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Accelerator Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TAE

Accelerator Physicist - Medical Beams

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a part of the TAE Beams group, the Accelerator Physicist will accept responsibilities to develop ... Write detailed specifications, standard operating procedures, and installation and commissioning ...

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Accelerator Operator information

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How much do accelerator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for accelerator operator in California is $27.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.82 and $29.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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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Accelerator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accelerator Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,234 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Accelerator Physics

Associate Staff Scientist - SSRL Accelerator Physics

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

SLAC Job Postings
Position Overview:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's SPEAR3 is one of the four US Department of Energy synchrotron light sources electron storage rings dedicated to producing brilliant X-ray beams. SPEAR3 serves Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a national user facility with a long history of utilizing synchrotron radiation for multi-disciplinary experiments.
We are seeking an Accelerator Physicist to join our Accelerator Physics Group within the SSRL Accelerator Division. This group's responsibilities include:
  • Physics support for the maintenance and operation of the SSRL accelerator complex, which includes an RF electron gun, 120-MeV linear accelerator, a 10-Hz cycling booster synchrotron to accelerate electrons from 120 MeV to 3 GeV, and the main SPEAR3 storage ring that emits x-ray synchrotron radiation from bend magnets, wigglers and undulators.
  • Propose and help design, manage, and execute upgrades of the existing SSRL accelerators to improve their performance and/or reliability.
  • Design a next generation storage ring as a future source to serve the SSRL photon science community.
This is an exciting time for the SSRL accelerator team. The Accelerator Physics Group is exploring options for a next generation light source for SSRL. We are investigating which technologies to push to enhance performance of a future light source beyond sources currently in operation or construction. We are working closely with SSRL photon scientists to establish a strong scientific case for a new SSRL light source.
You r specific responsibilities include:
  • Contribute to the Accelerator Physics Group ongoing effort to maintain and improve the performance of the SPEAR3 storage ring and its injector.
  • Participate in accelerator physics measurements and experiments during our regularly scheduled machine development periods.
  • Contribute to design studies for a future next generation light source for SSRL. This work will include simulations and optimization of linear and nonlinear storage ring dynamics.
  • Other duties may also be assigned.
Note : This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3 to 5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.
Applicants must hold a PhD degree or provide formal confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references for future letters of recommendation.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA. Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require on-site work.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
  • A PhD in accelerator physics or related field or equivalent experience with minimum 2 years of relevant experience in accelerator and storage ring physics.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of storage ring physics including linear and nonlinear beam optics and lattice design.
  • Hands-on accelerator expertise, including the ability to quickly diagnose problems that develop with the accelerators during operations.
  • Aptitude with computer modeling codes as well as strong programming skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to clearly document scientific research and projects.
SLAC employee competencies:
  • Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
  • Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
  • Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
  • Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
  • Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
Physical requirements and Working conditions :
  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Work standards:
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
  • As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
  • Classification Title: Associate Staff Scientist
  • Grade: K, Job code: 1092
  • Duration: 3-year fixed term
The expected pay range for this position is $145,411 - $173,254 per annum
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

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