nanoengineer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — nanoengineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-2199.09 (Nanosystems Engineers).

Task statements

• [Core] Write proposals to secure external funding or to partner with other companies.
• [Core] Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
• [Core] Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.
• [Core] Identify new applications for existing nanotechnologies.
• [Core] Provide technical guidance or support to customers on topics such as nanosystem start-up, maintenance, or use.
• [Core] Generate high-resolution images or measure force-distance curves, using techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
• [Core] Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results or recommendations.
• [Core] Develop processes or identify equipment needed for pilot or commercial nanoscale scale production.
• [Core] Provide 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.
• [Core] Engineer production processes for specific nanotechnology applications, such as electroplating, nanofabrication, or epoxy.
• [Core] Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.
• [Core] Coordinate or supervise the work of suppliers or vendors in the designing, building, or testing of nanosystem devices, such as lenses or probes.
• [Core] Design or engineer nanomaterials, nanodevices, nano-enabled products, or nanosystems, using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• [Core] Create designs or prototypes for nanosystem applications, such as biomedical delivery systems or atomic force microscopes.
• [Core] Conduct 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.
• [Core] Apply nanotechnology to improve the performance or reduce the environmental impact of energy products, such as fuel cells or solar cells.
• [Core] Design nano-enabled products with reduced toxicity, increased durability, or improved energy efficiency.
• [Supplemental] Prepare nanotechnology-related invention disclosures or patent applications.
• [Supplemental] Design nano-based manufacturing processes to minimize water, chemical, or energy use, as well as to reduce waste production.
• [Supplemental] Design nanoparticle catalysts to detect or remove chemical or other pollutants from water, soil, or air.
• [Supplemental] Design nanosystems with components such as nanocatalysts or nanofiltration devices to clean specific pollutants from hazardous waste sites.
• [Supplemental] Develop catalysis or other green chemistry methods to synthesize nanomaterials, such as nanotubes, nanocrystals, nanorods, or nanowires.
• [Supplemental] Develop green building nanocoatings, such as self-cleaning, anti-stain, depolluting, anti-fogging, anti-icing, antimicrobial, moisture-resistant, or ultraviolet protectant coatings.
• [Supplemental] Integrate nanotechnology with antimicrobial properties into products, such as household or medical appliances, to reduce the development of bacteria or other microbes.
• [Supplemental] Reengineer nanomaterials to improve biodegradability.

Detailed work activities

• Advise customers on the use of products or services.
• Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
• Create physical models or prototypes.
• Design alternative energy systems.
• Design materials for industrial or commercial applications.
• Design micro- or nano-scale materials, devices, or systems.
• Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.
• Develop technical methods or processes.
• Devise research or testing protocols.
• Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
• Identify new applications for existing technologies.
• Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
• Operate precision equipment to control microscopic or nanoscopic processes.
• Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Prepare proposal documents.
• Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
• Research engineering applications of emerging technologies.
• Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.