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Particle Accelerator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Knoxville, TN

$99K - $136K/yr

The CCS group produces particle accelerators used to make isotopes relevant to PET imaging and chemistry synthesis modules to create radiolabeled imaging agents. Over 200 units of the Eclipse11 MeV ...

Site Leader - Knoxville

Knoxville, TN

$90K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the global leader in Proton Therapy, we've helped treat over 140,000 patients and deployed more than 700 particle accelerators across the globe. Our expertise spans four dynamic business lines:

Site Office Administrator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Hitachi Particle Engineering and Services, Inc. is the world's leading commercial supplier of ion linear accelerator systems. We specialize in the development, production, installation and servicing ...

Site Leader - Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the global leader in Proton Therapy, we've helped treat over 140,000 patients and deployed more than 700 particle accelerators across the globe. Our expertise spans four dynamic business lines:

Particle Accelerator information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$40

$61

How much do particle accelerator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for particle accelerator in Tennessee is $40.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.77 and $48.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a particle accelerator?

A Particle Accelerator job typically involves designing, operating, and maintaining machines that accelerate charged particles for scientific research, medical applications, or industrial use. Professionals in this field work on beam dynamics, control systems, and safety protocols while collaborating with physicists and engineers. These roles exist in research institutions, universities, and specialized facilities like CERN or national laboratories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the particle accelerator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Particle Accelerator Operator, you need a strong background in physics or engineering, typically with a relevant degree or equivalent experience in laboratory settings. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, vacuum and cryogenic equipment, and safety certifications such as radiation safety training are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These competencies ensure the safe, precise, and efficient operation of complex accelerator equipment, which is critical for supporting research and experimental outcomes.

How much do particle accelerator operators make?

Particle accelerator operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often require technical training and familiarity with complex equipment, and may work irregular hours or shifts in research or industrial settings.

What does a particle accelerator do?

A typical day for a particle accelerator operator involves monitoring equipment, adjusting system parameters, and conducting routine maintenance to ensure stable and safe accelerator operation. Operators frequently collaborate with physicists, engineers, and technicians to troubleshoot issues and support ongoing experiments. The role often includes keeping detailed logs, following strict safety procedures, and occasionally working shifts outside standard business hours. This dynamic environment allows team members to contribute directly to cutting-edge scientific research while developing specialized technical skills.

What job works with a particle accelerator?

Jobs that work with a particle accelerator include accelerator physicists, engineers, and technicians who design, operate, and maintain the equipment. These roles require knowledge of physics, engineering, and often specialized training or degrees in related fields. They work in research laboratories, universities, or industry settings focused on scientific experiments or medical applications.

What job categories do people searching Particle Accelerator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Particle Accelerator jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Particle Accelerator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,448 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

R&D Associate - Sensors and Electronics Group

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16896
Overview:
We invite applications for the early career position of R&D Assistantto support the Sensors and Electronics Group in the Electrification and Energy Infrastructures Division (EEID). This early career research position will involve supporting existing programs in areas involving particle accelerators, electronics, pulsed power, and energy systems.
Major Duties/Responsibilities
  • Perform particle tracking simulations and computational analyses to support the design, optimization, and interpretation of advanced engineering and scientific research
  • Develop and maintain computational workflows, scripts, and software tools to improve simulation efficiency, data processing, and reproducibility
  • Design, assemble, and execute laboratory experiments to validate simulation results, analyze experimental data, and refine computational models based on observed performance
  • Analyze and interpret experimental and simulation data using appropriate statistical and computational methods, and document findings to support ongoing research activities
  • Develop, integrate, test, and troubleshoot electronic systems and instrumentation, including circuit assembly, soldering and desoldering of components, diagnostic testing, and hardware modifications
  • Prepare high-quality technical documentation, including white papers, proposals, statements of work (SOWs), technical reports, journal manuscripts, and presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders
  • Adhere to laboratory safety, security, and quality assurance requirements while conducting research activities and operating laboratory equipment

Basic Qualifications:
  • M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
  • At least two years of relevant experience
  • Experience with scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar programming languages
  • Demonstrated technical writing skills, including preparation of reports, presentations, and other scientific documentation
  • Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with research teams, sponsors, and project end users

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with multiphysics and particle transport simulation tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, CST Studio Suite, ANSYS, MCNP, Geant4, or comparable software for electromagnetic field modeling, particle tracking, and device optimization
  • Experience designing, assembling, and conducting laboratory experiments, including integration of instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition (DAQ) systems
  • Experience with electronics development, circuit debugging, and laboratory troubleshooting, including soldering, desoldering, and hardware integration
  • Demonstrated ability to organize, visualize, and communicate complex experimental and simulation data through high-quality figures, presentations, and technical reports
  • Experience supporting research in particle accelerators, radiation detection, pulsed power, high-voltage systems, or related engineering research is desirable

Special Requirements:
  • Must be able to perform tasks that involve physical requirements, including, but not limited to, lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects.
  • Familiar with the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, including eye protection, earmuffs, hard hats, and gloves.
  • Be able to work in varied working conditions, including noise over 80dB, vibration, mechanical, electrical, and thermal hazards, moving objects, operating vehicles on company property and/or highway, and working with solvents, fumes, dust, and gases.
  • Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
  • Letters of Reference: Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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