Career & application guide

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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What do nanotechnology engineering technologists and technicians do?

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.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech)
  • Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician)
  • Nanofabrication Specialist
  • Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech)
  • R and D Engineer (Research and Development Engineer)
  • Research Lab Associate (Research Laboratory Associate)
  • Research Scientist
  • Research Specialist

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • 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.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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