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Particle Physics Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Physicist 1

Batavia, IL · On-site

$70.80K - $93.20K/yr

... internship, or undergraduate research involvement. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills ... Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by ...

Cryogenic Engineering Co-op

Batavia, IL · On-site

$21.26 - $25.93/hr

If you have any questions, please email internships@fnal.gov. Why Fermilab: Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of ...

... Internships@fnal.gov Why Fermilab: Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science ...

June 30, 2026 If you have any questions or issues please contact internships@fnal.gov Physical ... Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by ...

Particle Physics Internship information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do particle physics internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for particle physics internship in Chicago, IL is $17.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Particle Physics Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Particle Physics Intern, you generally need a solid background in physics and mathematics, supported by progress toward or completion of a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Python, ROOT, or MATLAB), simulation software, and possibly experience with laboratory equipment or coding is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help interns excel in collaborative research environments. These competencies ensure that interns can contribute meaningfully to complex experiments and projects, supporting both scientific progress and their own professional development.

What types of projects or experiments might I work on during a Particle Physics Internship?

As a Particle Physics Intern, you may contribute to ongoing research projects involving data analysis from particle collisions, simulations of physical phenomena, or the development and testing of detector hardware. Interns often work alongside experienced physicists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience with software tools like ROOT or Python for data processing. Collaboration is key, so expect to participate in team meetings, present your progress, and possibly help prepare research findings for publication or conferences.

What is a Particle Physics Internship?

A Particle Physics Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience working with researchers in the field of particle physics. Interns may assist with experiments, data analysis, or theoretical research related to subatomic particles and fundamental forces. These internships are typically offered by universities, research labs, or organizations like CERN, and they give participants a chance to learn advanced techniques, use specialized equipment, and contribute to real scientific projects. The experience gained can be valuable for pursuing further education or a career in physics or related fields.

What is the difference between Particle Physics Internship vs Physics Research Assistant?

AspectParticle Physics InternshipPhysics Research Assistant
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate student, relevant courseworkGraduate degree or equivalent experience, specialized knowledge
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, collaborative projectsAcademic or research institutions, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government labsUniversities, research centers, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonInternship opportunities, entry-level research rolesResearch positions, advanced research roles

Particle Physics Internships are typically short-term, entry-level positions for students gaining hands-on experience in particle physics research. Physics Research Assistants usually hold more advanced degrees and engage in more independent research. Both roles are vital in the research ecosystem but differ mainly in experience level and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Particle Physics jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Particle Physics jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Particle Physics Internship jobs in Chicago, IL? For Particle Physics Internship jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Particle Physics Internship jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Particle Physics Internship job openings:
Engineering Physicist 1

Engineering Physicist 1

Fermilab

Batavia, IL • On-site

$70.80K - $93.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:
$70,800.00-$93,200.00.
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 the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
About the Role:
Join the Fermilab team in the Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology Directorate (APS-TD) as an Engineering Physicist. In this role, you will join the Test and Instrumentation (T&I) Department and work closely with the APS-TD Magnet Systems Department (MSD) to design, develop, deploy, and maintain software and hardware systems used for magnetic measurements and data acquisition. The T&I Department supports the testing of both room-temperature and superconducting magnets used in accelerator complexes at Fermilab, as well as at universities and other national and international laboratories. This work plays an important role in advancing accelerator technology and supporting major physics research programs.
The department contributes to major accelerator and detector initiatives, including the Muon-to-Electron Conversion Experiment (Mu2e), the Accelerator Upgrade Project (AUP) for CERN, and the High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF). In support of these projects, the group performs a range of precision magnetic measurements, including rotating coil measurements, single stretched wire (SSW) measurements, and three-dimensional magnetic field mapping.
What Your day-to-day activities will look like as an Engineering Physicist at Fermilab:
• Operate laboratory facilities and specialized instrumentation to conduct tests and collect experimental data.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of equipment and facility systems to ensure safe operation and compliance with technical and safety requirements.
• Review experimental results and operational data to identify opportunities for improving existing subsystems and developing new technical approaches.
• Analyze collected data and communicate results to supervisors, scientists, and engineering staff during internal meetings and technical discussions.
• Design and develop data acquisition (DAQ) hardware and associated instrumentation for experimental measurements.
• Work with engineers, technicians, and subject-matter experts to maintain measurement systems and contribute to the design, upgrade, and improvement of instrumentation used in experimental research.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.
Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Bachelor's degree, preferably in a technical discipline (e.g. Physics, Engineering) and 0-3 years' experience. Candidates with less than 3 years of work experience should demonstrate some experience from co-op, internship, or undergraduate research involvement.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfort in tackling first-of-a-kind challenges.
Knowledge, familiarity, or experience with some of the following:
- Electronics
- Data acquisition systems, electronic test equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes)
- Programming languages: C++, Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB
- Artificial intelligence, machine learning
- RedHat/AlmaLinux system administration
- FPGA programming
- Industrial communication protocols (Modbus, etc.)
Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.
  • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our office in Batavia, IL.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid time off
  • Life insurance
  • Short and Long-term disability insurance
  • Retirement benefits

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.
Pre-Employment Screening:
Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening
Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
HSPD-12
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Foreign Government Sponsored Activities
Fermilab 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. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.
REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.