What Do Nanosystems Engineers Do?

Job Description: 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.

Life as a Nanosystems Engineer: What Do They Do?

• Prepare nanotechnology-related invention disclosures or patent applications.
• Develop catalysis or other green chemistry methods to synthesize nanomaterials, such as nanotubes, nanocrystals, nanorods, or nanowires.
• Design nanoparticle catalysts to detect or remove chemical or other pollutants from water, soil, or air.
• Write proposals to secure external funding or to partner with other companies.
• Reengineer nanomaterials to improve biodegradability.
• Engineer production processes for specific nanotechnology applications, such as electroplating, nanofabrication, or epoxy.

Skills Needed to be a Nanosystems Engineer

Below is a list of the skills most Nanosystems Engineers say are important on the job.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Types of Nanosystems Engineer Jobs

• Advanced Research Programs Director
• Scientist
• Research Scientist
• Nanoelectronics Engineer
• Nanosystems Engineer

Job Outlook for Nanosystems Engineers

In the United States, there were 132,500 jobs for Engineers in 2016.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Nanosystems Engineers by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field per year.

The states with the most job growth for Engineers are California, Texas, and Florida.

Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Nanosystems Engineers Make A Lot Of Money?

The salary for Engineers ranges between about $50,750 and $155,650 a year. A Nanosystems Engineer median salary is $96,980.

How much do Engineers make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
District of Columbia	$132,530
Maryland	$118,420
Virginia	$118,390
Alabama	$115,710
New Jersey	$114,990
New Mexico	$114,790
Alaska	$114,040
Texas	$113,370
Colorado	$111,610
Idaho	$110,270
Massachusetts	$109,220
California	$107,700
Washington	$104,890
Minnesota	$101,620
South Carolina	$100,750
Connecticut	$100,230
New Hampshire	$99,070
Wyoming	$97,040
Hawaii	$96,940
Pennsylvania	$96,550
Rhode Island	$95,790
New York	$95,270
Nevada	$94,950
Arizona	$94,450
Georgia	$93,580
Ohio	$93,370
West Virginia	$91,420
Oregon	$90,720
Louisiana	$90,580
Michigan	$90,420
Utah	$89,810
Illinois	$87,220
Missouri	$86,850
Wisconsin	$86,600
Maine	$85,800
South Dakota	$84,320
North Carolina	$83,900
North Dakota	$83,270
Oklahoma	$83,080
Florida	$82,970
Nebraska	$82,760
Kansas	$82,060
Tennessee	$82,030
Vermont	$81,960
Kentucky	$79,690
Mississippi	$79,630
Montana	$79,590
Iowa	$78,230
Indiana	$73,340
Arkansas	$71,510

What Tools do Nanosystems Engineers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Nanosystems Engineers:

• IMSI Design DesignCAD
• SAP
• LinkCAD
• Computer aided design CAD software
• Microsoft Excel
• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• Breault Research ASAP
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Tanner EDA L-Edit

Who Employs Nanosystems Engineers?

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons