About This Career

Implements production processes and operates commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operates advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Works under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Manufacturing Production Process Development pathway.

A person in this career:

• Operates 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.
• Maintains work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards.
• Produces images or measurements, using tools or techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, particle size analysis, or zeta potential analysis.
• Collaborates with scientists or engineers to design or conduct experiments for the development of nanotechnology materials, components, devices, or systems.
• Repairs nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submits work orders for equipment repair.
• Measures or mixes chemicals or compounds in accordance with detailed instructions or formulas.
• Monitors equipment during operation to ensure adherence to specifications for characteristics such as pressure, temperature, or flow.
• Collects or compiles nanotechnology research or engineering data.
• Calibrates nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
• Monitors hazardous waste cleanup procedures to ensure proper application of nanocomposites or accomplishment of objectives.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Exposed to conditions such as high voltage electricity, combustibles, explosives, and chemicals more than once a month
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel