Nanosystems engineers design and develop systems at the molecular and atomic scale. The work is research-intensive, requires advanced study in physics and chemistry, and sits at the frontier of engineering innovation. You will need a doctoral degree to enter the field.
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Nanosystems engineers analyze complex data and information to solve problems at the nanoscale. You will think creatively about new materials and systems, work with computers to model and simulate behavior, and process technical information from physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Much of your time goes to getting information from research, making decisions about design and testing approaches, and working through the engineering and technology knowledge required to push the field forward. Your work bridges multiple scientific disciplines.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Nanosystems Engineers earn a median of $122,930 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 9,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Plan to earn a doctoral degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field. Your undergraduate and graduate coursework will build deep knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computers and electronics. You will develop strong reading comprehension, critical thinking, and science skills through lab work, research projects, and thesis development. Graduate programs often involve hands-on research experience. Talk with your counselor about which doctoral programs align with nanosystems work and what preparation you need before applying.
The doctoral route is the standard path into nanosystems engineering. Since the field is specialized and the education timeline is long, Pathly can map the nanosystem engineer path that fits you with your counselor to map out your undergraduate major, graduate program selection, and research opportunities that will position you for this career.
Many nanosystem engineers must be licensed to practice.
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to investigative work that requires deep analysis, creative problem-solving, and the ability to work across scientific disciplines. You enjoy research, data, and pushing the boundaries of what is known.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).