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How much do ion source development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for ion source development in the United States is $58,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in ion source development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in ion source development often encounter challenges such as optimizing beam stability, maintaining vacuum integrity, and managing the wear of ion source components due to high-energy processes. Addressing these challenges typically involves interdisciplinary collaboration with engineers and physicists, routine maintenance schedules, and ongoing experimentation with new materials or designs. Staying updated with the latest advancements in ion source technology and actively participating in industry forums can also provide practical solutions and support career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Ion Source Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ion Source Development, you need a strong background in physics or engineering, expertise in vacuum systems, and hands-on experience with particle accelerators or similar equipment, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with simulation software, CAD tools, and instrumentation systems is typically required, along with knowledge of safety standards and relevant certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of ion sources critical to research and industrial applications.

What is ion source development?

Ion source development is the process of designing, constructing, and optimizing devices that generate ions for use in various scientific and industrial applications, such as particle accelerators, mass spectrometry, and materials processing. Specialists in this field work on improving the efficiency, stability, and longevity of ion sources, as well as adapting them for specific applications. This often involves interdisciplinary knowledge of physics, engineering, and vacuum technology. Ion source development is essential for advancing research capabilities and industrial processes that rely on high-quality ion beams.
Infographic showing various Ion Source Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 96% Full Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 86% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,149 per year, or $28 per hour.
Ion Source Beam Physicist 2/3 (Scientist 2/3)

Ion Source Beam Physicist 2/3 (Scientist 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Description
Job Title Ion Source Beam Physicist 2/3 (Scientist 2/3)
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name AOT-AE/Applied Electrodynamics
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division Applied Electrodynamics (AOT-AE) group is seeking a Scientist 2/3 to provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in all aspects of H+ and H- ion source technology, development and operation. We look for candidates with expertise in source design, integration and operation. This particular position will be funded by the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP) and will require the candidate to engage in experimental and developmental activities, including operation and oversight of 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:
  • Design, construction and operation of RF-driven H- sources, such as SNS-type sources;
  • Design, construction and operation of RF-driven H+ sources, e.g. ECR-type sources; and
  • Design and operation of accelerators incorporating H+ or H- ion sources and radiofrequency quadrupoles.
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:
  • Working with computational scientists on simulations of RF-driven H- sources, such as SNS-type sources;
  • Working with computational scientists on 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 their area of expertise.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated experience in design, construction and installation of ion sources and test facilities 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.
Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3 level:
  • Demonstrated ability to design ion accelerator systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop technical programs in partnership with others.
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 successfully manage, either directly or matrixed, a small group of scientists, engineers, technologists and technicians.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budget for a research project.
  • Demonstrated success in setting priorities for and leading efficient, graded implementation of safety, security and safeguards, environmental management, and other core Laboratory business requirements.
Note to Applicants: Each applicant must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the required skills for full consideration.
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.
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.
Where You Will Work
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.
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.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular

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