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Particle Accelerator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fermilab

Plant Operator

Batavia, IL · On-site

$28.30 - $34.51/hr

The APS/TD Cryogenics Operations Group is involved in the support of active particle accelerators and in the development of future high-energy physics machines. The Operations Group manages six ...

SOFIE

Cyclotron Engineer I

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... particle accelerators in SOFIE's PET radiopharmacy, which manufactures PET diagnostics under 21 CFR 212 guidelines. Additionally, the Cyclotron-Support Engineer I is responsibility for first-line ...

SOFIE Co.

Cyclotron Engineer I

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... particle accelerators in SOFIE's PET radiopharmacy, which manufactures PET diagnostics under 21 CFR 212 guidelines. Additionally, the Cyclotron-Support Engineer I is responsibility for first-line ...

IBA

Service Engineer

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

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:

IBA

Service Engineer

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

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:

IBA

Service Engineer Intern

Warrenville, IL

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:

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All JobsParticle Accelerator JobsParticle Accelerator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Particle Accelerator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$45

$69

How much do particle accelerator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for particle accelerator in Chicago, IL is $45.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.90 and $55.48 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 are the most commonly searched types of Particle Accelerator jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Particle Accelerator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Particle Accelerator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Particle Accelerator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Particle Accelerator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Particle Accelerator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Particle Accelerator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Particle Accelerator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,713 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee - AI/ML for Particle Accelerators

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for advanced tuning and diagnosis of particle accelerators.
The Accelerator Operations and Physics (AOP) Group of the Accelerator Systems Division (ASD), Advanced Photon Source (APS) is hiring a postdoctoral researcher for a multi-year appointment.
The postdoctoral researcher will work to develop and deploy advanced AI/ML methods for analysis, tuning, and control of particle beams and accelerator systems, with applications to the APS injector and the newly-upgraded APS storage ring. This work will explore applications of LLMs to accelerators, specifically, use of agentic AI to support intelligent system analysis, aid operator decision-making, automate complex workflows, and enable more adaptive approaches to machine tuning, diagnostics, and fault response. Experimental work on the existing APS injector accelerator complex and the new APS storage ring will be done to test the methods and assess their usefulness for accelerator operation.
Position Requirements
  • PhD completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed in accelerator physics or a related field is strongly preferred. PhD graduates in other branches of physical sciences, or in math, computer science, and electric engineering who have an interest in accelerator physics will also be considered.
  • Strong programming skills.
  • Proficiency in the Python programming language.
  • Working knowledge of UNIX or Linux.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
  • Experience with machine learning and accelerator operation.
  • Experience working with complex algorithms.
  • Experience using computing clusters for simulation and data analysis.
  • Experience with accelerator modeling and simulation codes, such as Elegant and Cheetah.
  • Experience with SDDS, Tcl/Tk, and scripting in Linux environment.

Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. 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, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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