The expected hiring range for this position is:
$36.85-$47.64.
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:
A Technical Specialist is sought to join Fermilab’s Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Project team in Lead, South Dakota. The LBNF/DUNE Project is hosted by Fermilab in Batavia, IL, with participation from universities and laboratories from around the world. The project includes the construction of a beamline and near detector at Fermilab and a large underground detector at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. Over the next several years, LBNF/DUNE will design and construct one of the largest proposed neutrino experiments in the world.
Under general direction and based on academic training, extensive expertise, and/or experience in a laboratory technical function, the Technical Specialist provides complex technical support for the Far Detector and Cryogenics subproject of LBNF/DUNE. The role includes evaluating and implementing new technologies, coordinating technical operations, and leading technical teams in support of detector installation and operation activities.
What your day-to-day as a Technical Specialist at Fermilab will look like:
- Work one mile underground on a rotating shift schedule (12 hour days with 10 days on and 10 days off, rotating days to nights every two months) A shift differential is paid for second shift.
- Perform tasks at elevation using scissor lifts and other access equipment.
- Coordinate and execute the movement of detector components within the cleanroom and cryostat using cranes, hoists, trolleys, winches, and related tools.
- Support installation of infrastructure for both FD1 and FD2 including network systems, detector safety systems, electronics racks, cabling, and communication systems.
- Participate in the cabling and electronics testing of all detector components, including testing in cold boxes and in-cryostat systems.
- Maintain and install mechanical infrastructure such as cable trays and flooring systems.
- Operate material handling equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, scissor lifts, and detector-specific systems for large component movement.
- Lead or coordinate design, fabrication, testing, calibration, and maintenance of highly complex equipment and systems.
- Generate or contribute to Hazard Analyses for applicable tasks.
- Write and update best practice procedures, contribute to technical documentation, and participate in the preparation of project technical notes and traveler documents.
- Assist in selecting plans, layouts, designs, and cost estimates for technical project execution.
- Procure technical parts and equipment, coordinate with vendors, conduct on-site visits, and manage deliveries and supply logistics.
- Enforce safety rules and create a safe working environment for team members.
- Supervise, train, and mentor assigned technicians. Set goals, assign tasks, and contribute to performance evaluations.
- Process and ship chemical and radioactive waste in compliance with laboratory policies.
- Support engineering design and implementation efforts across project tasks.
- Analyze results and contribute insights to ongoing technical development within area of assignment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with environmental, health, and safety regulations, and Laboratory policies, procedures, and practices.
Skills and Attributes for Success:
HS diploma (or technical certificate or equivalent) with 12+ years of experience in a relevant mechanical or technical function.
Proven supervisory experience related to scientific or engineering projects.
Advanced and specialized knowledge in electrical, mechanical, and/or ES&H technologies.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to coordinate technical teams.
May be required to legally operate a government vehicle.
Work Arrangement:
Onsite – This is an onsite role based full-time at the SURF site in Lead, South Dakota.
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.
Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening
Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.
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.
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.
What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.
