ATLAS Operator

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking an ATLAS Operator to support operations at the U.S. Department of Energy’s flagship facility for low-energy heavy-ion nuclear physics research. ATLAS uses superconducting radio-frequency technology to accelerate ions ranging from helium to uranium to energies near the Coulomb barrier.

In this role, you will operate the ATLAS particle accelerator both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Responsibilities include tuning the accelerator, troubleshooting operational issues, performing maintenance and repairs, supporting system upgrades, and working closely with scientific users to help ensure the success of nuclear physics experiments.

You will alternate serving as a Chief Shift Operator, with responsibility for the safe and effective operation of the accelerator during assigned shifts, including adherence to radiation safety protocols and other operational safety requirements.

This position also involves partnering with technical experts to improve accelerator subsystems such as beam optics, controls, energy detector systems, and vacuum systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the ATLAS particle accelerator independently and in coordination with the operations team

• Tune accelerator systems to support experimental requirements

• Diagnose equipment and system issues and perform maintenance and repairs as needed

• Assist with upgrades and improvements to accelerator systems and subsystems

• Collaborate with scientific users to support successful experiment execution

• Serve as Chief Shift Operator as assigned, ensuring safe accelerator operation, including radiation safety compliance

• Work with system experts to develop and implement improvements in areas such as beam optics, controls, detector systems, and vacuum technology

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline, such as physics or engineering, is preferred but not required

• Basic knowledge of one or more technical areas related to accelerator operations, such as:

  • electronics

  • cryogenics

  • computer control and automation systems

  • vacuum systems

  • magnets

  • mechanical systems

• Familiarity with scientific and engineering concepts relevant to particle accelerator facilities

• Willingness to learn and work with a broad range of technologies used at ATLAS, including:

  • radio frequency systems

  • analog and digital electronics

  • ion beam optics

  • vacuum systems

  • ion sources

  • magnetics

  • computers and distributed control systems

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with colleagues, users, and technical staff

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage work priorities and maintain accurate records

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

ST2: Associates and 5+ years of experience, or equivalent

Job Family

Support Technical (ST)

Job Profile

Accelerator Operations Support 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $29.75 - $46.41.

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.

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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.