Details Report for:
17-3029.12 - Nanotechnology Engineering Technicians
Operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, and modify materials, devices, and systems of molecular or macromolecular composition. Work under the supervision of engineering staff.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Education | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Operate nanotechnology compounding, testing, processing, or production equipment, following appropriate standard operating procedures, good manufacturing practices, hazardous material restrictions, or health and safety requirements.
- Assemble components, using techniques such as interference fitting, solvent bonding, adhesive bonding, heat sealing, and ultrasonic welding.
- Assist scientists, engineers or technologists in processing or characterizing materials according to physical and chemical properties.
- Assist scientists, engineers, or technologists in writing process specifications or documentation.
- Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing and production equipment.
- Inspect work products to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.
- Maintain accurate production record or batch record documentation.
- 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, and flow.
- Operate computer-controlled machine tools.
- Perform functional tests of nano-enhanced assemblies, components or systems, using equipment such as torque gauges and conductivity meters.
- Produce detailed images and measurement of objects, using tools such as scanning tunneling microscopes and oscilloscopes.
- Record test results in logs, laboratory notebooks, or spreadsheet software.
- Set up and execute experiments according to detailed instructions.
- Compile information and prepare reports.
- Maintain work area according to clean-room and other processing standards.
- Repair nanotechnology processing or testing equipment, or submit work orders for equipment repair.
- Track inventory and order new supplies, as needed.
Education
Education data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
54   |
Some college |
| 27 |
High school or less |
| 18 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Industry data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
| Median wages (2008) | $27.33 hourly, $56,850 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 77,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 18,500 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing (28% employed in this sector)
Government (24%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineering technicians
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.