Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

17-3026.01

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Maintain work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards.
• 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.
• Collaborate with scientists or engineers to design or conduct experiments for the development of nanotechnology materials, components, devices, or systems.
• Repair nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submit work orders for equipment repair.
• Measure or mix chemicals or compounds in accordance with detailed instructions or formulas.
• Monitor equipment during operation to ensure adherence to specifications for characteristics such as pressure, temperature, or flow.
• Collect or compile nanotechnology research or engineering data.
• Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
• Monitor hazardous waste cleanup procedures to ensure proper application of nanocomposites or accomplishment of objectives.
• Contribute written material or data for grant or patent applications.
• Inspect or measure thin films of carbon nanotubes, polymers, or inorganic coatings, using a variety of techniques or analytical tools.
• Compare the performance or environmental impact of nanomaterials by nanoparticle size, shape, or organization.
• Develop or modify wet chemical or industrial laboratory experimental techniques for nanoscale use.
• Process nanoparticles or nanostructures, using technologies such as ultraviolet radiation, microwave energy, or catalysis.
• Implement new or enhanced methods or processes for the processing, testing, or manufacture of nanotechnology materials or products.
• Prepare detailed verbal or written presentations for scientists, engineers, project managers, or upper management.
• Perform functional tests of nano-enhanced assemblies, components, or systems, using equipment such as torque gauges or conductivity meters.
• Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction.
• Assemble components, using techniques such as interference fitting, solvent bonding, adhesive bonding, heat sealing, or ultrasonic welding.
• Prepare capability data, training materials, or other documentation for transfer of processes to production.
• Analyze the life cycle of nanomaterials or nano-enabled products to determine environmental impact.
• Measure emission of nanodust or nanoparticles during nanocomposite or other nano-scale production processes, using systems such as aerosol detection systems.
• Assist nanoscientists or engineers in processing or characterizing materials according to physical or chemical properties.
• Assist nanoscientists or engineers in writing process specifications or documentation.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Image analysis software; Simulation software; SPMLab
• Computer aided design CAD software - 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 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Operate precision equipment to control microscopic or nanoscopic processes.
• Maintain clean work areas.
• Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
• Research engineering applications of emerging technologies.
• Maintain test equipment.
• Prepare materials for processing.
• Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Monitor activities affecting environmental quality.
• Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
• Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
• Devise research or testing protocols.
• Implement design or process improvements.
• Prepare technical reports for internal use.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Assemble equipment or components.
• Prepare procedural documents.
• Document technical design details.