Nanosystems Engineers
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.
Also called: Durability Engineer, Nanoelectronics Engineer, Nanofabrication Engineer, Nanofabrication Research Engineer, Nanoindentation Applications Engineer, Nanomaterials Research Scientist
Median pay
$122,930
Pay for the broader BLS group “Engineers, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$66,810 – $189,950
People employed
154,070
Whole BLS group
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 5.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
Nanosystems Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Engineers, All Other”.
What nanosystems engineers do
- 01Provide 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.
- 02Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
- 03Conduct 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.
- 04Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.
- 05Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results or recommendations.
- 06Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from nanosystems engineers
- Materials Scientists91% · —
- Biochemists and Biophysicists85% · —
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers82% · group pay
- Physicists78% · —
- Bioinformatics Scientists78% · group pay
Change into nanosystems engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Materials Scientists89% · $117,790
- Biochemists and Biophysicists85% · $127,410
- Astronomers82% · $128,820
- Bioinformatics Scientists78% · $98,920
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers77% · $171,270
Majors that lead here
- Engineering, General
- Applied Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Laser and Optical Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
- Engineering Science
- Ocean Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.