Nanosystems Engineering Technology

Nanotechnology (or “nanotech”) is the science and engineering of materials at sizes in the nanometre (one billionth of a metre) range.

Our graduates generally work in an environment very similar to a chemistry or biology lab to fabricate devices that are much smaller than can be seen with the naked eye. Graduates typically work with highly advanced and specialized pieces of equipment alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers with diverse backgrounds. You will learn how to function in our clean room lab (highly environmentally controlled) to demonstrate best practices used in numerous industries.

Industry-approved nanosystems training

In this unique program, you’ll gain lab experience and clean room protocols through hands-on sessions in our specialized labs. You’ll become familiar with lithography: a technique used to make devices that you use everyday, such as the motion sensors in your smartphone.  You will learn about the fabrication of devices such as Organic LEDs that you would find on new TVs, and lab-on-a-chip technology where medical tests may be carried out on a hand-held device the size of a mobile phone.

Upon successful completion of the Nanosystems Engineering Technology program, you’ll be able to:

• Demonstrate safe, ethical, and professional conduct in alignment with workplace expectations.
• Use quality management systems to monitor or improve processes and products.
• Apply mathematical, chemical, physical, electronic, and biological concepts to micro- and nano-technology applications.
• Perform industry-relevant laboratory procedures, tasks, and techniques to support laboratory operations.
• Operate process and characterization equipment specific to micro- and nano-technology.
• Analyze and interpret technical data and communicate results in the design, fabrication, and evaluation of micro- and nanodevices and materials.

NAIT Nanosystem grads make an impact

“Gradutes of the Nanosystems Engineering Technology program have consistently proven to be a great fit for our productions teams. The skills and knowledge students gain from this program serve as an invaluable foundation for graduates who aim to make an impact on the frontline of science and technology. “

Matthew Reynolds
Device Manufacturing Director
NORCADA 

Driving innovation in nano-fabrication

"Graduates from the NAIT Nanosystems Engineering Technology program have contributed to many of the advancements that have been made in nano-fabricated systems at Applied Nanotools. Our work in integrated photonics and diffractive optics requires a firm understanding of micro and nano-fabrication methods, and principles, which graduates are uniquely trained in, providing exciting opportunities for science-based work in nanotechnology. The foundation of the program is broad, but also specialized, providing graduates the insights and education to successfully contribute to future work in this field.”

Rob Peters
Project Manager, Applied Nanotools 

Globally, nanotechnology is an emerging market that promises new and interesting opportunities across a variety of applications in many different industries. Alberta now boasts a growing nanotech enterprise sector of more than 70 companies, with many located in the Edmonton region. Nanotechnology is also being used within organizations beyond the nanotechnology industry to solve industrial challenges.

Where can a nanotechnologist work?

After graduating from the Nanosystems Engineering Technology program you may find work in a fast paced, challenging, and team environment with advanced equipment and small scale materials. Jobs are typically found in research and design, health, environmental, and manufacturing areas like:

• microfabrication
• sensors and devices
• nanomaterial synthesis
• clean technology
• consumer products

NAIT Nanosystem grads are prepared

“Nanosystems Engineering Technology is a very diverse program, you get to try your hands in many fields like microbiology, material science, and electronics for a few examples. The instructors are very informative and have a lot of experience in their fields. This program will let you try a lot of really neat things and it’ll open your eyes to the very small world that makes up everything we see and do. Nanotechnology in general has so much potential! “

Abbie G
Nanosystems Engineering Technology ’16,
MEMS Process Technician for NORCADA 

Hear from an employer

“NAIT Nanosystems graduates work closely with our process specialists to run, develop, optimize, and characterize our micro and nanofabrication processes. NAIT graduates have greatly improved the efficiency of our team by providing technical fabrication support across a variety of state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization techniques.  From their training at NAIT, they are quickly able to learn, apply, and assist in improving fabrication techniques or providing insight on impacts of design decisions.”

Steve Rutledge
Process Manager at Avalon Holographics

NAIT Nanosystem grads are prepared

Nanosystems Engineering Technology is a very diverse program, you get to try your hands in many fields like microbiology, material science, and electronics for a few examples. The instructors are very informative and have a lot of experience in their fields. This program will let you try a lot of really neat things and it’ll open your eyes to the very small world that makes up everything we see and do. Nanotechnology in general has so much potential!

Abbie G
Nanosystems Engineering Technology ’16,
MEMS Process Technician for NORCADA

Hear from an employer

“NAIT Nanosystems graduates work closely with our process specialists to run, develop, optimize, and characterize our micro and nanofabrication processes. NAIT graduates have greatly improved the efficiency of our team by providing technical fabrication support across a variety of state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization techniques.  From their training at NAIT, they are quickly able to learn, apply, and assist in improving fabrication techniques or providing insight on impacts of design decisions.”

Steve Rutledge
Process Manager at Avalon Holographics