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Particle Accelerator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operator 4

Los Alamos, NM ยท On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Recent experience safely operating a complex process, machine, or facility under formal conduct-of-operations (e.g., charged-particle accelerator, nuclear reactor, aviation systems, shipboard systems ...

Controls Engineer

Lansing, MI

$76K - $98K/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of control systems used in linear particle accelerators and related radioisotope production equipment. The ...

Recent experience safely operating a complex process, machine, or facility under formal conduct-of-operations (e.g., charged-particle accelerator, nuclear reactor, aviation systems, shipboard systems ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Las Vegas, NV

$102K - $133K/yr

SummaryVarex is seeking a senior or intermediate electrical engineer for design of high-power pulsed and CW systems used in charged particle accelerators. The successful candidate will be well versed ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Las Vegas, NV ยท On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

Summary Varex is seeking a senior or intermediate electrical engineer for design of high-power pulsed and CW systems used in charged particle accelerators. The successful candidate will be well ...

Test Technician

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$28 - $35/hr

The foremost government and institutional particle accelerator facilities and research laboratories in the world rely on Stangenes Industries for innovation and excellence. Stangenes Industries, Inc ...

Showing results 21-40

Particle Accelerator information

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How much do particle accelerator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for particle accelerator in the United States is $44.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.89 and $53.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Particle Accelerator job involve?

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 $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often require technical training and familiarity with complex equipment and safety protocols, which can influence compensation levels.

What does a typical workday look like for someone operating a particle accelerator?

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.

Is Particle Physics a good career?

Particle physics careers often involve research at universities, government labs, or private institutions, requiring strong backgrounds in physics, mathematics, and programming. The field offers opportunities for advanced study, collaboration on large-scale experiments, and contributions to fundamental scientific knowledge, but it can be highly competitive and may require long-term commitment and specialized skills.

Can Americans work at CERN?

Particle accelerator professionals, including physicists and engineers, can work at CERN if they meet the organization's hiring criteria, which often include relevant education, experience, and security clearances. CERN employs international staff and offers opportunities for scientists and technical experts from around the world, including the United States, through fellowships, internships, and staff positions. U.S. applicants typically need to go through CERN's application process and may require visas or work permits depending on their role and nationality.

How much money does a particle physicist make?

Particle physicists typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Those working at research institutions or in academia may have lower salaries initially but can advance with experience and specialized skills in data analysis and experimental design.
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What cities are hiring for Particle Accelerator jobs? Cities with the most Particle Accelerator job openings:
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What states have the most Particle Accelerator jobs? States with the most job openings for Particle Accelerator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Particle Accelerator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,942 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
RF Engineer

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a talented engineer to join the Radio Frequency (RF) Department of the Electronic Engineering Division (EED) in the Accelerator Directorate. The RF department is responsible for the RF systems of all accelerators and many test facilities throughout SLAC.
As part of the Electronics Engineering RF team you will partner with experienced engineering staff to develop, deploy and support a diverse range of RF systems. We're looking for highly motivated people with a strong desire to learn and a commitment to excellence while at the same time being able to manage complexity in a dynamic environment.
SLAC continues to push the frontiers of human knowledge, to drive discoveries and innovations that benefit humankind. Our 2-mile-long particle accelerator complex is the lab's backbone. Once the scene of major discoveries in particle physics, today it generates the world's brightest X-rays for our Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) revolutionary X-ray laser.
Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.
Your specific responsibilities include:
  • Design RF systems to control cavities, amplifiers and associated electronics for phase distribution and synchronization.
  • Model complex systems including the stability of accelerator RF cavities and their support systems.
  • As an active member of rapid response teams, develop, install, test and troubleshoot RF systems, and their supporting electronics systems, power supplies, and controllers.
  • Work with system engineers, designers, project managers to identify technical or organizational problems, provide recommendations and corrective actions.
  • Maintain documentation and records for procedures, materials and tools necessary for job installation. Coordinate the purchase of tools and equipment necessary to complete the installation of parts and equipment.
  • Inspect and validate project plans including field installations; manage, monitor, and oversee projects' execution; document and report the projects' progress.
  • Document your work using standard SLAC documentation practices into SLAC standard resources, databases and drawings.
  • Occasionally publish your work in proceedings and/or peer reviewed journals.
  • Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other laboratory staff. Ensure critical engineering decisions are communicated through appropriate channels and followed through by all support groups.

To be successful in this position you will bring:
  • Bachelor's degree (MS preferred) in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields and at least two years of experience in RF systems design and development.
  • Solid understanding of RF and RF electronics engineering principles.
  • Deep knowledge of controls theory and modern implementation, including modeling system stability.
  • Experience with safe operation of high-power RF systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in testing and debugging field devices and test equipment.
  • De monstrated organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.
  • Familiarity with the development and testing of computer controls and User Interfaces.
  • Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to synthesize complex technical and scientific information.
  • An established record of publications of journal and conference papers commiserate with the level of education achieved. Occasional publication in proceedings and/or peer reviewed journals are expected.

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 to deliver 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, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

WORK STANDARDS:
  • 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 1- General 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.

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

The expected pay range for this position is $116,338 to $164,719 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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. At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.