Summary
Source: O*Net |
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In Demand!Nature of the Work
 Check out how Jason Guerrero uses chemistry to engineer nanocars! |
Work Environment
Nanosystems engineers work in laboratories. They might spend a great deal of time using the computer to design and model nanodevices. When fabricating and testing their devices, they use sophisticated machinery and chemistry.
Nanosystems engineers usually work in teams with other engineers, and as such, need good communication and group problem-solving skills. They are typically employed by either military or corporate research and development laboratories, or run their own research laboratories in academic settings. Most nanosystems engineers have standard 40-hour work weeks.
Training, Other Qualifications
Some entry-level job opportunities are available with a bachelor's degree. These are more likely to be jobs that involve the manufacturing of nanotechnology devices and materials using common techniques. Candidates for these jobs should have either a bachelor's degree in nanosystems engineering, or a degree in a related field, like chemical engineering, materials science, or bioengineering, and laboratory experience with nano production. Hands-on experience can be gained either through college classes, working as an undergraduate research assistant, or corporate internships.
However, most employers prefer candidates with either a master's or a PhD in either nanosciences, nanoengineering, or a related field like physics, chemical engineering, materials sciences, bioengineering, or microprocessing. Hands-on laboratory experience with nanoengineering is critical.
Education and Training
To become a nanosystems engineer, students need a bachelor's degree in either nanoengineering or in a related engineering field like chemical engineering, materials science, or bioengineering. Students should take classes in both general engineering principles and courses that specifically teach the concepts of nanoscience and the laboratory techniques required to create and manipulate nanomaterials.
People interested in careers that emphasize novel applications for nanotechnology will need a higher degree, like a master's or a PhD. Jobs as a professor or permanent researcher at an academic institute require a PhD.
Return to top of page...Other Qualifications
Nanosystems engineers are usually members of larger research and development teams. Good communication skills and willingness to function as part of a team are crucial to career progression.
Return to top of page...On the Job
- 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, and nanolithography.
- Create designs or prototypes for nanosystem applications, such as biomedical delivery systems and atomic force microscopes.
- Design or engineer nanomaterials, nanodevices, nano-enabled products, or nanosystems, using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Coordinate or supervise the work of suppliers or vendors in the designing, building, or testing of nanosystem devices, such as lenses or probes.
- Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.
- Engineer production processes for specific nanotechnology applications, such as electroplating, nanofabrication, or epoxy.
- Develop processes or identify equipment needed for pilot or commercial nanoscale scale production.
- Provide scientific or technical guidance and expertise to scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, or others using knowledge of chemical, analytical, or biological processes as applied to micro and nanoscale systems.
- Prepare nanotechnology-related invention disclosures or patent applications.
- Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results and recommendations.
- Generate high-resolution images or measure force-distance curves, using techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
- Identify new applications for existing nanotechnologies.
- Provide technical guidance and support to customers on topics such as nanosystem start-up, maintenance, or use.
- Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools and techniques.
- Write proposals to secure external funding or to partner with other companies.
- Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
Source: test
Companies That Hire Nanosystems Engineers
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Additional Information
Sources
- O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
- Dusto, Amy. (2010, May 14). Cogito Conversation: Katerina Aifantis, Engineering Superstar. Retrieved May 29, 2010, from www.cogito.org/Interviews/InterviewsDetail.aspx?ContentID=17932
- KQED Education Network. (2007, March 27). Nanotechnology Takes Off. QUEST. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from www.kqed.org/quest/television/view/189
- Lawrence Hall of Science. (2007). Nanozone: Who Works on Nanotechnology? Retrieved June 7, 2010, from www.nanozone.org/who.htm
- National Cancer Institute. (2010). Video Journey Into Nanotechnology. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC8CUIID2HA
- Nova Science NOW. (2010). Rich Robinson: Nanoscientist. The Secret Life of Scientists. Retrieved May 29, 2010, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/secretlife/scientists/rich-robinson/
- Thompson, Amy Hodson. (2009, March 12). Cogito Conversation: Trevor Simmons, Carbon Nanomaterials Researcher. Retrieved May 29, 2010, from www.cogito.org/Interviews/InterviewsDetail.aspx?ContentID=17615
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