Occupation · SOC 17-3026.01
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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.
Median wage
$64,790
$46,370–$97,670
Projected growth
+1.7%
Slower than average
Annual openings
130
per year
Employed (US)
73,410
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
759 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingComplex Problem SolvingScienceActive ListeningOperations MonitoringTroubleshooting
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsChemistryMathematics
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative tasks
Produce images or measurements, using tools or techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction.Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Optical microscopy and particle size analysis instruments — operate under direct supervision to produce baseline images and measurements in a controlled nanofabrication laboratory.Batch-record documentation templates — complete accurately for nanoproduction runs under technician guidance in a regulated manufacturing environment.Nanotechnology weighing and testing equipment — perform routine calibration steps following standard operating procedures with supervisor verification at each stage.Cleanroom protocols and gowning requirements — follow prescribed entry and maintenance standards to uphold processing environment integrity under close direction.Standard operating procedures and hazardous material restrictions — read and apply when setting up nanotechnology production equipment during supervised shifts.Nanoscientist or engineer directives — assist in processing and characterizing materials by performing assigned physical and chemical property measurements in the laboratory.Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy — recognize instrument components and execute basic imaging tasks under the guidance of experienced technologists.Equipment malfunction indicators — identify and report faults in nanotechnology processing or testing equipment by submitting accurate work orders to maintenance teams.Scientific data spreadsheets and laboratory information systems — enter experimental results and equipment readings with precision during daily laboratory operations.Good manufacturing practices and health and safety requirements — demonstrate foundational understanding by following posted protocols throughout all assigned nanoproduction tasks.
developing
Atomic force microscopy and zeta potential analysis tools — execute multi-parameter characterization workflows with reduced oversight to support materials development projects.Nanoproduction batch records and regulatory documentation — maintain complete and audit-ready records independently across multiple production runs in a GMP-regulated facility.Calibration schedules for weighing, testing, and production equipment — manage and execute on a routine basis, applying corrective adjustments and documenting deviations appropriately.Cleanroom environmental monitoring data — analyze trends and implement corrective housekeeping or procedural actions to sustain compliance with ISO classification standards.Nanotechnology processing and testing equipment — diagnose common faults, perform preventive maintenance, and escalate complex repair needs through established work-order systems.Physical and chemical property characterization data — interpret results from particle size analysis and optical microscopy to support nanoscientists in refining synthesis parameters.Experiment protocols developed by engineers — execute with reliable consistency, adapting minor procedural variables to accommodate sample-specific conditions in the laboratory.Nanotechnology compounding and production equipment — operate across multiple unit operations in accordance with SOPs, hazardous material restrictions, and shift safety requirements.Analytical or scientific software platforms — use to process imaging and measurement data, generate summary reports, and flag anomalous results for engineering review.Cross-functional communication with scientists and engineers — convey technical observations clearly in written reports and team meetings to advance nanotechnology development goals.
proficient
Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and zeta potential analysis — lead full characterization campaigns autonomously, selecting optimal techniques to resolve complex materials questions.Nanoproduction documentation systems — design and maintain comprehensive batch-record frameworks that satisfy regulatory audit requirements and support continuous process improvement initiatives.Advanced calibration and qualification protocols — develop and execute for novel or newly installed nanotechnology equipment, establishing acceptance criteria and validation documentation.Cleanroom contamination investigations — lead root-cause analyses of environmental excursions and implement corrective and preventive action plans to restore and sustain compliance.Nanotechnology equipment repair and reliability programs — troubleshoot sophisticated instrument failures, coordinate vendor support, and author corrective maintenance procedures to minimize downtime.Nanomaterial processing and characterization experiments — design in collaboration with engineers and scientists, integrating physical, chemical, and engineering principles to optimize nanoscale system performance.Complex problem-solving across nanotechnology production lines — apply systems analysis and inductive reasoning to identify interdependencies and resolve non-routine processing failures.Hazardous nanomaterial handling and exposure control procedures — evaluate and refine site-wide practices, ensuring alignment with current regulatory standards and emerging occupational health guidance.CAD and analytical software tools — leverage to model process configurations, interpret multidimensional characterization data, and present actionable findings to engineering and management stakeholders.Junior technicians and technologists — mentor in equipment operation, GMP documentation, and scientific reasoning, elevating team competency across nanofabrication workflows.
advanced
Nanotechnology competency frameworks and training curricula — develop and implement organization-wide to build a high-performing technical workforce aligned with evolving nanoscience capabilities.Strategic nanotechnology equipment investment plans — define and justify by synthesizing operational performance data, industry benchmarks, and organizational research and production objectives.Organization-wide cleanroom and environmental control standards — establish, audit, and continuously improve to ensure regulatory compliance and competitive nanofabrication quality across all facilities.Cross-disciplinary nanotechnology development programs — lead by directing collaboration among engineers, scientists, and technicians to translate experimental findings into scalable production processes.Enterprise documentation and quality management systems for nanoproduction — architect and govern to ensure data integrity, regulatory readiness, and institutional knowledge retention at scale.Novel characterization and measurement methodologies — pioneer by evaluating emerging tools such as advanced electron microscopy variants and integrating them into standard laboratory practice.Organizational risk and safety governance for nanomaterial operations — lead by defining hazard classification policies, directing safety audits, and engaging regulatory bodies on nanoscale exposure standards.Technology roadmaps for nanotechnology materials, components, and systems — author and champion at the executive level, aligning R&D investments with long-range scientific and commercial strategy.External scientific and industry partnerships — cultivate and manage to position the organization at the forefront of nanotechnology innovation, including consortium memberships and standards-body participation.Senior technical staff performance and professional development — oversee through structured evaluation, targeted mentorship, and succession planning to sustain engineering and technologist excellence.
Also known as
20 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Cleanroom OperatorCleanroom Technician (Cleanroom Tech)Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech)Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician)Nanofabrication SpecialistNanoscience Technician (Nanoscience Tech)NanotechnicianNanotechnologistNanotechnology Engineering Technician (Nanotechnology Engineering Tech)Nanotechnology Technician (Nanotechnology Tech)Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech)R and D Engineer (Research and Development Engineer)Research Lab Associate (Research Laboratory Associate)Research ScientistResearch SpecialistResearch Staff MemberResearch Support SpecialistResearch Technician (Research Tech)Scientific Research AssociateTechnical Associate