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flextoninc

Radiation Physics Support

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$95/hr

Radiation Physics Support Duration: 2026-10-01 to 2027-09-30 Rate :$95/hr on W2 Job Summary Job ... Support accelerator radiation safety and radiological design activities. * Conduct ALARA ...

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How much do accelerator physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for accelerator physics in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 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.

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Accelerator Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accelerator Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Staff Engineer 2 - Protection Systems

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position overview:
Are you passionate about solving complex technical challenges in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment? Do you thrive in a world-class scientific research setting, contributing to breakthrough discoveries and working with cutting-edge experimental instrumentation? Join the Operations Division of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) as a safety systems engineer in the Protection Systems Group.
The Machine Protection System (MPS) Engineer is responsible for the safety and reliability of the equipment of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. This role is a balance of operational support and systems engineering: you will maintain the existing protection systems that keep this world-class particle accelerator facility running while leading the critical upgrade of our aging infrastructure to modern standards. You will ensure that vacuum failures, magnet faults, or beam instabilities are detected and mitigated in microseconds, protecting both the storage ring and the advanced scientific instrumentation that relies on it, critical in enabling the high-impact research performed by SSRL's international research community.
Your specific responsibilities include:
  • Infrastructure Modernization: Drive the phased migration of legacy MPS hardware to modern PLC-based interlock systems. Design "bridge" interfaces that allow new PLC racks to communicate with existing legacy chassis during multi-year upgrade cycles.
  • Legacy Facility Support: Act as the subject matter expert for the current protection interlocks. Troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate legacy vacuum gauge controllers and relay-based logic to minimize downtime for the SSRL scientific user program.
  • PLC Logic Development: Architect and program safety-critical interlock logic using Studio 5000 (Ladder, Structured Text). Develop Add-On Instructions (AOIs) for standardized control of vacuum valves, pumps, and gauges.
  • HMI & Diagnostics: Develop HMI screens and data-logging routines to provide "First-Out" fault detection, allowing operators to identify the exact sensor that initiated a machine trip.
  • Commissioning & Testing: Develop test procedures and lead "Dry Run" testing of interlock chains during maintenance shutdowns to verify that logic correctly inhibits beam operation under fault conditions.
  • Engineering Documentation: Own and maintain system documentation, including interlock logic descriptions, I/O lists, test procedures, configuration records, and operational notes. Ensure updates are captured as part of upgrade, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. Apply configuration management, version control, and formal change control practices to safety-critical protection systems in accordance with SLAC Conduct of Engineering.
  • Operational Support: Participate in a shared on-call responsibility to provide 24/7 support for critical Machine Protection Systems, primarily during beam operations. Work closely with accelerator physics, operations, vacuum, controls, and experimental systems groups to ensure protection systems meet the evolving needs of SSRL's scientific user program.

To be successful in this position you will bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience with PLC-based interlock systems
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems, particularly in "mixed-technology" environments where modern PLCs must interface with legacy hardware.
  • Experience documenting engineering changes and writing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Effective communication skills across multidisciplinary teams, including physics, engineering, and operations.
  • Willingness to provide occasional 24/7 support for the assigned systems.

In addition, preferred requirements include:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience with PLC-based interlock systems, preferably in the Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) suite.
  • Hardware experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, or equivalent PLC architectures.
  • Experience working in an accelerator facility. Experience with PLC interface and control software for: Power Supplies, RF, Beam Position Monitors and other beam diagnostics, digitizers, Motion Control, Thermocouples, Radiation Monitors, and vacuum instrumentation.
  • Experience designing, engineering, and implementing safety instrumented systems in alignment with functional safety standards.
  • Knowledge of Linux, Python, MATLAB, EPICS.

SLAC Employee Competencies:
  • Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
  • Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
  • Dependability: Can be counted on delivering results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
  • Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
  • Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs and maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate messages.
  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:
  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
  • Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Work Standard:
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
  • As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

  • Classification Title: Staff Engineer 2
  • Grade: K, Job Code: 0132
  • Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $134,906 - $164,965 per annum.
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

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