Plant Operator

About the role

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 cryogenic test stands. The two major accelerator technologies that the Operations Group supports are magnets (conventional and superconducting) and Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities for use at Fermilab and in collaborations worldwide. The successful candidate will work with a team of engineers, designers, and technicians to contribute to the operation, installation and commissioning of cryogenic equipment as well as other mechanical systems. The candidate will function as a cryogenic operator in the Magnet Test Facility (MTF) and the Vertical Cavity Test Facility (VCTF) supporting measurement, test activities and cryogenic operations in Industrial Building 1 (IB1).

What your day-to-day as a Plant Operator at Fermilab will look like

• Operate and complete maintenance of the helium refrigerator and associated test stands.
• Work on the assembly, installation of / removal from service, and maintenance of a variety of mechanical devices, plus documentation of work done.
• Construct components and work on assembly of experimental and test support equipment.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• HS degree (or technical certificate or equivalent)
• 5+ years of extensive related experience or 3+ years’ experience at a DOE laboratory or in a technical skill of strategic importance to the Lab’s mission (e.g., cryo, radio frequency, radiation protection, clean room, etc.)
• Self-motivated and eager to learn
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, flow schematics, and manufacturers' manuals (or similar documents)
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team of technicians and engineers to perform operational and maintenance activities associated with the mechanical aspects of a cryogenic system and magnet testing facility
• Ability and willingness to work overtime and weekends as required
• Experience with hand tools
• Experience and ability to use rigging equipment (e.g., cranes, fork-lifts and scissor lifts)
• Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledge of cryogenics and the refrigeration process is desirable

Physical Activity and Work Conditions

• Heavy Lifting
• Mental Concentration
• Sitting
• Standing
• Tight Work Schedule
• Repetitive Motion
• Visually Demanding
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Working at heights
• Stairs, ladders, and stand for up to 4-hours per day
• Working on or near vibrating equipment
• Occasionally work outdoors
• Occasionally work in hot environments
• Ability to legally operate cars and light trucks
• To work mandatory overtime, rotating shift work, and call-ins

Benefits/Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retail benefits
• Onsite day care

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
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12)
• Foreign Government Sponsored Activities
• REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
• Equal Opportunity Statement