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Mechanical Technician

Fermilab · Batavia, IL · $23.39–$28.52 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 the mechanical assemblies you have built from drawings. What machines and tools did you use?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on fabrication and assembly skill to support beamline components.

How do you work with engineers and scientists when their design is hard to build as drawn?

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate well and offer practical suggestions, which the posting emphasizes.

Tell me about a time you repaired or modified equipment that was not working right. How did you figure out the problem?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot mechanically and solve problems on their own.

What would you do

You are asked to install a component in a beamline enclosure. What safety steps do you follow before you start?

What they are checking: Whether they take ESH&Q duties seriously in an accelerator environment with radiation and other hazards.

You find a measurement does not match the drawing after assembly. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report problems honestly and follow quality procedures instead of covering them up.

About the work

What experience do you have with vacuum systems? How do you leak-check a vacuum assembly?

What they are checking: Whether they understand vacuum work, which the posting names directly for External Beamlines.

How do you read a mechanical drawing for tolerances and fits, and what do you do if something does not make sense?

What they are checking: Whether they read drawings accurately and ask questions instead of guessing.

How do you keep parts clean and handled properly for vacuum or precision use?

What they are checking: Whether they understand cleanliness and handling standards that protect sensitive equipment.

What rigging and lifting experience do you have for heavy components?

What they are checking: Whether they can safely move and install heavy beamline parts.

How do you document your work so the next technician knows what was done?

What they are checking: Whether they keep records that support quality and safety at a national lab.

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The full job description

As published by Fermilab.

The expected hiring range for this position is: $23.39-$28.52. 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. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance, nor sponsorship assistance. About the role: The Mechanical Support Department of Fermilab is seeking a Mechanical Technician I position. Under the direct supervision, provides routine technical support for an assigned area, typically an experimental or support group. What your day-to-day as a Mechanical Technician I at Fermilab will look like: • As instructed, conducts routine fabrication, set-up, operation, testing, repairs, and/or modifications for Laboratory projects/equipment in the assigned area, based on drawings, diagrams and schematics. • Assists in construction and assembly of experiment and support equipment. Prepares equipment for operation. Assists in testing and calibration of equipment. • Writes procedures for all finished work. Enters relevant work information into a database and/or personal logbook. • As directed, provides preventive and routine maintenance for a wide variety of instruments and equipment in the assigned area. Troubleshoots problems and conducts repairs as needed. • Conducts periodic safety inspections of assigned area, including generation of hazard analyses. Assists with the identification, packaging, control, and disposal of chemical and radioactive waste. • Responds to operational and emergency requirements. Required to work off-hour shifts or respond to emergency call-ins. • Procures and maintains inventories of small parts, supplies, materials, and equipment. • Assists in the implementation and design of equipment and systems for area of assignment. Drives quality in all job aspects. • Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. • Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position. Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success: • HS Diploma • Relevant experience preferred. Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: • Possesses and applies fundamental knowledge of electrical, mechanical and/or ES&H technology concepts, practices, and procedures relevant to assigned area. • May be required to legally operate a government vehicle. Work Arrangement: Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final. • Onsite : This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office. 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 • 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 Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. HSPD-12 In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment. Foreign Government Sponsored Activities Fermilab 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. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel. 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. 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.

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