Nanosystems Engineers

High School

In high school, take courses in mathematics (geometry, trigonometry, and calculus), physics, computer science (especially computer-aided design and artificial intelligence), biology, chemistry, and other science fields. English and speech classes are highly recommended because nanosystems engineers need excellent communication skills in order to prepare reports and collaborate with coworkers. Students should also join science clubs (such as the American Chemical Society’s ChemClub) and participate in science and math competitions such as the Chemistry Olympiad.

Postsecondary Education

You will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to become a nanosystems engineer. A master’s degree, or even a Ph.D., may be necessary for some research, teaching, and administrative positions.

A growing, but still small, number of colleges and universities (including Drexel University; Louisiana Tech University; State University of New York College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering; and the University of California San Diego) offer degrees or concentrations in nanotechnology or nanosystems engineering. Some programs allow students to include an engineering concentration area—biomedical, chemical, electrical, mechanical, or microsystems engineering—to expand their skills. Typical classes in nanosystems engineering programs include:

• Fundamentals of Nanosystems Engineering
• Nanosystems and Devices
• Nanosystems Modeling
• Advanced Materials for Micro/Nano Devices and Systems
• Micro/Nano Scale Materials Measurement and Analysis
• Solid State Electronics
• Introduction to Solid State Physics
• Nanosystems Engineering Research Seminar
• Nanosystems Engineering Laboratory
• Nanosystems Engineering Senior Design

On its Web site, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) provides a list of colleges and universities with academic programs, from bachelor's up to doctoral degree level, focused on nanotechnology (https://www.nano.gov/education-training/university-college).

If you aren’t able to attend a college that offers a nanotechnology or nanosystems engineering major, you can prepare for this career by earning a bachelor’s degree in biomedical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, mechanical, or microsystems engineering, or in materials science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or biotechnology; or by complementing your education with nanotechnology or nanosystems engineering classes or pursuing a minor in the field (if it’s available).

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in nanosystems engineering, nanotechnology, and related fields. For example, North Carolina State University offers a graduate certificate in nano-systems engineering. Some of the classes in the program include Conventional and Emerging Nanomanufacturing Techniques and Their Applications in Nanosystems; Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization; Micro/Nano-Scale Fabrication and Manufacturing; Micro/Nano Electromechanical Systems; and Materials Science of Nanoelectronics. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Nanotechnology is a cutting-edge field, and nanosystems engineers need to continue to learn throughout their careers via webinars, seminars, conferences, and workshops. Professional associations are big providers of continuing education opportunities. For example, SME offers webinars such as What Engineers Need to Know about Nano Business, Carbon Nanotubes, AFM, and Dip Pen Nanolithography and MicroManufacturing: Getting Even Smaller, as well as other professional development opportunities. The Society of Women Engineers offers conference sessions, webinars, and other education resources on career development, leadership, and special issues for women in engineering. Other organizations offer professional development opportunities, including the American Institute of Physics, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, Nano Science and Technology Institute, American Society for Engineering Education, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society. Contact these organizations to learn more.