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Accelerator Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vercel

AI Accelerator Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

They will be built, extended, and operated by agents. We are building the platform for that future ... The Vercel AI Accelerator gives us early access to promising AI-native founders before they have ...

TAE

Accelerator Physicist - Medical Beams

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

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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All JobsAccelerator Operator JobsAccelerator Operator Jobs in California

Accelerator Operator information

See California salary details

$23

$27

$30

How much do accelerator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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.

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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Accelerator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accelerator Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,234 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
AI Accelerator Lead

AI Accelerator Lead

Vercel

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Vercel:
Vercel is the agentic infrastructure company. We free people and agents to ship what's next.
For more than a decade, Vercel has shaped how the web is built. As the team behind Next.js, v0, and AI SDK, we create products that help builders move from idea to production with speed, security, and exceptional developer experience.
Now, software is entering a new era, and the next generation of products will not just be used by people. They will be built, extended, and operated by agents.
We are building the platform for that future, trusted by companies like OpenAI, PayPal, Ramp, Supreme, and millions of developers worldwide. Whether you're building our products, supporting our customers, growing our community, or shaping our story, you'll help define what comes next.
About the Role:
Vercel is seeking an AI Accelerator Lead to own the Vercel AI Accelerator end to end and help make it the best program for pre-seed and idea-stage founders building the next generation of AI applications.
The Vercel AI Accelerator gives us early access to promising AI-native founders before they have made long-term infrastructure decisions, built their full stack, raised institutional capital, or locked in their go-to-market motion. This role will own the full program lifecycle across strategy, applications, selection, cohort experience, programming, founder engagement, community, partner credits, Builder Day, Demo Day, content, and post-program follow-up.
You'll work closely with our Startups, Community, Content, Media, Product Marketing, Developer Relations, Partnerships, and Events teams to create a world-class founder experience that helps technical founders move from idea to product, and product to company.
This role is ideal for an operator who understands early-stage startups, is excited by AI-native company creation, can manage complex cross-functional programs, and knows how to create community, content, and founder trust at the same time.
What You Will Do:
  • Own the Vercel AI Accelerator strategy, roadmap, operating model, and execution end to end, with the goal of running multiple high-quality cohorts per year.
  • Design and run a repeatable program for pre-seed and idea-stage AI founders, helping them move from early idea to working product, clearer company narrative, and stronger technical foundation on Vercel.
  • Own the full cohort lifecycle, including applications, selection, founder onboarding, programming, community engagement, partner credits, Demo Day, post-program follow-up and content.
  • Build scalable systems for application review, founder communications, partner activation, content production, and cohort operations.
  • Partner with Startups, Community, Content, Product Marketing, Vercel Media, Developer Relations, Product, and Engineering to create a world-class founder experience and surface strong founder stories.
  • Build trusted relationships with founders, VCs, accelerators, operators, and AI ecosystem partners, and bring founder insights back into Vercel's product, marketing, community, and startup strategies.

About You:
  • 5+ years of experience in startup programs, accelerators, ecosystem, community, partnerships, founder relations, venture, or strategic programs, ideally in a high-growth technology or developer-focused company.
  • Experience owning complex programs end to end, from strategy through execution, measurement, and iteration.
  • Deep understanding of early-stage founders, especially pre-seed, idea-stage, or technical founders building from 0 to 1.
  • Strong interest in AI-native startups, developer tools, infrastructure, and the changing ways founders are building products with AI.
  • Proven ability to build high-quality founder or community experiences that combine programming, relationships, content, and operational excellence.
  • Strong cross-functional operator who can work effectively across Startups, Community, Content, Media, Product Marketing, Developer Relations, Product, Engineering, Partnerships, Events, Legal, and Sales.
  • Strong editorial and storytelling instincts, with the ability to identify compelling founder stories and turn them into useful internal or external content.
  • Clear, concise communicator who is comfortable engaging technical founders, managing ambiguity, and building repeatable systems for scale.

Bonus If You:
  • Have built or run an accelerator, fellowship, founder community, demo day, or venture-backed startup program.
  • Have worked directly with pre-seed or idea-stage founders, AI startups, OSS developers, or technical founder communities.
  • Have experience creating content programs, founder spotlights, cohort announcements, or media moments around startup communities.
  • Have worked with developer-first products or are familiar with modern web and AI tooling such as Vercel, Next.js, v0, AI SDK, AI Gateway, Cursor, Claude Code, or similar tools.
  • Have hosted or produced founder-facing events, workshops, demo days, or community gatherings.
  • Have been a founder, early startup employee, investor, operator, or community builder yourself.

Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation package, including equity.
  • Inclusive Healthcare Package.
  • Learn and Grow - we provide mentorship and send you to events that help you build your network and skills.
  • Flexible Time Off.
  • We will provide you the gear you need to do your role, and a WFH budget for you to outfit your space as needed.

The San Francisco, CA base pay range for this role is $114,000 - $172,000. Actual salary will be based on job-related skills, experience, and location. Compensation outside of San Francisco may be adjusted based on employee location. The total compensation package may include benefits, equity-based compensation, and eligibility for a company bonus or variable pay program depending on the role. Your recruiter can share more details during the hiring process.
Vercel is committed to fostering and empowering an inclusive community within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Vercel encourages everyone to apply for our available positions, even if they don't necessarily check every box on the job description.

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