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Nano Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Carbon Nanomaterials Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Lead Nanomaterials Engineer Los Angeles, CA (in-person) About Arcturus Arcturus is creating a new wire technology stack that uses carbon nanomaterials to overcome the materials limitations of metals ...

Nanofabrication Intern - Fall 2026

Menlo Park, CA ยท On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

We are looking for a hands-on Nanofabrication Intern with experience in cleanroom-based microfabrication or nanofabrication. This person should have practical exposure to lithography, deposition, and ...

Senior Nanoscientist

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $145/hr

You'll work closely with the Nanoscience team and Acting Director, R&D Execution across neuroscience, hardware, software, and data science teams to advance our technology. Key Responsibilities * Lead ...

Nanoscientist

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$110 - $130/hr

This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge nanoscience and neurotechnology, pushing the boundaries of brain-computer interfaces. The ideal candidate will be a scientific trailblazer, combining ...

Senior Nanoscientist

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

You'll work closely with the Nanoscience team and Acting Director, R&D Execution across neuroscience, hardware, software, and data science teams to advance our technology. Key Responsibilities * Lead ...

Senior Nanoscientist

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

You'll work closely with the Nanoscience team and Acting Director, R&D Execution across neuroscience, hardware, software, and data science teams to advance our technology. Key Responsibilities * Lead ...

About Arcturus Arcturus is creating a new wire technology stack that uses carbon nanomaterials to overcome the materials limitations of metals where performance breaks down, at real operating ...

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Showing results 1-20

Nano information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do nano jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for nano in California is $24.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nano?

Nano jobs refer to careers that involve working with nanotechnology, which is the science, engineering, and application of materials and devices at the nanometer scale (one billionth of a meter). Professionals in this field may develop new materials, create medical devices, or improve electronic components using nanoscale techniques. Common roles include nanotechnologists, research scientists, and nanoengineers. These jobs are typically found in industries such as healthcare, electronics, energy, and materials science. A strong background in physics, chemistry, biology, or engineering is often required.

What are some common challenges faced by nanotechnology engineers in interdisciplinary team environments?

Nanotechnology engineers often work in interdisciplinary teams that include chemists, physicists, biologists, and materials scientists. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex technical concepts across different fields and ensuring that project goals align despite varying perspectives. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from colleagues in related disciplines. Embracing regular team meetings and transparent communication can help facilitate smoother project workflows and innovation.

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

To thrive as a Nanotechnologist, a strong background in chemistry, physics, materials science, and often a relevant advanced degree is required. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment such as electron microscopes, nanofabrication tools, and simulation software is critical. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities enable the precise manipulation and analysis of materials at the nanoscale, ensuring successful research and product development.

What is the difference between Nano vs Chemical Technician?

AspectNanoChemical Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a Bachelor's degree in Nanotechnology, Materials Science, or related fieldsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, cleanrooms, advanced manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, manufacturing plants, industrial settings
Industry UsageResearch and development, nanomaterials productionChemical manufacturing, quality control, process support
Common Search/ComparisonNano vs Chemical Technician

Nano professionals focus on manipulating materials at the nanoscale, often requiring advanced degrees and working in R&D environments. Chemical Technicians support chemical processes, testing, and manufacturing, typically with associate or bachelor's degrees. While both roles involve laboratory work, Nano roles are more research-oriented, whereas Chemical Technicians are more production and quality-focused.

Does nanotechnology pay well?

Nanotechnology jobs, including roles like nanotechnologist or research scientist, tend to offer competitive salaries due to the specialized skills and advanced education required. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced professionals with skills in materials science, microscopy, and laboratory techniques can earn high wages, especially in research, development, or industry sectors. Salary levels also depend on location, industry, and level of experience.

How to get a job in nanotechnology?

To get a job in nanotechnology, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in nanotechnology, materials science, physics, chemistry, or engineering, with advanced roles often requiring a master's or Ph.D. The field values skills in microscopy, characterization tools, and programming, along with experience in research or laboratory work. Gaining internships, certifications, and staying updated on industry developments can improve employment prospects.

Is nanotech a good career?

A career in nanotechnology involves working with materials and devices at the nanoscale, often requiring a background in engineering, physics, or chemistry. It offers opportunities in research, development, and manufacturing across industries like healthcare, electronics, and energy, with roles typically requiring specialized education and skills in microscopy and material analysis.

What cities in California are hiring for Nano jobs?

Cities in California with the most Nano job openings:

Infographic showing various Nano job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,647 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Lead Carbon Nanomaterials Engineer

Arcturus

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Lead Nanomaterials Engineer

Los Angeles, CA (in-person)

About Arcturus

Arcturus is creating a new wire technology stack that uses carbon nanomaterials to overcome the materials limitations of metals where performance breaks down, at real operating temperatures. Our technology is designed to significantly improve the performance of electric motors for drones and robotics, heat sinks, and ultimately the entire energy grid. At its core, Arcturus is developing a new class of carbon nanomaterial-infused metal matrix composites for high-performance conductor applications.

Why you should join us

This is a ground-floor opportunity to help build something that has never been done before.

You would join as a founding engineer and become Arcturus’ first nanomaterials engineer, with the chance to define the company’s carbon nanomaterials strategy from the beginning. As the founding nanomaterials engineer, you will work directly with the founder and CEO to shape the technical direction of the company, translate scientific insight into real product performance, and help build a category-defining materials platform from scratch.

Purpose

We are seeking a lead nanomaterials engineer who can set the technical direction for our carbon nanomaterials strategy and translate fundamental science into measurable, scalable improvements in conductor performance. This person will help define how carbon nanomaterials are integrated into metal matrix composites, including approaches related to covetics and other carbon-metal interface architectures, to unlock meaningful improvements in electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance.

The role

This role reports directly to the CEO

Materials strategy and integration

  • Own the nanomaterials roadmap R&D, including carbon nanomaterial selection, orientation morphology, purity, infusion percentages, functionalizations, etc.

  • Define integration approaches into aluminum and copper that improve electrical performance through process technology

  • Lead dispersion and interface engineering strategy, including verification methods and technical decision gates

Characterization and scientific rigor

  • Build the characterization stack that links structure to performance, including Raman, SEM/EDS, and other methods as needed

  • Define metrics for dispersion quality, interface integrity, and degradation, then standardize how those measurements are made

  • Partner with engineering to translate scientific results into material specs, process windows, and acceptance criteria

Reliability and durability

  • Own hypotheses and experiments for long-term stability, including thermal cycling, corrosion, oxidation, environmental exposure, and processing effects

  • Define accelerated aging and failure mode discovery plans aligned with real-world use cases

  • Leadership and driving IP disclosures. Help shape patent strategy

  • Help build and lead a small but world-class scientific team over time

Basic qualifications

  • PhD or MS in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field

  • 8+ years of applied research leadership with demonstrated impact on products, processes, or commercialization

  • Deep expertise in carbon nanomaterials and strong intuition for process-structure-property relationships

  • Strong scientific writing skills, including clear technical documentation, experimental plans, and invention disclosures

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience with carbon nanomaterial-metal composites, metal matrix composites, covetics, or carbon/metal interface chemistry

  • Familiarity with graphene, carbon nanotubes, graphene growth methods, including localized or laser-inducted graphene

  • Startup experience

What we offer

  • Competitive cash compensation and meaningful equity

  • Scientific ownership with direct product impact

  • The chance to define the playbook for nanomaterial-enhanced conductors

  • Relocation support for candidates moving from outside the Los Angeles area