Discover the World of Nanoengineering
Nanoengineering encompasses the practice of the profession on a nanoscale, which stems from the nanometer unit of measure, equivalent to one billionth of a meter. Within the industry, nanoengineering is synonymous with practices of nanotechnology, whereby it focuses on the engineering component of a given technology rather than the scientific side. Nanotechnology professionals have become prized professionals in the current marketplace for their skills and training dealing with microscopic applications.
From the automobile and energy industry to healthcare and technology firms, companies around the world eagerly seek to attract and develop these professionals. Within these realms, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are the dominant techniques of the field used to solve problems and originate new technologies. Both techniques pivot on generating microscopic probes to manipulate and track the movement of atoms with the idea of capturing something significant to translate into real world applications such as revolutionary manufacturing materials or new pharmaceutical products.
To learn more about becoming a nanoengineer, contact the schools below to request more information. We recommend contacting multiple schools to compare programs.
Professionals in this field often perform a medley of duties depending on the industry they work in and/or their educational backgrounds. In biosciences, nanoengineers dedicate their time to developing new medical device products and ways to enhance existing ones. From a construction viewpoint, these experts investigate and evaluate the development of new materials to develop more sustainable and durable building products and materials. Automotive companies employ these engineers to develop more efficient processes within an engine system and materials to build and pad vehicle systems and interiors.
Regardless of the field, these engineers choose to employ their skills and talents, the field requires immense patience and attention to detail. Refining the effective use of STMs and AFMs, critical to the development of new technologies and breakthroughs, often proves to be challenging for most practitioners in the field. Powerful microscopes with exceptionally fine silicon tips are employed to monitor the nano activity harnessed to develop new applications.
Establishing a suitable tip, though, can sometimes take seven days alone. Nevertheless, global firms like Abbott Laboratories, Tesla, Exxon-Mobil, and Sony are a few of the global firms capitalizing on the potential of nanotechnology.
Employer Requirements for Nanoengineers
Employers require these professionals to have completed at least a Bachelor’s Degree in nanoengineering or chemical engineering to assume a job in the industry. Undergraduate students explore coursework that prepares them for making contributions in the fields of medicine, energy and environmental applications, among others. Students take classes that integrate a medley of math, science and engineering courses that prepare them for the versatile field.
Acquiring a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in the field may be required to qualify for some executive positions with a given company. Advanced education also enables these professionals to undertake teaching roles at universities. For those seeking business-based positions, a candidate should focus on developing leadership and management skills, as they will be asked to spearhead a team of engineers. In addition, they will be asked to communicate and negotiate with suppliers. In this setting, superb oral and written communication skills will prove essential.
Careers as Nanoengineers and Important Associations to Join!
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has organized conferences to expand the discourse and awareness around the field of nanoengineering. In addition, they provide a digital library of resources, including publications, news, and best practices in the field that are vital to practitioners in the industry.
Though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide exact data on job prospects for nano engineers, chemical engineers, a comparable field, expect to see job growth prospects of 6 percent through 2020. The states of California, Texas, New York, Illinois and Michigan feature the most bountiful opportunities for professionals. While exact statistics on the median salary of these professionals is unavailable, O*Net reports that chemical engineers of the same background command a yearly salary of $95, 730.
Real Life Nanoengineers Making an Impact
Nanoengineers not only impact the way people live and think on Earth, but also may provide the key to further space exploration. As both the European Space Agency and NASA strive to execute manned missions to other planets like Mars as well as develop more advanced spacesuits and micro-shuttles, nanotechnology will serve an essential role in pushing these endeavors into reality.
Nanoengineers will be called upon to reduce the weight and sheer volume of components needed to explore other worlds, thereby reducing the costs associated with such expeditions. This may well enable countries with smaller economies to venture into space. For example, nano engineers at NASA have created sensors rooted in nanotechnology for use on the International Space Station (ISS).
The sensor is the size of a postage stamp, yet has the capacity to detect impurities in an astronaut’s air supply, and may well be utilized on potential roving explorations on Mars to gather samples from the red planet. Furthermore, technology companies like Apple have used nanotechnology and professionals to develop their tablet hardware products and musical devices like the iPad mini and iPod nano.
The iPod nano, for instance, features a compact, design that clips onto a person’s lapel making it easy for customers to listen to music while being unencumbered by a weighty product. The sleek, minimalist design associated with Apple products illuminates how the field of study bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and providing useful and lucrative consumer products. As nanotechnology grows with the expertise of its practitioners, its impact will be seen throughout all spheres of human life.
Don’t wait to find out how you can create a path towards a career in nanoengineering. Contact the schools below to request more information today.
