How to become a Nanosystems Engineer

Nanosystem engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on the study and engineering of materials on the nanoscale which is roughly 1,00,000 times thinner than the human hair. These skilled professionals characterize, design and develop materials at this level to analyze their different properties and effectively use this knowledge to skillfully design new technology that can potentially benefit the society and our quality of life. Nano-system engineers, also referred to as nanotechnology engineers and nano-science engineers, apply the principles of nanoscale physics, chemistry, biological, electrical among other engineering disciplines to create durable, clean, lighter, stronger, economic, drugs, devices and other products. Nanosystem engineering is a vast discipline that enhances the technology, products and operations of many fields such as medicine, electrical devices, computer parts and equipment, clean energy, imaging and even cosmetics.  The work environment of a nanosystem engineer generally involves laboratories, workshops and manufacturing plants, to conduct research and development and sometimes an office to design and model products. Nanosystem engineers are primarily employed by manufacturing companies, corporate research and development laboratories. However, the expertise of a nanosystem engineer is also required in biomedical engineering to develop, investigate new materials for industrial processes, medicine and medical implants.  

There are different types of Nanosystem engineering jobs typically depending on the area of specialization. Generally,  it comprises of the following tasks:

• Monitor the behaviour of nanomaterials in different environments and evaluate how they deteriorate.

• Conduct fundamental and applied research on topics related to nanotechnology, such as atomic force microscope

• Establish production processes for nanotechnology applications such as electroplating

• Ensure the processes, systems, products and types of equipment meet safety standards

• Evaluate the technical specifications as well as the economic factors when designing objectives of a product or process

• Prepare project budget and proposals

A nanosystem engineer must have certain requisite skills and inclinations along with relevant educational background in order to excel in the field. Nanosystem engineers must have a passion for science and its applications, team working skills, the ability to work well under pressure, great communication skills, patience, perseverance and a sharp, analytic mind along with problem-solving skills. Nanosystem engineer jobs require an eye for detail, innovation, strict adherence to rules,  precision and dexterous application of logical concepts and thus, aspirants must exhibit these traits to at least some extent. In order to give justice to the role of a nanosystem engineer, aspirants must also have commercial awareness about the sector she/he wishes to work in. 

In order to enroll into a Bachelor’s program at one of the best nanosystem engineering colleges, aspirants are expected to clear the JEE main and subsequently, the JEE Advance exam which makes the aspirant eligible to apply at any university in India. It is a challenging exam to crack that requires hard work as well as rigorous and consistent preparation. Some states have their own entrance exams that are admissible in their respective universities. Many educational institutes conduct their own entrance tests. 

Depending on one’s educational background, experience, and skillsets, aspirants may apply for the following nanosystems engineering jobs:

• Microsystems engineers

• Corrosion Control Engineer

• Optical Engineer

• Photonics Engineer,

• Biomaterial engineers 

• Process control engineers

• Pharmaceutical engineers.