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Accelerator Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Honeywell

Principal Chemical Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$162K - $203K/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

Senior Quality Control Analyst

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$92K - $116K/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

Principal Chemical Engineer

Des Plaines, IL

$162K - $203K/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

Senior Quality Control Analyst

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$92K - $116K/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

Senior Quality Control Analyst

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$92K - $116K/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 ...

Fermilab

HPRF Technician

Batavia, IL · On-site

$28.30 - $34.51/hr

The Accelerator Division's RF Department is seeking an Electronic Technician with experience in ... operating with high voltages and high currents. • Candidate will fabricate, install, and ...

CNA

Senior AI Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

... operating an AI-native software delivery platform across five capability domains: FeedBack (AI ... Contribute to the App Accelerator domain - maintain and evolve container base images, dev container ...

Fermilab

LLRF FPGA Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Fermilab seeks a highly motivated LLRF System Design Engineer in the Accelerator Division RF Department's Low-Level RF Group to support operating systems in the Booster Synchrotron and new ...

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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 19, 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.
Safety Generalist

Safety Generalist

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

As a member of the laboratory deployed safety team, the ESH Coordinator will provide general safety guidance with primary responsibilities supporting the Accelerator Safety Division (ASD). The ASD environment is highly complex, encompassing particle accelerator operations, high-power radiofrequency (RF) systems, superconducting magnet technology, cryogenic infrastructure, and high-voltage power systems, requiring both broad safety expertise and specialized knowledge of the unique hazards inherent to large-scale accelerator facilities. Serving as a vital link between laboratory health, safety, and environmental programs, programmatic line management, and workers, the ESH Coordinator will collaborate with the ASD to ensure compliance with DOE orders and safety requirements, adapt program execution to meet division-specific needs, and provide guidance on all safety matters.
This role involves communicating tailored safety solutions, supporting line management and workers, leading work planning activities, conducting facility safety inspections, investigating incidents, and serving as a local ES&H resource, among other roles and activities.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Integrated Safety Management:
    • Ensure ESH considerations are embedded in all phases of activities, including design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, operations, and maintenance.
    • Identify hazards and controls within diverse work environments with a focus on electrical, mechanical, and chemical safety.
  • Support:
    • Serve as the primary ESH interface for accelerator systems operations, maintenance, and experimental activities within the ASD.
    • Act as a safety advisor to line management and workers to achieve safe outcomes.
    • Provide solutions to complex safety challenges through hazard evaluations and leveraging expertise and collaboration with subject matter experts.
  • Safety Oversight:
    • Provide ESH oversight and consultation for work involving high-voltage power supplies, pulsed power systems, and RF power amplifiers operating at kilovolt levels.
    • Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E, including arc flash hazard requirements, and appropriate PPE selection.
    • Provide safety guidance for operations involving cryogenic systems, including liquid helium and liquid nitrogen used in superconducting magnet infrastructure.
    • Conduct facility safety inspections, audits, and incident investigations, ensuring appropriate follow-up actions and driving continuous improvement.
    • Coordinates and monitors the deployed Divisions' electrical, industrial, mechanical, chemical, and laser safety work activities.
    • Collaborating with SMEs when appropriate to determine appropriate hazard controls for planned work.
    • Oversee planning and evaluation of spaces for new equipment installations, providing ESH guidance as needed.
  • Policy Development and Representation:
    • Review and provide recommendations on safety policies and procedures based on new standards and regulations.
    • Share changes in safety policies with ASD personnel through regular meetings or other appropriate communications.
    • Develop division policies and procedures as required.
    • Represent the ESH function in interactions with internal and external stakeholders, including DOE site office and Argonne management.

Position Requirements
  • Comprehensive knowledge of OSHA industrial and construction safety practices, DOE orders, Federal codes, and standards.
  • Preferred proficiency in hazardous energy control and electrical safety (AC/DC systems) program requirements.
  • Proficiency in hazard analysis, workplace planning, and control.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all organizational levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate safety into designs, procurements, and workplace practices.
  • Experience in safety oversight of workers and contractors.
  • Sound judgment to recognize when additional subject matter expertise is needed and engage these specialists as necessary.
  • Capacity to acquire competencies in OSHA disciplines relevant to the work performed within the deployed divisions.
  • Commitment to providing timely, responsive and high-quality customer service.
  • Willingness to interact at the customer's work location.
  • Collaborative approach to working as part of a team of deployed safety professionals.
  • Flexability to balance field presence with office-based responsibilities.
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, occupational health & safety, environmental engineering, or a related field and 4+ years of professional safety experience
  • Associate Safety Professions (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or the ability to obtain certification.
  • Specialized expertise in accelerator safety, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and/or working with unique and highly technical scientific instruments and equipment is desired.
  • Knowledge of chemical safety, ergonomics, material handling, energy isolation, and hazard analysis.

This position description documents the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Job Family
Professional Technical (PT)
Job Profile
ESH Multi-Functional 3
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $86,299.00 - $134,626.05.
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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