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Accelerator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Analyst - DLA TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$101K - $134K/yr

About the Role At BMNT, Senior Analysts are operators responsible for driving execution across the ... Technology Accelerator Execution * Own execution of assigned Technology Accelerator projects from ...

Senior Analyst - DLA TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$101K - $134K/yr

About the Role At BMNT, Senior Analysts are operators responsible for driving execution across the ... Technology Accelerator Execution * Own execution of assigned Technology Accelerator projects from ...

Senior Analyst - DLA TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR

Arlington, VA · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

About the Role At BMNT, Senior Analysts are operators responsible for driving execution across the ... Technology Accelerator Execution * Own execution of assigned Technology Accelerator projects from ...

Technical Account Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$72.31 - $90.39/hr

Support delivery of Success Accelerators (Operating Model & Change Management, Digital Strategy & Roadmaps, Tool Workflow & Governance Optimization) and remove value blockers. * Capture and report ...

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How much do accelerator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for accelerator operator in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $29.09 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 cities are hiring for Accelerator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Accelerator Operator job openings:
What states have the most Accelerator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Accelerator Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Accelerator Operator jobs? For Accelerator Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Accelerator Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 81% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,000 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Computational Electrodynamics Accelerator Physicist 2/3

Computational Electrodynamics Accelerator Physicist 2/3

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

What You Will Do
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division Applied Electrodynamics (AOT-AE) group is seeking a Scientist 2/3/4 to provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in all aspects of design and modeling of accelerating structures and ion beam physics. We look for candidates with expertise in ion source modeling, RF structure modeling, electromagnetic components modeling, and start-to-end beam dynamics simulations. This particular position will be funded by the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP), and the successful candidate will engage in design developmental activities for the LAMP accelerator, including interactions with experimental physicists and engineers at various test stands associated with LAMP.
This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Scientist 2: $106,400-$176,000

The selected Scientist 2 will provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in one or more of the following areas:
  • Simulations of RF structures and electromagnetic components in CST, COMSOL, HFSS or similar software;
  • Beam physics simulations with IMPACT-T, GPT, CST Particle Studio, Elegant, or similar software; and
  • Knowledge of advanced RF structure and beamline optimizations techniques, including but not limited to those employing machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Scientist 3: $128,000-$215,900
The selected Scientist 3 will provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in one or more of the following areas:
  • Modeling and simulations of RF-driven H- sources, such as SNS-type sources;
  • Modeling and simulations of RF-driven H+ sources, e.g. ECR-type sources; and
  • Design and optimization of ion accelerators incorporating H+ or H- ion sources, radiofrequency quadrupoles, drift-tube linacs, and RF accelerating structures.
  • Development of new projects and leading proposals in his area of expertise.


What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated experience in simulation and design of hydrogen ion sources, RF structures and components, and/or ion beamlines similar to those required to demonstrate key operating parameters of the LAMP ion source.
  • Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding the expectations of customers and stakeholders in a research organization focused on particle accelerators and in meeting commitments and deliverables.
  • Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills, with both internal and external collaborators and sponsors.

Education/Experience at Level 2: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference will be given to candidates with a Master's or a PhD degrees.
Education/Experience at Level 3: Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD degree.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to develop technical programs in partnership with others.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience and skills in setting priorities and assigning tasks, performance evaluation, mentoring of employees, coaching, team building, and conflict resolution.
  • Demonstrated ability to nurture and develop research, engineering, and technical support staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage, either directly or matrixed, a group of greater than 10 people.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage a multi-million-dollar budget.
  • Knowledge of Laboratory, DOD, DOE, and other national programs of relevance to the Group and Division's activities.
  • A clear vision of what the future of particle accelerators should look like and how this relates to both existing technology and what technology might look like in the coming years.
  • Demonstrated success in setting priorities for and leading efficient, graded implementation of safety, security and safeguards, environmental management, and other core Laboratory business requirements.
  • A current Q clearance, or the ability to obtain such, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Note to Applicants:
Each applicant must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the required skills for full consideration.
Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the largest accelerator capability organization within LANL with over 200 employees. AOT is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and improvements to the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) particle accelerator complex. The LANSCE accelerator provides 800-MeV protons used in five separate, but simultaneously operated user programs. Beam/user operations (24/7) run for roughly seven months of the year with the remaining five months reserved for maintenance and upgrades.
In addition to our responsibilities to the LANSCE programs, AOT also supports several large and small internal and external projects as well as doing fundamental research and development in the area of accelerator science, technology, and engineering.
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

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