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Nanotechnology Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arcturus

Lead Carbon Nanomaterials Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Lead Nanomaterials Engineer Los Angeles, CA (in-person) About Arcturus Arcturus is creating a new ... Lead dispersion and interface engineering strategy, including verification methods and technical ...

Arcturus

Engineering Internship

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

About Arcturus Arcturus is creating a new wire technology stack that uses carbon nanomaterials to ... Purpose We are seeking a Research and Prototyping Engineer Co-op who can support the technical team ...

Arcturus

Senior Scientist / Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, and process engineering. This is a hands-on execution role for someone who wants to move quickly, learn across disciplines, and help turn first-of-its-kind ...

Western Digital

Technician 5, Engineering

Fremont, CA · On-site

$84K - $112K/yr

Analyze defect or abnormal data from FIB, HTSEM, VSEM, AFM and Nano and take first-line actions to ... Engineer Qualifications REQUIRED: * Strong knowledge and hands-on experience of metrology tools ...

Western Digital

Technician 5, Engineering

Fremont, CA · On-site

Analyze defect or abnormal data from FIB, HTSEM, VSEM, AFM and Nano and take first-line actions to ... Engineer Qualifications REQUIRED: * Strong knowledge and hands-on experience of metrology tools ...

Western Digital

Technician 5, Engineering

Fremont, CA

$84K - $112K/yr

Analyze defect or abnormal data from FIB, HTSEM, VSEM, AFM and Nano and take first-line actions to ... Engineer Qualifications REQUIRED: * Strong knowledge and hands-on experience of metrology tools ...

Arcturus

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Senior Additive Manufacturing 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 ...

Mat3ra

Head of Engineering

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Work will focus on (1) building a cloud-based distributed web platform for nanoscale materials and chemistry, (2) planning and organizing the work of the engineering team, (3) establishing the ...

Mat3ra

Head of Engineering

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $200K/yr

Work will focus on (1) building a cloud-based distributed web platform for nanoscale materials and chemistry, (2) planning and organizing the work of the engineering team, (3) establishing the ...

Mat3ra

????? Head of Engineering?????

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Work will focus on (1) building a cloud-based distributed web platform for nanoscale materials and chemistry, (2) planning and organizing the work of the engineering team, (3) establishing the ...

AttoTude

Process Engineer

Berkeley, CA

Execute micro- and nanofabrication process flows in the Berkeley Nanolab cleanroom Operate fabrication equipment including: * Photolithography tools (spin coaters, mask aligners, developers) * Thin ...

Substrate

Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

... and nanofabrication considerations such as top-down vs. bottom-up, pattern transfer, material compatibilities, etch selectivity and directionality, and thin film and surface engineering

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Nanotechnology Engineering information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$71.9K

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How much do nanotechnology engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for nanotechnology engineering in California is $71,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nanotechnology engineering?

Nanotechnology engineering is a field that involves the design, development, and application of materials and devices on the scale of nanometers—one billionth of a meter. It combines principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular level. Nanotechnology engineers work on creating new materials, improving existing products, and developing innovative solutions in areas such as medicine, electronics, energy, and the environment. The field is highly interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving, offering diverse career opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nanotechnology engineer?

To thrive as a Nanotechnology Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Proficiency with tools such as electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of cleanroom protocols and possibly certifications in nanofabrication, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help professionals excel in research and cross-disciplinary projects. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative solutions, maintaining safety, and advancing applications in sectors like medicine, electronics, and energy.

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

Nanotechnology engineers frequently collaborate with professionals in fields such as chemistry, biology, materials science, and physics. A common challenge is communicating complex technical concepts across disciplines with differing terminologies and priorities. Successfully bridging these gaps requires strong teamwork, adaptability, and an openness to learning from others. Building these skills not only enhances project outcomes but also creates more opportunities for career advancement in this rapidly evolving field.

What is the difference between Nanotechnology Engineering vs Materials Science Engineering?

AspectNanotechnology EngineeringMaterials Science Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Nanotechnology or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, research labs, product development
Industry UsageElectronics, medicine, energy, materialsAutomotive, aerospace, consumer goods, manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Nanotechnology Engineering and Materials Science Engineering share overlapping skills and work environments, often collaborating in research and development. However, Nanotechnology Engineering focuses specifically on manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular levels, while Materials Science Engineering covers a broader range of materials and their properties. Both fields are vital in advancing technology and innovation, with Nanotechnology Engineering offering specialized expertise in nanoscale applications.

Is nanotechnology engineering a good career?

Nanotechnology engineering is a growing field that involves designing and manipulating materials at the atomic and molecular levels, often requiring knowledge of physics, chemistry, and materials science. It offers opportunities in industries such as electronics, healthcare, and energy, with a demand for specialized skills and advanced degrees. Career prospects are favorable for those with strong technical backgrounds and experience with tools like microscopy and nanofabrication techniques.

What does a nanotechnology engineer do?

A nanotechnology engineer designs, develops, and tests materials and devices at the nanoscale, typically involving manipulation of structures less than 100 nanometers. They work with tools like electron microscopes and focus on applications in electronics, medicine, and materials science, often requiring knowledge of physics, chemistry, and engineering principles.

What are popular job titles related to Nanotechnology Engineering jobs in California?

For Nanotechnology Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nanotechnology Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Nanotechnology Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Nanotechnology Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Nanotechnology Engineering job openings:

Nanotechnology Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nanotechnology Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,889 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Lead Carbon Nanomaterials Engineer

Arcturus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 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