The expected hiring range for this position is:
$25.17-$32.54.
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 Mechanical Technician II 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 around the world. The project includes 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. LBNF/DUNE will design and construct one of the largest proposed neutrino experiments in the world over the next several years.
Under general supervision and based on journeyman-level expertise, general experience, and/or academic study, this position provides moderately complex technical support for an assigned area, typically an experiment or support group. Work may include fabrication, setup, operation, testing, calibration, and repair of mechanical systems and equipment, as well as support for environmental, safety, and health tasks.
What your day-to-day as a Mechanical Technician II 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 physical tasks at elevation using equipment such as scissor lifts.
- Manage all detector component movement within the cleanroom and cryostat using small overhead cranes, hoists, mechanical connections, trolleys, and winches.
- Perform installation and maintenance of floor systems, cable trays, and other supporting infrastructure.
- Handle large detector components with forklifts, pallet jacks, scissor lifts, and project-specific material handling equipment.
- Fabricate, assemble, install, and remove mechanical and/or electrical parts, subassemblies, controls, and devices using technical documentation such as drawings, schematics, and diagrams.
- Assist with the construction, calibration, and assembly of experimental and support equipment. Prepare and test equipment for operation.
- May participate in hazard analysis processes for complex or potentially hazardous tasks.
- Contribute to development of written procedures and documentation. Respond to both routine operations and emergency requirements as needed.
- Conduct periodic safety inspections and support safe work practices in all activities.
- Assist with the identification, packaging, and disposal of hazardous or radioactive materials.
- Procure and maintain inventories of small parts, tools, materials, and equipment.
- Participate in design implementation and support for mechanical systems and equipment related to assigned LBNF/DUNE project tasks.
- Drive quality across all assigned responsibilities and continuously improve processes.
- Provide guidance to junior technicians and may serve as a shift supervisor for specific tasks or assignments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with environmental, health and safety regulations and Fermilab policies, procedures, and practices.
Skills and Attributes for Success:
- HS diploma (or technical certificate or equivalent) with 3+ years of relevant general technical experience.
- Demonstrated ability to perform mechanical work in a complex scientific or industrial environment.
- Capable of operating and maintaining a variety of material handling and lift equipment (e.g., forklifts, hoists, scissor lifts).
- Ability to work underground and at heights, with successful completion of related safety training.
- Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and/or ES&H technology concepts, practices, and procedures.
- May be required to legally operate a government vehicle.
- Work Arrangement:
- Onsite – This role is based full-time at the LBNF-DUNE 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.
