Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nanotechnology engineering technologists and technicians operate specialized equipment to produce, test, and modify materials at the molecular and nanoscale level. They work in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and research centers, using advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects and implement production processes under the direction of nanoengineering staff.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nanotechnology engineering technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves operating commercial-scale production equipment, running quality tests on nanomaterials, and using electron microscopes or atomic force microscopes to examine and manipulate structures. Technicians troubleshoot equipment issues, document test results, record data on material properties, and collaborate with engineering staff to refine production processes. Some time is spent reviewing technical specifications and preparing samples for analysis.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You would do well in this role if you enjoy hands-on technical work with complex equipment and have a methodical approach to problem-solving. Success comes from combining investigative thinking—testing and analyzing how materials behave—with realistic attention to production details and safety protocols.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Shop Technician · Republic Services · Dixon, Solano County · $71,014–$71,014
- US Tech - Vendor Alliance Senior Manager · PwC · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $218,956–$218,956
- Emergency Department Technician II · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $56,302–$56,302
- Customer Service Technician · Agiliti Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $39,748–$61,172
- Financial Accounts Technician · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $46150–$59994
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Surgical Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $55012–$71517
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $61,170 | $79,330 | $88,900 | 750 |
| Maryland | $63,090 | $79,090 | $99,330 | 490 |
| California | $62,290 | $79,070 | $96,460 | 5,710 |
| Washington | $61,810 | $78,430 | $116,210 | 1,050 |
| Oregon | $61,350 | $75,760 | $79,980 | 910 |
| New Jersey | $59,320 | $72,890 | $95,520 | 920 |
| Vermont | $63,290 | $72,410 | $85,320 | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $59,400 | $71,830 | $79,950 | 2,070 |
| Illinois | $57,620 | $71,090 | $81,240 | 2,260 |
| Minnesota | $60,270 | $70,490 | $80,390 | 5,380 |
| New York | $58,980 | $70,290 | $78,100 | 4,090 |
| South Carolina | $56,840 | $70,080 | $79,540 | 2,400 |
All 45 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Engineering Technologist — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional - Technologist (GDTP) — American Society of Mechanical Engineers International
- GDTP (Y14.5) Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional Certification - 1994 Technologist Level — American Society of Mechanical Engineers International
- GDTP (Y14.5) Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional Certification - 2009 Technologist Level — American Society of Mechanical Engineers International
- Fluid Power Mobile Hydraulic Technician (CFPMHT) — International Fluid Power Society
- Fluid Power Industrial Hydraulic Technician (CFPIHT) — International Fluid Power Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nanotechnology engineering technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-3026.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.