Details Report for:
17-3029.11 - Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists
Implement production processes for nanoscale designs to produce 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 title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Design or conduct experiments, in collaboration with scientists or engineers, supportive of the development of nanotechnology materials, components, devices, or systems.
- Implement new or enhanced methods or processes for the processing, testing, or manufacture of nanotechnology materials or products.
- Inspect or measure thin films of carbon nanotubes, polymers, or inorganic coatings, using a variety of techniques or analytical tools.
- Collect or compile nanotechnology research or engineering data.
- Develop or modify wet chemical or industrial laboratory experimental techniques for nanoscale use.
- Prepare capability data, training materials, or other documentation for transfer of processes to production.
- Prepare detailed verbal or written presentations for scientists, engineers, project managers, or upper management.
- 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.
- Contribute written material or data for grant or patent applications.
- Install nanotechnology production equipment at customer or manufacturing sites.
- Supervise or provide technical direction to technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
- Analyze the life cycle of nanomaterials or nano-enabled products to determine environmental impact.
- Capture nanoparticle contaminants, using techniques such as electrical fields or electrospinning.
- Compare the performance or environmental impact of nanomaterials by nanoparticle size, shape, or organization.
- Mix raw materials or catalysts to manufacture nanoparticles according to specifications, ensuring proper particle size, shape, or organization.
- Monitor hazardous waste cleanup procedures to ensure proper application of nanocomposites or accomplishment of objectives.
- Process nanoparticles or nanostructures, using technologies such as ultraviolet radiation, microwave energy, or catalysis.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Binocular light compound microscopes — Fluorescence optical microscopes; Optical compound microscopes; Optical profilers |
| Laboratory evaporators — Electron beam evaporators; Thermal evaporators |
| Laboratory hotplates — Hotplates; Vacuum hotplates |
| Protective gloves — Cryogenic gloves; Gowning gloves |
| Scanning electron microscopes — Field emission scanning electron microscopes FESEM; Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopes FIB-SEM; Scanning electron microscopes SEM |
| Scanning probe microscopes — Atomic force microscopes AFM; Scanning acoustic microscopes; Scanning probe microscopes SPM; Scanning tunneling microscopes STM |
| Semiconductor process systems — Extreme ultraviolet EUV systems; Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition PECVD systems; Vacuum contact printers; Wafer substrate bonders (see all 27 examples) |
| Semiconductor testers — Linewidth measurement systems; Optical thin film measurement systems; Parametric analyzers |
| Spectrometers — Energy dispersive x-ray EDX spectroscopes; Infrared spectroscopes; Photoelectron spectroscopes; Secondary ion mass spectrometers SIMS |
| Thickness measuring devices — Ellipsometers; Spectroscopic ellipsometers |
| Vacuum gauges — Ionization gauges; Pirani gauges |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — Image analysis software; Simulation software; SPMLab |
| Computer aided design CAD software |
| Data base user interface and query software — Microsoft Access |
| Graphics or photo imaging software — Optical imaging systems |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Operating system software — Microsoft Windows |
| Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Industry data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
| Median wages (2010) | $27.89 hourly, $58,020 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 77,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 18,500 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing (28% employed in this sector)
Government (24%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineering technicians
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.