Nanosystems Engineers
Overview
Introduction
A nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter—or approximately 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Nanometer-sized particles exist in nature, but they can also be created and engineered to take on unique electrical, optical, magnetic, and other properties.
These inventions, which are often known as engineered nanomaterials, are created by nanosystems engineers, who apply the principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, biological, and other engineering disciplines to create stronger, lighter, ...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The field of nanosystems engineering is interdisciplinary by nature, and, hence, people from a variety of engineering disciplines work in the field. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following starting salaries by engineering specialty:
- chemical engineers: $75,650 to $176,420+
- electrical engineers: $69,320 to $172,050+
- industrial engineers: $65,320 to $142,...
Work Environment
Many nanosystems engineers work in cleanrooms, research laboratories, offices, processing or manufacturing plants, or workshops. Most work 40 hours a week. However, they may need to occasionally work nights and weekends to meet project deadlines.
Some nanosystems engineers travel to make presentations at industry trade shows, meet with clients, visit manufacturing facilities or governmen...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) does not provide an employment outlook for nanotechnology engineers. It does predict the following employment growth (all much faster than the average) from 2023 to 2033 for engineers who conduct research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences.
- electrical and electronics engineers: +13.1 percent
- aerospace engineer...