1

Accelerator Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Leading strategy and transformation workstreams for clients across business, operating model, and ... proprietary accelerators, and deep technical talent, we help you unlock the promise of the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Accelerator Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$22

$25

$28

How much do accelerator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for accelerator operator in Michigan is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $27.40 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.

What are popular job titles related to Accelerator Operator jobs in Michigan? For Accelerator Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Accelerator Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Accelerator Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Accelerator Operator jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Accelerator Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Accelerator Operator jobs in MI? For Accelerator Operator jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Manufacturing Engineer - 2nd Shift - Plant 3

Manufacturing Engineer - 2nd Shift - Plant 3

Howmet Aerospace

Whitehall, MI

$69K - $89K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Howmet Aerospace rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 155 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

This 2nd shift Manufacturing Engineer will be located in Plant 3, Whitehall Casting Operation, and will support manufacturing by providing focused projects that will improve throughput, reduce inventory & reduce operating expenses. This position will drive reduction of labor costs through cellular manufacturing and new/improved methods & equipment. Must be able to apply standard practices and techniques, adjust and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and take corrective action. Will document work, prepare technical notes/reports/documents and establish customer contacts (internal & external) as required.

Responsibilities

This position is responsible for developing manufacturing methods to produce parts that consistently meet or exceed our customers’ requirements. Also, continuous improvement of processes by improving methods and developing new methods of manufacturing, leading to increased yields and reduced labor content. 

  • Conceives, evaluates and implements problem solving activities, cost reduction initiatives and part/process improvement activities.
  • External customer escapes - Investigates and analyzes root cause. Develops and implements correction action plans.
  • General Technical Support - Collects data and answers customer requests. 
  • Quotation Prep - Develops material, scrap and labor costs for cost modeling.
  • Tooling Development and Build - Attends NPI meeting and provides input based on customer specifications for BOM, routings and milestone plans. Provides manufacturing support fixtures and dies.
  • Process Development - Provides manufacturing support for prototypes, instructions and data analysis.
  • Equipment Design, Build and Procure - Troubleshoots, validates and qualifies equipment.
  • Cell and Standard Work Development - Conducts time studies.         Develops cell layout
  • Part Number Scrap Reduction and Yield Improvement - Collects data and analysis. Attends QSI meeting
  • Floor Coverage and Support - Completes general daily process walk through.  Collects data and analysis
  • Standard Labor and Process Time Reduction - Analyzes shift labor efficiencies and affectivities. Conducts cost modeling. Implements tooling change
  • Deviant Part Review and Disposition - Reviews scrap in all areas

Job Roles 

  • Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
  • Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
  • Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
  • Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions
  • Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
  • Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
  • Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the “why” behind actions
  • Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist
  • Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a “win together” ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution
  • Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous internship, co-op experience, or previous work experience in a manufacturing environment or lab environment
  • BS degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Technology
  • Experience in Kaizen, continuous improvement and formal problem solving
  • Excellent analytical skills, verbal & written communication skills (such as Standard Operating Procedure development)
  • Ability to perform and analyze time studies to develop standardized work and set labor standards
  • Ability to create capacity analysis tools that capture machine cycle times, workloads and OEE
  • Experience in the implementation of improved manufacturing processes, such as new and better equipment (including defining scope of work, technology research, quote procurement from vendors, budget setting, equipment installation and start-up, project management of improvement projects) 
  • Experience in defining and implementing cell layout, plant layout and ergonomically designed workstations
  • Experience in export control regulations (commercial and/or military shipments across international borders) 
  • Utilization of observation skills to drive NVA (Non-Value Add) waste elimination, reduced operation cycle times and product flow analysis
  • Ability to provide technical leadership and guidance to the manufacturing areas through the use of cross-functional teams
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints
  • Experience with CAD (2D and/or 3D)

What Howmet Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Howmet Aerospace logo

About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888