Operator 4

About the role

Join the Beam Operations Team and operate the LANSCE proton accelerator, a facility capable of pushing protons to 84% the speed of light and delivering them to five unique research destinations.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain complex operating configurations within strict operating and safety envelopes.
• Set up and sustain LANSCE particle beams using advanced computer controls and local adjustment systems.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and help repair every major part of the beam transport, acceleration, and delivery systems-including ion sources, high-power RF systems, safety and machine interlocks, water and vacuum systems, radiation detection systems, and pulse-signal distribution hardware.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and other specialists to fabricate, install, maintain, and repair systems critical to accelerator and beam-delivery operations.
• Work alongside senior operators and particle physicists to tune and deliver beam to five experimental facilities.
• Follow approved procedures to ensure safe, efficient, and disciplined operations.
• Complete a formal operator qualification program within two years-and earn the title of qualified LANSCE Accelerator Operator.

Requirements

• 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, or substantial military hardware).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot electrical, electronic, and/or electro-mechanical components.
• Demonstrated success following detailed procedures and adhering to established protocols.
• Strong history of meeting training and qualification requirements.
• Ability to work rotating 12.5-hour shifts on an extended-hours schedule.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills for working with teammates and customers.
• A demonstrated ability-and motivation-to learn applied engineering and physics concepts.

Qualifications

• A relevant Associates Degree and 5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a technical operator or technician role; training or experience with commercial nuclear reactors or the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is highly desired.
• A strong sense of responsibility and ownership-ready to make decisions, correct issues, and stop work when necessary to prevent accidents.
• Ability to implement disciplined conduct-of-operations principles while staying flexible, forward-thinking, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Sharp attention to administrative detail, including procedural compliance, ensuring training completion, and mentoring junior operators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What You Need

• Minimum Job Requirements: 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, or substantial military hardware).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot electrical, electronic, and/or electro-mechanical components.
• Demonstrated success following detailed procedures and adhering to established protocols.
• Strong history of meeting training and qualification requirements.
• Ability to work rotating 12.5-hour shifts on an extended-hours schedule.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills for working with teammates and customers.
• A demonstrated ability-and motivation-to learn applied engineering and physics concepts.

What You Want

• Desired Qualifications: Extensive experience in a technical operator or technician role; training or experience with commercial nuclear reactors or the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is highly desired.
• A strong sense of responsibility and ownership-ready to make decisions, correct issues, and stop work when necessary to prevent accidents.
• Ability to implement disciplined conduct-of-operations principles while staying flexible, forward-thinking, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Sharp attention to administrative detail, including procedural compliance, ensuring training completion, and mentoring junior operators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.