1

Nano Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lead Microsystems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Key Responsibilities MEMS/NEMS Engineering • Design MEMS/NEMS devices for sensing, actuation, signal transduction, and interfacing across the platform. • Own microfabrication and nanofabrication ...

Required Qualifications • MS or PhD in Chemistry, Molecular Engineering, Nanoscience, Bioengineering, Materials Science, or a related field. • 8+ years of hands-on research and development ...

Lead Photonics Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

... engineering. • Strong experience in nanofabrication. • Proven ability to bridge theory, fabrication, and system-level integration. Strongly Preferred • Optical or holographic computing. • ...

Lead Bioengineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$145 - $165/hr

You define how living and engineered substrates combine into adaptive, learning, durable ... Partner with the photonics and micro/nano lead on the device‑level fabrication and physics of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Nano Engineering information

See Washington salary details

$19

$34

$50

How much do nano engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for nano engineering in Washington is $34.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.97 and $40.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nano engineering?

Nano engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on designing, creating, and utilizing materials and devices at the nanometer scale, typically less than 100 nanometers. It combines principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular level for various applications. These applications can include electronics, medicine, energy, and materials science, among others. Nano engineers work to develop innovative solutions like stronger materials, targeted drug delivery systems, and advanced sensors. This field requires a strong foundation in science and mathematics, as well as knowledge of nanotechnology tools and techniques.

What is the difference between nano engineering and nanotechnology?

People often use the terms nanoengineering and nanotechnology interchangeably. However, they are slightly different. As the name implies, nanoengineering focuses more on the engineering and product development side of the field. Nanotechnology is more of an umbrella term that covers the entire scientific field. In a nanotechnology role, you may focus entirely on the pure science of the field. In short, nanotechnology is simply the field of study that focuses on the nanoscale, while nanoengineering focuses on the actual engineering. The fields are closely related, and often, those who focus on one have the skills to work in both.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nano engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nano Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like scanning electron microscopes (SEM), atomic force microscopes (AFM), and nanofabrication software, as well as certifications in cleanroom safety, are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills for success in interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative nanoscale solutions, ensuring precision, and advancing technology in fields such as electronics, medicine, and materials science.

What are some common challenges faced by nano engineers when working on interdisciplinary teams?

Nano engineers often collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds such as materials science, chemistry, biology, and electrical engineering. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex nanoscale concepts to team members who may not have specialized knowledge in nanotechnology. Additionally, aligning project goals and timelines across disciplines can require flexibility and strong organizational skills. Overcoming these challenges not only enhances project outcomes but also helps nano engineers build valuable cross-functional experience for career growth.

What is the difference between Nano Engineering vs Materials Science?

AspectNano EngineeringMaterials Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Nano Engineering, Materials Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, manufacturing, academia, industry
Industry UsageElectronics, healthcare, energy, nanotechnology startupsAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, academia

Nano Engineering and Materials Science share overlapping skills and work environments, but Nano Engineering focuses specifically on manipulating materials at the nanoscale for innovative applications, while Materials Science covers broader material properties and applications across various industries.

Is nano engineering in demand?

Nano engineering is a growing field with increasing demand in industries such as electronics, healthcare, and materials science. Professionals with skills in nanofabrication, characterization, and related tools are sought after as technology advances and research expands.

What can you do with a nano engineering degree?

A nano engineering degree prepares individuals for careers in research, development, and manufacturing involving nanomaterials, nanodevices, and nanoscale systems. Graduates can work in industries such as electronics, healthcare, energy, and materials science, often utilizing tools like electron microscopes and cleanroom environments. The degree also provides a foundation for further study or specialized certifications in nanotechnology fields.

What does a nano engineering do?

A nano engineer designs, develops, and applies materials and devices at the nanoscale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. They work with advanced tools like electron microscopes and focus on fields such as electronics, medicine, and materials science to create innovative solutions. Strong knowledge of physics, chemistry, and engineering principles is essential for this role.

What job categories do people searching Nano Engineering jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Nano Engineering jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Nano Engineering jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Nano Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Nano Engineering job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,520 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Lead Photonics & Nanotechnology Engineer

Devyantram

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$150 - $170/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Lead Photonics & Nanotechnology Engineer

Devyantram is building a unified platform of bionic robots, from nanoscale to humanoid, powered by a bionic brain system that fuses biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI to tackle global challenges in climate, medicine, and defense.

Role Summary

You will lead the design and development of Devyantram's nano/microscale intelligence hardware, spanning micro and nano-robotic systems and the photonic and MEMS/NEMS subsystems that support the CEREBRION bionic brain platform. You are responsible for architecting intelligence-substrate hardware at the micro and nano scale, not just building individual components.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and simulate photonic circuits, waveguides, resonators, and interferometers.
  • Develop optical interconnects and signal-routing subsystems.
  • Work on optical memory and optical compute elements.
  • Target high-bandwidth sensing, low-latency communication, and energy-efficient computation.
  • Own photonics fabrication, testing, and characterization.
  • Design MEMS/NEMS devices for sensing and signal transduction, actuation, and interfacing.
  • Lead nano and microfabrication workflows from cleanroom through foundry.
  • Define packaging, integration, and scaling strategy.
Micro/Nano-Robotic Systems
  • Architect distributed micro and nano-robotic platforms and their coordination strategies.
  • Enable cooperative, hierarchical, and adaptive behaviors across distributed units.
Compute Hardware
  • Contribute to unconventional, brain-inspired compute hardware spanning photonic and electromechanical approaches.
  • Translate cognitive and AI requirements into physical micro and nano implementations.
  • Co-design with the bioengineering, mechatronics, and controls teams.
IP & Technical Leadership
  • Generate foundational IP across photonics, MEMS/NEMS, and micro/nano-robotics.
  • Lead invention disclosures and support patent strategy with counsel.
  • Define the long‑term nanoscale‑intelligence hardware roadmap.
  • Mentor junior researchers and engineers.
Required Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of demonstrated expertise in photonics engineering and micro/nanoengineering.
  • Strong MEMS/NEMS and nanofabrication experience.
  • Proven ability to bridge theory, fabrication, and system-level integration.
Strongly Preferred
  • Optical or holographic computing.
  • Unconventional or non‑von‑Neumann computing.
  • Nanorobotics or microrobotics.
  • Brain‑machine interfaces or neural probes.
  • Advanced research lab or deep‑tech startup experience.
A Successful Candidate Will Be Measured By
  • Functionality and performance of the nanoscale compute hardware.
  • Successful design and fabrication of photonics and MEMS/NEMS systems.
  • Functional autonomy and scalability of micro and nano‑robotic platforms.
  • Reliability of hardware integration across subsystems.
  • Strength, novelty, and defensibility of generated core IP.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.

The pay range for this role is: 150,000 - 170,000 USD per year (Ashburn, VA)

#J-18808-Ljbffr