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Accelerator Physics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pacific Fusion

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Experience in fusion, plasma physics, accelerator physics, defense, or other high-consequence technical environments. * Familiarity with vacuum systems, cryogenics, high-voltage hardware, or pulsed ...

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How much do accelerator physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for accelerator physics in California is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is accelerator physics?

An Accelerator Physics job involves the study, design, operation, and improvement of particle accelerators, which are used in scientific research, medicine, and industry. Professionals in this field work on beam dynamics, electromagnetic fields, and advanced technologies to enhance accelerator performance. They may develop new accelerator concepts, troubleshoot operational issues, and collaborate with physicists, engineers, and computational scientists. These roles are found in national laboratories, universities, and private companies specializing in accelerator technology.

What does an accelerator physicist do?

Accelerator physicists are responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing particle accelerators, often collaborating with engineers and technicians to maintain and modify equipment. Their day-to-day tasks may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, running computational simulations, troubleshooting technical issues, and documenting results for research publications. They also participate in project meetings and may contribute to facility upgrades or new accelerator development. The role often requires balancing hands-on work in laboratories with theoretical calculations and computer modeling, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in accelerator physics?

To excel in Accelerator Physics, a strong background in physics or engineering, typically at the PhD level, and deep knowledge of particle accelerators are required. Familiarity with simulation software, data acquisition systems, and control systems such as EPICS is crucial, and relevant certifications in radiation safety or laboratory practices may also be necessary. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and the successful execution of complex experiments. These capabilities enable professionals to troubleshoot sophisticated equipment, contribute to scientific innovation, and ensure safe and efficient facility operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Accelerator Physics jobs in California?

The most popular types of Accelerator Physics jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Accelerator Physics jobs in California?

For Accelerator Physics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Accelerator Physics jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Accelerator Physics jobs in California are:

Accelerator Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accelerator Physics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,184 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

ASKUSR0144872 - Radiation Physicist / Radiation Protection Engineer

Essnova Solutions, Inc.

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Radiation Physicist / Radiation Protection Engineer - Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U)
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) - Berkeley, CA
Project: Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U)
Contract Environment: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Anticipated Period of Performance: Approximately 3 years, beginning upon contract award and continuing through completion of ALS-U Dark Time activities
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Radiation Physicist / Radiation Protection Engineer to provide professional radiation physics consulting services in support of the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) Project at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
The successful candidate will provide technical expertise supporting accelerator, beamline, and associated facility systems throughout design, procurement, fabrication, installation, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness.
This position will perform radiation physics and radiation protection engineering activities including radiation shielding evaluations, radiation transport analyses, ALARA evaluations, radiological hazard assessments, technical and design reviews, field assessments, and radiation safety support.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide radiation protection engineering expertise for ALS-U systems and facilities.
  • Perform and/or review radiation shielding evaluations.
  • Perform radiation transport analyses.
  • Conduct ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) evaluations and planning.
  • Participate in radiation protection design reviews.
  • Evaluate radiological hazards associated with accelerator systems and experimental equipment.
  • Provide technical recommendations supporting engineering and design decisions.
  • Perform accelerator radiation safety evaluations throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Support safety-basis documentation.
  • Review accelerator modifications and evaluate proposed changes for potential radiological impacts.
  • Support configuration-management activities affecting radiation safety.
  • Participate in technical reviews of engineering drawings, specifications, design packages, procurement documentation, installation plans, test procedures, operating procedures, and readiness documentation.
  • Perform or support radiological hazard assessments for project work.
  • Evaluate potential worker radiation exposure.
  • Review work-planning documentation and recommend appropriate engineering and administrative controls.
  • Develop, review, and revise radiation protection documentation, including technical reports, engineering calculations, procedures, technical basis documents, engineering memoranda, design-review comments, compliance documentation, and lessons learned.
  • Provide field support during installation, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.
  • Conduct walkdowns and field observations and assist with resolution of technical radiation-protection issues.
  • Evaluate changing field conditions and provide recommendations supporting safe execution of work.
  • Support compliance with applicable federal, DOE, LBNL, and ALS-U requirements.
  • Participate in DOE reviews and independent assessments.
  • Prepare technical presentations, review materials, responses, corrective actions, and supporting documentation.
  • Coordinate with the ALS-U Project Office, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Procurement, EH&S, Systems Engineering, and other project stakeholders.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree or higher in Health Physics, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Radiation Physics, or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline; or an equivalent combination of advanced education and directly relevant professional experience.
  • 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in radiation physics, health physics, radiation protection, accelerator radiation safety, or a closely related technical field.
  • Demonstrated experience performing radiation shielding evaluations and/or radiation transport analyses for accelerator, beamline, nuclear, research, industrial, or other complex radiation-generating systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of radiological hazard assessment and radiation-protection principles, including application of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles.
  • Experience evaluating radiation hazards associated with the design, installation, testing, commissioning, modification, or operation of complex technical systems or facilities.
  • Experience developing or reviewing technical radiation-safety documentation, including shielding calculations, radiation analyses, hazard assessments, procedures, technical-basis documents, compliance documentation, or technical reports.
  • Experience interpreting and applying applicable radiation-protection regulations, standards, and technical requirements.
  • Ability to independently perform complex technical evaluations and provide defensible radiation-protection recommendations to engineering, project, safety, and technical stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex radiation-physics concepts and technical findings effectively to multidisciplinary engineering, scientific, project-management, and safety teams.
Strongly Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct professional experience supporting an accelerator, synchrotron light source, particle accelerator, beamline, nuclear facility, Department of Energy facility, or National Laboratory.
  • 5+ years of accelerator radiation shielding and/or accelerator radiation-protection experience.
  • Experience with Monte Carlo radiation-transport modeling, such as FLUKA, Geant4, MCNP, or comparable computational tools.
  • Knowledge and practical application of 10 CFR 835, DOE-STD-1098, DOE O 420.2D, and other applicable DOE radiation-protection or accelerator-safety requirements.
  • Experience performing radiation-physics evaluations for accelerator and beamline shielding, penetrations, radiation-generating devices, access-control systems, or radiation safety systems.
  • Experience supporting engineering and design reviews, including review of drawings, specifications, equipment designs, shielding configurations, installation plans, and test or commissioning procedures.
  • Experience supporting accelerator commissioning, radiation measurements, readiness reviews, operational readiness activities, or facility authorization.
  • Experience developing or maintaining formal radiation-protection programs, technical-basis documents, or facility radiation-safety requirements.
  • Experience interacting with DOE, regulatory authorities, independent reviewers, or external technical review teams.
  • Previous experience within the DOE National Laboratory complex.
  • Certification by the American Board of Health Physics (CHP) or eligibility for certification is highly desirable.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate combines a strong radiation-physics or radiation-protection engineering background with practical experience supporting complex technical facilities.
Experience within accelerator, national laboratory, DOE, nuclear, high-energy physics, research facility, or similarly regulated environments would be particularly relevant to the ALS-U mission.
The individual should be comfortable moving between analytical engineering work and field execution-from performing shielding and transport analyses and reviewing technical designs to conducting field walkdowns and supporting installation, testing, commissioning, and readiness activities.

Apply