Accelerator Operator I, Main Control Room

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Relocation is available for this position.

About the Role:

Be part of the many disciplines of physics needed for the new frontier in high intensity particle accelerator operation here at Fermilab. As an Accelerator Operator you will experience practical application of electronics, mechanics, magnetism, cryogenics and more via computer control of the multitude of system parameters. Join the team that will challenge your adaptive creativity to learn the skills of operating Fermilab’s unique accelerator complex. Enter the Accelerator Operations Department as an Accelerator Operator I and see theory put into practice while expanding your fundamental understanding of High Energy Physics.

Fermilab’s Accelerator Division seeks an Operator I. Working in the Fermilab Main Control Room, an Operator I provides support for the Laboratory's particle accelerators, beam transport systems, and experimental beam lines. As an Operator I, you will apply general physics concepts and acquire a basic knowledge of accelerator equipment, control systems and operational procedures to assist in the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Accelerator complex.

As an Operator, you will work under the supervision of a Crew Chief in the Main Control Room, operating and tuning the particle accelerators and beam transport systems as required by the current operating schedule and safety requirements. Working hours include rotating shifts, overtime, and some weekends in support of 24/7 coverage of accelerators. Looking for 3+ year commitment.

What your Day-today as an Accelerator Operator I at Fermilab will look like:

• Learn accelerator operations through On-The-Job training (OJT) while working in the Main Control Room with more experienced Operators.
• Use physics concepts to understand basic beam theory necessary for tuning beam
• Work in the Main Control Room with a crew of trained Operators to run the particle accelerators throughout the accelerator complex.
• Work with machine experts while learning, tuning and troubleshooting various aspects of the accelerators.
• Perform basic technical repairs and maintain equipment including electronics and control systems.
• Learn and follow, Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO), safety and operating procedures.
• Maintain a working knowledge of electrical and radiation safety systems.
• Search and secure the tunnel enclosures and activate safety interlock systems.
• Acknowledge and respond to accelerator alarms.
• Maintain all essential training for safe operation of the accelerators.
• Respect, understand and value individual differences that embody the principles of diversity.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor Degree in physics, and 0-2+ years’ experience.

Physical Activity and Work Conditions

HUMAN FACTORS: Heights, Mental Concentration, Sitting, Standing, Walking, Visually Demanding, Tight Work Schedule, Visually Demanding

• Ability to legally be able to operate cars and light trucks.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs of up to fifteen (15) flights (i.e., ~ 225 steps).
• Ability to safely climb ladders and maneuver around controls racks.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work in underground enclosures.
• Ability to traverse uneven, slippery surfaces.
• Ability to maneuver around equipment, magnets and beam pipes in enclosures.
• Ability to understand and manipulate high voltage switch gear while wearing PPE.

Applicable Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required:

• Electronics and/or technical work experience.
• Ability to abide by all environment, safety and health regulations, Laboratory policies, procedures, and practices.
• Ability to work through and successfully complete an On-the-Job Training program.
• Must demonstrate ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with physicists, engineers, and a variety of other staff members who build and maintain the accelerator systems.
• Ability to frequently communicate clearly on the telephone, occasionally for extended periods.
• Ability to analyze problems skillfully and make sound decisions.
• Ability to plan work, proceed with a task and make constructive and/or innovative suggestions.
• Ability to read drawings and schematics preferred.
• Ability to look at the overall picture while paying attention to important details.
• Learning new software to operate accelerator equipment.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances in the Main Control Room.
• Ability and willingness to work harmoniously with others in a fast-paced environment.
• Responding positively to instructions, procedures, and coaching feedback.
• Commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

PHYSICAL FACTORS: Confined Space, Cryogens, High Voltage, Magnetic Fields, Ionizing Radiation, Oxygen Deficiency Hazard Areas.

• Ability to visit and work in remote locations on-site.
• Ability to occasionally work outside in hot and cold weather.
• Ability to qualify for work in Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH) areas
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to qualify and work in radiological and cryogenic areas, such as accelerator enclosures is required.
• Ability to work in magnetic fields and near high voltage.
• Ability to ride elevators to underground tunnel enclosures.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Eye/Face Protection, Foot Protection, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Head Protection, Tyvek clothing, flame-resistant clothing, including additional safety protection as required.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.