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Accelerator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nusano

Accelerator Operator

West Valley City, UT · On-site

A Particle Accelerator Operator will work with engineering and physics teams to install and qualify particle accelerators and other process equipment related to isotope production. The Accelerator ...

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 ...

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How much do accelerator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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 particle accelerator operators make?

Particle accelerator operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often require technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of complex equipment to operate and maintain accelerators safely and efficiently.

What jobs can you get with a particle physics degree?

A particle physics degree can qualify you for roles such as accelerator operator, research scientist, data analyst, or laboratory technician. These positions often require strong analytical skills, familiarity with scientific equipment, and knowledge of programming and data analysis tools. Many roles are found in research institutions, government labs, or high-energy physics facilities.

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

To thrive as an Accelerator Operator, you need a solid background in physics or engineering, strong mathematical skills, and often at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with accelerator control systems, vacuum technology, radiation safety protocols, and relevant certifications like radiation worker training are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help operators manage complex procedures and collaborate effectively with scientific teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the safe, efficient, and precise operation of particle accelerators used in research and industry.

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 Is an Accelerator Operator?

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Jobs that can pay $500,000 or more annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as successful entrepreneurs, high-level investment bankers, and certain specialized medical professionals like surgeons. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve significant responsibilities or ownership stakes.

What are Accelerator Operators?

Accelerator Operators are professionals who control and monitor particle accelerators—large machines used in scientific research to accelerate subatomic particles to high speeds. They are responsible for starting, adjusting, and shutting down accelerator equipment, as well as troubleshooting issues and ensuring safe operation. Accelerator Operators work closely with scientists and engineers to support experiments in fields such as physics, materials science, and medicine. Their role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow strict safety protocols.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,000 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Accelerator Operator

Accelerator Operator

Nusano

West Valley City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
At Nusano, we are working to empower the world's leading companies, health care providers, and innovators with the radioisotopes needed to advance cancer care. Our state-of-the-art facility in West Valley City, Utah will produce radioisotopes quickly, efficiently, and affordably. This will make desperately needed resources available to hospitals and cancer clinics around the world and offer those with life-threatening diseases hope for a healthier tomorrow.
A Particle Accelerator Operator will work with engineering and physics teams to install and qualify particle accelerators and other process equipment related to isotope production. The Accelerator Operator will participate in a preventive maintenance program to ensure safe, reliable, and life-cycle accelerator operations. This position will interface with scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians, and will also work with high-vacuum, electromagnet, RF, process cooling, electronics, controls, mechanical, and cryogenic systems. It requires background performing similar work in laboratories or accelerator settings. This role will provide end-to-end system support and will participate in various experiments throughout the project, including final beam commissioning.
Responsibilities
What You'll Do:
  • Assemble, qualify, and operate accelerator and related subsystems and components
  • Operate and tune the accelerator and beam transport systems as needed by managing schedule and safety requirements using standard and proprietary software to control accelerator parameters
  • Diagnose equipment malfunctions and perform advanced troubleshooting to identify and repair or replace defective components. Elevate issues as required
  • Develop maintenance and repair procedures to reduce downtime and improve safety
  • Maintain a working knowledge of electrical and radiation safety systems
  • Lead safe operations, adhering to Personal Protection System (PPS), Machine Protection System (MPS), and other safety requirements
  • Monitor overall system health, maintain appropriate logs, and communicate deviations to the operations manager
  • Control access to restricted areas
  • Maintain training to meet safety and operational requirements
  • Communicate technical information in a diverse, multi-cultural environment
  • Work independently to complete assignments, including physical activities such as lifting objects and participating in radiological activities that require multiple layers of PPE and a respirator
  • Work with electronic test equipment and tools (handheld and benchtop devices)
  • This position will be assigned to working hours that correspond with shift rotations that require 24/7/365 coverage

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering or related field with at least 1 year of operations experience; associate's degree candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered
  • Diagnostic skills and experience in troubleshooting one or more of the following: electrical, mechanical, vacuum, RF, electromagnet, cryogenic, controls, and high voltage systems
  • Experience following and writing formal procedures and understanding technical drawings and schematics
  • Able to work with a wide variety of hand and power tools
  • Experience with electrical work (cable assembly, soldering, testing, etc.)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Leadership, communication, teamwork, and team player skills

Preferred Requirements:
  • Particle accelerator operations experience
  • Proficient with precision mechanical inspection tools (calipers, micrometer, height gauge, etc.)
  • Experience with high-voltage and high-power electronics
  • Experience with RF systems and vacuum-electron devices (tubes, klystrons)

Physical Requirements:
  • Work to be conducted in an office environment, laboratories, engineering, R&D, and/or production environment
  • Must be comfortable working within radiation environments
  • Work in this environment may involve exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, including high voltage, strong magnetic fields, chemicals, cryogenic substances, and radiological sources. These hazards require specialized training, strict adherence to safety procedures, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Must be able to sit for long periods of time
  • Frequent use of computer with repetitive use of keyboard, mouse, and manual dexterity
  • Must be able to lift, push, and/or pull a maximum of 50 pounds
  • Ability to travel 2-4 weeks per year for training, attending conferences, and other business needs

About Nusano:
Nusano is a privately held physics company working to stabilize supply chains, advance American national security, and enable once-in-a-generation innovations in fields ranging from healthcare to nuclear energy.
Nusano is commercializing platform technologies for radioisotope production, stable isotope enrichment, and advanced separation techniques. Together, these proprietary systems and methods are poised to supply the fight against cancer and help fuel the nuclear renaissance.
Our team of innovators - bring curiosity, ingenuity, and heart to solving some of the world's hardest problems.
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About Nusano

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Valencia, CA, US

Year founded

2013

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