Nanosystems Engineers

• Write proposals to secure external funding or to partner with other companies.
• Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
• Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.
• Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results or recommendations.
• Provide scientific or technical guidance or expertise to scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, or others, using knowledge of chemical, analytical, or biological processes as applied to micro and nanoscale systems.
• Conduct research related to a range of nanotechnology topics, such as packaging, heat transfer, fluorescence detection, nanoparticle dispersion, hybrid systems, liquid systems, nanocomposites, nanofabrication, optoelectronics, or nanolithography.
• Identify new applications for existing nanotechnologies.
• Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.
• Develop processes or identify equipment needed for pilot or commercial nanoscale scale production.
• Generate high-resolution images or measure force-distance curves, using techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
• Provide technical guidance or support to customers on topics such as nanosystem start-up, maintenance, or use.
• Design nano-enabled products with reduced toxicity, increased durability, or improved energy efficiency.
• Prepare nanotechnology-related invention disclosures or patent applications.
• Engineer production processes for specific nanotechnology applications, such as electroplating, nanofabrication, or epoxy.
• Design or engineer nanomaterials, nanodevices, nano-enabled products, or nanosystems, using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Apply nanotechnology to improve the performance or reduce the environmental impact of energy products, such as fuel cells or solar cells.
• Develop catalysis or other green chemistry methods to synthesize nanomaterials, such as nanotubes, nanocrystals, nanorods, or nanowires.
• Create designs or prototypes for nanosystem applications, such as biomedical delivery systems or atomic force microscopes.
• Design nanosystems with components such as nanocatalysts or nanofiltration devices to clean specific pollutants from hazardous waste sites.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Nanosystems Engineers.

• 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.
• Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Nanosystems Engineers.