Nanoengineer

About this occupation

Nanoengineers combine the scientific knowledge of atomic and molecular particles with engineering principles for applications in a varied array of fields. They apply findings in chemistry, biology, and materials engineering, etc. They use technological knowledge for the improvement of existing applications or the creation of micro objects.

A specialisation of materials engineer.

• Plan or conduct experiments to validate new materials, optimize startup protocols, reduce conditioning time, or examine contaminant tolerance.
• Provide technical consultation or direction related to the development or production of fuel cell systems.
• Characterize component or fuel cell performances by generating operating maps, defining operating conditions, identifying design refinements, or executing durability assessments.
• Plan or implement fuel cell cost reduction or product improvement projects in collaboration with other engineers, suppliers, support personnel, or customers.
• Conduct fuel cell testing projects, using fuel cell test stations, analytical instruments, or electrochemical diagnostics, such as cyclic voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
• Analyze fuel cell or related test data, using statistical software.

Typical education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 4 of 5

Interests

Realistic, Investigative, Conventional

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Science, Active Listening

US median pay: US$104,110 a year (2025), 296,810 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.3)
• ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (4.0)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.9)
• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.9)
• PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.6)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.5)
• MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.5)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.