Nanosystems Engineers in Advanced Materials
Nanosystems Engineers in Advanced Materials design and build extremely tiny structures—often just a few atoms wide—to create new materials, devices, and products with special powers, like self-cleaning coatings, ultra-strong composites, or more efficient solar cells. They use tools such as atomic force microscopes, three-dimensional CAD software, and nanofabrication equipment to model, test, and refine nanomaterials, then lead teams of technicians and suppliers to scale up safe, energy-efficient manufacturing processes. In this role, they also make strategic decisions about which nanotechnologies to develop, write patents and research proposals, and solve complex problems such as removing pollutants with nanoparticle filters or delivering medicine directly to specific cells in the body.
Did you know?
Most positions require a Master's or PhD in engineering, physics, materials science, or related fields due to the highly specialized nature of nanotechnology.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$112,700 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Critical Thinking
Things to consider
Emerging Market Opportunities
Job opportunities are concentrated in high-tech industries like semiconductors, biotechnology, and advanced materials, with growth potential but limited geographic distribution.
Regulatory and Safety Compliance
Engineers must navigate complex federal regulations from agencies like FDA, EPA, and OSHA regarding nanomaterial safety and environmental impact.
Key responsibilities
Develop processes or identify equipment needed for pilot or commercial nanoscale scale production.
Prepare nanotechnology-related invention disclosures or patent applications.
Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
Generate high-resolution images or measure force-distance curves, using techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
Design or engineer nanomaterials, nanodevices, nano-enabled products, or nanosystems, using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software.