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Accelerator Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fermilab

Plant Operator

Batavia, IL · On-site

$28.30 - $34.51/hr

The two major accelerator technologies that the Operations Group supports are magnets (conventional ... What your day-to-day as a Plant Operator at Fermilab will look like: * You will operate and ...

Honeywell

R&D Technician I

Des Plaines, IL

$44K - $56K/yr

We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and ...

New

Honeywell

R&D Technician I

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and ...

Honeywell

R&D Technician I

Des Plaines, IL

$44K - $56K/yr

We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and ...

New

Argonne National Laboratory

Assistant Physicist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$94K - $147K/yr

Demonstrated experience operating an accelerator independently and conducting beam experiments. * Strong knowledge of accelerator theory, accelerator modeling and simulation, beam control, and beam ...

Argonne National Laboratory

Assistant Physicist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$94K - $147K/yr

Demonstrated experience operating an accelerator independently and conducting beam experiments. * Strong knowledge of accelerator theory, accelerator modeling and simulation, beam control, and beam ...

Honeywell

R&D Technician I

Mccook, IL · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and ...

Honeywell

R&D Technician I

Mccook, IL

$44K - $56K/yr

We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and ...

Honeywell

R&D Technician I

Mccook, IL · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and ...

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All JobsAccelerator Operator JobsAccelerator Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Accelerator Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23

$27

$30

How much do accelerator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for accelerator operator in Chicago, IL is $27.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.06 and $29.47 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.

More about Accelerator Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Accelerator Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Accelerator Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Accelerator Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Accelerator Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Accelerator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accelerator Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,781 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Postdoctoral Appointee - mmWave Wakefield Accelerator Development

Postdoctoral Appointee - mmWave Wakefield Accelerator Development

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$70K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory's Accelerator Science Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to contribute to the development of a Sub- THz Collinear Structural Wakefield Accelerator. This exciting project focuses on further development of beam position monitoring structures and high gradient testing of components.
They will play a key role in designing, fabricating, and testing advanced accelerator structures, as well as conducting beam-based experiments.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the design and testing of beam diagnostic device operating at mmWave frequencies.
  • Assist in conducting beam-based experiments, including accelerating gradient tests and breakdown studies of accelerating components.
  • Collaborate with the APS/ASD mechanical engineering group on the fabrication of accelerator components.
  • Work closely with a beam diagnostics physicist and controls group engineer to install and optimize diagnostic systems.
  • Develop and integrate mmWave diagnostics equipment for beam position monitoring and gradient tests.
  • Participate in training opportunities, including attending the US Particle Accelerator School (USPAS).

Position Requirements
  • PhD completed in the past 5 years or soon to complete it in Physics with a focus on accelerator physics, or Electrical Engineering with a focus on RF/Accelerator Physics
  • Strong background in accelerator physics and beam diagnostics.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present research findings.
  • Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
  • Experience with THz or mmWave instrumentation and measurements.
  • Familiarity with high-gradient acceleration and wakefield accelerator concepts.

Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. 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, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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