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Nanotechnology Engineering Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Nanotechnology Engineering information

See Reston, VA salary details

$41.6K

$75.8K

$107.2K

How much do nanotechnology engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for nanotechnology engineering in Reston, VA is $75,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $86,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

Is nanotechnology engineering a good career?

Nanotechnology engineering is a growing field that involves designing and developing materials and devices at the nanoscale, often requiring knowledge of physics, chemistry, and engineering. It offers opportunities in research, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, with a demand for specialized skills and advanced degrees. Career prospects are strong in industries focused on innovation and technological advancement.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership or managerial responsibilities.

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.

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 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 can you do with a nano engineering degree?

A nanotechnology engineering degree prepares individuals for roles in research, development, and manufacturing involving nanoscale materials and devices. Graduates can work in industries such as electronics, healthcare, energy, and materials science, often utilizing skills in microscopy, characterization tools, and programming. The degree enables careers in product innovation, quality control, and technical consulting within high-tech environments.
What are popular job titles related to Nanotechnology Engineering jobs in Reston, VA? For Nanotechnology Engineering jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Nanotechnology Engineering jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Nanotechnology Engineering job openings:
Nanotechnology Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nanotechnology Engineering job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,782 per year, or $36.4 per hour.
Nanofabrication Physical Scientist

Nanofabrication Physical Scientist

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site, Remote

$85K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Summary
NIST is seeking a Nanofabrication Physical Scientist to join its Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology. This position focuses on fabrication, lithography, and metrology. The primary aim is to develop processes for nanofabrication and semiconductor systems. The scientist will collaborate with researchers from academia, government and private industry.
This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Nanofabrication Physical Scientist, this role is responsible for process support and development, user training, equipment troubleshooting, and repair of nanofabrication and semiconductor processing systems in a state-of-the-art nanofabrication user facility with researchers from academia, government, and private industry. This position requires extensive work in a class 100cleanroom environment, with the selectee wearing full-body cleanroom attire, including gown, boots, hood, facemask, safety glasses, and gloves
The Candidate will:
  • Provide acquisition, installation, facilitation, maintenance, and operation of semiconductor process equipment.
  • Oversee field service engineers.
  • Calibrate and optimize semiconductor processing equipment.
  • Troubleshoot and repair semiconductor process equipment
  • Collaborate with vendors to update equipment software and hardware as needed to extend the lifespan of the equipment
  • Develop, optimize, and document standard operating procedures for semiconductor equipment maintenance and nanofabrication processes.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications
Individual Occupational Requirements
Basic Requirements:
1. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
2. Combination of education and experience education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized Experience is defined as hands-on experience in:
  • Operation, installation, facilitization, troubleshooting, and maintenance of semiconductor process equipment.
  • Micro and nanofabrication processes and techniques in areas of lithography, deposition, etching, and metrology.
  • Nanofabrication processes and techniques in sputter deposition, electron beam, and thermal evaporation, deep silicon plasma etching, and wafer dicing.
  • Maintaining high-vacuum technology, vacuum chambers, vacuum pumping systems, flanges, leak testing, and wet bench processing.

OR
3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
OR
A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.
If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration
Education
This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.
Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.
Additional information
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!
  • We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
  • Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
  • You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
  • All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
  • A probationary period may be required.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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