Jobs › Argonne National Laboratory

Industrial Electrician: Research Facilities & Systems

Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL · $29.75–$46.41 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Argonne National Laboratory

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time a scientist or engineer wanted something done a way you didn't think was safe or up to code. How did that go?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain code and safety limits to highly educated customers without being dismissive.

Working in a cleanroom or near an accelerator adds rules most electricians don't deal with. How do you adjust to site-specific procedures?

What they are checking: Willingness to follow strict, unfamiliar lab procedures instead of relying only on habits from other job sites.

What would you do

A researcher asks you to hook up a custom power supply for an experiment by the end of the day. What do you need to know before you touch anything?

What they are checking: Whether they gather load, voltage and hazard information first instead of rushing a temporary hookup.

You're overseeing an outside contractor and see them skip a safety step. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will stop unsafe work by people they don't supervise directly, as DOE sites expect.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd safely de-energize and verify a 480V panelboard before working on it.

What they are checking: Whether they follow lockout/tagout and live-dead-live testing every time, which DOE labs treat as non-negotiable.

How do you size conductors and overcurrent protection for a new 208V circuit feeding lab equipment under the NEC?

What they are checking: Core code knowledge that decides whether an installation is safe and will pass inspection.

Tell me about a VFD you installed or troubleshot. What problem did you run into and how did you find it?

What they are checking: Hands-on experience with drives, which are common on lab motors, pumps and accelerator support equipment.

You're troubleshooting a piece of scientific equipment that keeps tripping its breaker. How do you work through it with a multimeter?

What they are checking: A logical, step-by-step diagnostic approach rather than replacing parts until something works.

What's your experience bending and running rigid, IMC and EMT conduit, and when would you pick one over another?

What they are checking: Practical installation skill and judgment about which conduit fits which environment.

Describe how you'd perform preventive maintenance on a UPS and its backup batteries.

What they are checking: Whether they know the hazards of battery systems and how to keep critical research loads protected.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Argonne National Laboratory from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

We are seeking an Industrial Electrician to install, maintain, test, and troubleshoot experimental infrastructure and equipment up to 480V. You will support advanced scientific research laboratories, cleanrooms, and building infrastructure. This role requires strict compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) or federal safety guidelines, working alongside scientists, engineers, and facility managers. Key Responsibilities: • Maintain Power Systems - Inspect, test, install, and repair research laboratory electrical systems, including 480V/277V and 208V/120V power distributions, transformers, and panelboards. • Support Scientific Experiments - Install temporary and permanent power hookups, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and custom power supplies for experimental equipment, accelerators, or high-power computing rooms. • Troubleshoot & Diagnose - Utilize digital multimeters to troubleshoot scientific equipment and facility infrastructure. • Install Infrastructure - Run rigid, IMC, and EMT conduit; pull and terminate heavy gauge wiring; install safety disconnects in compliance with NEC and laboratory engineering standards. Mechanical ability to install scientific gas and water lines is desired. • Execute Preventive Maintenance - Perform routine service on uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), emergency backup batteries systems, and oversee outside contractors performing electrical maintenance. • Prioritize Safety Culture - Strictly adhere to NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety in the Workplace) requirements, perform Job Hazards Analyses (JHAs), and execute complex Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures in hazardous or sensitive environments. Position Requirements • Proficient in reading complex electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, logic drawings, and facility blueprints. • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted. • Capability to climb ladders, work on scaffolding, and operate aerial lifts. • Comfort working in confined spaces, utility tunnels, or wearing specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) including arc-flash suits. • Will need to work in radiological controlled areas. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience • Licensing - Valid state Journeyman Electrician license or equivalent. • Safety Certifications - Current or prior training in NFPA 70E, OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction/General Industry. This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (ST2 or ST3) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows: • ST2 : Associates and 5+ years’ experience, or equivalent • ST3 : Associates or Technical School and 7+ years’ experience, or equivalent Job Family Support Technical (ST) Job Profile Electrical-Electronics Support 2 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The 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. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits! 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. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Apply at Argonne National Laboratory