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Accelerator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Niowave Inc.

Accelerator Operator

Lansing, MI · On-site

Accelerator Operator Who we are... We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We ...

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Operator 4

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Description Job Title Operator 4 Location Los Alamos, NM, US Organization Name AOT-OPS/Accelerator ... As part of the Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division, you'll operate the LANSCE ...

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Operator 4

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

$71K - $112K/yr

As part of the Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division, you'll operate the LANSCE ... Establish and maintain complex operating configurations within strict operating and safety ...

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Accelerator Operator information

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How much do accelerator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for accelerator operator in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do accelerator operators make?

Accelerator operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require technical skills and may work in manufacturing, research facilities, or industrial environments, sometimes with certifications or specialized training.

What does an accelerator operator do?

An accelerator operator is responsible for managing and maintaining particle accelerators used in research or industrial applications. They monitor equipment, ensure safety protocols are followed, and troubleshoot technical issues, often working with control systems and requiring technical training or certifications. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of accelerator facilities and experiments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an accelerator operator, and why are they important?

An accelerator operator controls a particle accelerator during an experiment. A particle accelerator is a complex machine used in physics research that conducts charged particles at near light speed in confined beams. As an accelerator operator, you work directly with the physicist or research team running the experiment and ensure that all the parameters of the experiment are accounted for and set. Your duties and responsibilities are to calibrate the systems, review the schedule, make any adjustments to the particle beam before running the test, and help analyze the outcome.

What are some typical challenges an accelerator operator might face during a shift, and how are they addressed?

Accelerator Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, unexpected fluctuations in beam performance, or strict adherence to safety protocols. Addressing these issues requires quick troubleshooting skills, close collaboration with engineers and physicists, and the ability to follow detailed operational procedures. Operators typically document all anomalies and work closely with technical teams to resolve issues efficiently, ensuring minimal downtime and a safe working environment.

What is the difference between Accelerator Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectAccelerator OperatorPump Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, power plants, manufacturing plantsRefineries, chemical plants, water treatment facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEnergy, manufacturing, research facilitiesOil & gas, chemical, water industries

Both Accelerator Operators and Pump Operators require similar certifications and work in industrial environments. However, Accelerator Operators focus on managing particle accelerators or similar equipment, while Pump Operators handle fluid transfer systems. Their roles are distinct but share overlapping skills in safety and technical operation within industrial settings.

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What cities are hiring for Accelerator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Accelerator Operator job openings:
What states have the most Accelerator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Accelerator Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Accelerator Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Accelerator Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Accelerator Operator jobs? For Accelerator Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Accelerator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accelerator Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,000 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Accelerator Operator

Niowave Inc.

Lansing, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Accelerator Operator
Who we are…
We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We believe in building an environment where collaboration, curiosity, and camaraderie thrive. We also enjoy darts, cornhole, ping-pong, chili cook-offs, and other fun events that makes our company a community where we make a life, not just a living.
Who you are…
You are a naturally curious and detail-oriented problem solver who thrives in technically complex, high-responsibility environments. You enjoy understanding how systems work at a deep level and take pride in monitoring, optimizing, and troubleshooting sophisticated equipment to keep operations running smoothly.
Calm under pressure and methodical in your approach, you’re energized by diagnosing issues, interpreting data, and making thoughtful adjustments that improve performance and reliability. You’re a collaborative teammate who communicates clearly and builds trust across disciplines, while also being a self-starter who takes ownership of your work.
You value precision, safety, and accountability, and you’re motivated by contributing to meaningful outcomes through disciplined operations, continuous improvement, and strong teamwork.
What you can expect to work on…
The Accelerator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a linear accelerator to support continuous radioisotope production. This position monitors and optimizes beam performance, troubleshoots system issues, maintains control systems, and ensures compliance with GMP and radiation safety standards.
  • Monitor real-time linear accelerator performance, including beam parameters, radiation levels, and system diagnostics, using advanced control software and instrumentation
  • Operate and adjust control systems to optimize production cycles, troubleshooting anomalies to minimize downtime and ensure product quality
  • Conduct routine system checks, calibrations, and preventive maintenance on electrical controls, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and associated hardware
  • Collaborate with physicists, engineers, and technicians to implement operational protocols and respond to production demands
  • Maintain detailed logs of operations, incidents, and maintenance activities in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and radiation safety guidelines
  • Respond to alarms and emergencies, executing shutdown procedures, and coordinating with safety teams to mitigate risks
  • Participate in shift rotations, including potential evenings or weekends, to support 24/7 production needs
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, such as updating control algorithms or integrating new monitoring technologies
What you need to succeed…
  • Embraces and models the Niowave Core Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal
  • Understands how to integrate into a new team/organization – appreciates the history of current state, know how and when to make suggestions, as well as using just the right pace to reach the improved future state
  • Understands your own communication and learning styles, can assess others’ styles, and is able to find the right path to best connect with colleagues
  • Associate's degree or equivalent in electrical engineering technology, industrial controls, physics, or related discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in electrical systems, industrial automation, or control room operations
  • Strong foundational knowledge in engineering principles, including circuit theory, control systems, and basic physics
  • Proficiency with control software, SCADA systems, or similar interfaces; familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, multimeters, and diagnostic equipment
  • Displays excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
  • Possesses ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines
  • Is a resilient self-starter, who learns and acts quickly, and has keen attention to detail
Great to have…
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology, industrial controls, physics, or a related discipline
  • Prior experience working with particle accelerators, cyclotrons, or similar high-energy physics equipment
  • Certification in industrial controls (e.g., ISA Certified Control Systems Technician) or radiation safety (e.g., NRRPT)
  • Background in pharmaceutical manufacturing or radiochemistry, with understanding of isotope production processes
  • Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, LabVIEW) for optimizing accelerator performance
Other things to know…
  • Full-time position
  • Niowave’s standard operating hours are Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with production related activities requiring 24/7/365 shifts
  • This position will be assigned to a shift rotation
  • Niowave has multiple locations within the Lansing area and travel between locations is expected in the role
Please provide a cover letter specifically describing the nature of your background and experience as it relates to this position.

Apply