nanotechnology laboratories while supervising production processes and training team members.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate fabrication workflows including deposition, patterning, etching, and metrology steps to ensure efficient production of nanoscale devices under time constraints.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Nanosystems Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
150,750
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $62,840 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $183,510 |
| Workers on average earn | $121,720 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Engineering and Technology4.6/5
- Physics4.6/5
- Chemistry4.3/5
- Mathematics4.1/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Apache HadoopAutodesk AutoCADDassault Systemes SolidWorksLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordOracle DatabaseOracle JavaPythonSAP softwareSalesforce softwareStructured query language SQLTableau
Technology Skills
AWS Elastic MapReduce (EMR)Adobe FreeHand MXApache MXNetBreault Research ASAPCP2KCPMDCSC ElmerComputer aided design CAD software
Tools & Equipment
Ashing systemsAtmospheric furnacesAtomic absorption spectrometersAtomic force microscopes AFMAtomic layer deposition ALD systemsCapacitance metersCapacitance-voltage C-V plottersChemical mechanical polishing CMP systems