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Mechanical Technician

Fermilab · Batavia, IL · $31.13–$37.96 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 3, 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: $31.13-$37.96. 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, referral bonus program, or sponsorship assistance. About the Role: Fermilab is seeking a Senior Mechanical Technician who is a collaborator by nature. The successful candidate will work with engineers, designers, technicians, and scientists to build parts and assemblies that support beamline components for the External Beamlines machines. Under general supervision, based on relevant experience, and/or academic study, the successful candidate will provide moderately complex technical support for an area of assignment. The successful candidate will fabricate, set-up, operate, test, repair, and modify a variety of moderately complex mechanical equipment, vacuum systems and devices. The successful candidate will also perform ESH&Q duties What your day-to-day as a Mechanical Technician will look like: • Fabricate, assemble, install and remove a variety of mechanical parts, sub-assemblies, support assemblies, and beamline components in the External Beamlines machines, based on drawings, diagrams, and sketches as instructed. Assist in construction and assembly of support equipment. Prepare and test equipment for operation. • Direct activities of a crew of technicians for assigned tasks. • Plan the lifting and rigging of components weighing up to 40,000 lbs. • Generate or assist in generating work plans for tasks, including relevant procedures, Hazard Analyses, and safety documentation as required by the Fermilab Environment, Safety and Health Manual (FESHM). • Monitor and troubleshoot operating vacuum and fluids systems • Conduct periodic safety inspections of area of assignment. Assist with the identification, packaging, control, and disposal of radioactive waste. • Procure and maintain inventories of small parts, supplies, materials, and equipment. • Assist in the implementation of design of equipment and systems. Collaborate on engineering designs. Drive quality in all job aspects. • Enter relevant work into logbooks, electronically prepare and compile technical information into databases, spreadsheets and other computing software and programs. Skills and Attributes for Success: • Minimum Required Education and Experience: HS degree (or technical certificate or equivalent) plus 7+ years of extensive related experience or 5+ 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.). Physical Activity and Work Conditions: Human Factors: Heavy Lifting, Mental Concentration, Sitting, Standing, Tight Work Schedule, Repetitive Motion, Visually Demanding • Ability to lift to 50 pounds is required. • Ability to work at heights up to 10-feet is required. • Ability to work on stairs, ladders, man lifts and to stand for up to 4-hours per day is required. • Ability to work within the vicinity of vibrating equipment is required. • Ability to work in confined spaces is required. • Ability to work in areas of high magnetic fields. • Occasionally work outdoors. • Occasionally work in hot environments. • Ability to legally operate cars and light trucks is required. • Availability for overtime work to address occasional operations requests. Physical Factors: • Ability to meet Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH), tunnel entry, Underground, and radiation worker requirements is required. • Ability to work with epoxies, solvents, glues, and other chemicals is required. • Chemical Factors: Chemicals, Solvent Dust, Epoxies, Fumes, Pesticides, Welding, Combustion • Personal Protective Equipment: Eye/Face Protection, Foot Protection, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respirators. Applicable Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required: • Demonstrated ability to fabricate, assemble, install and remove a variety of mechanical and vacuum systems and its parts. • Demonstrated ability to follow standard ultra-high vacuum practices is preferred. • Proficiency in working in a Windows PC environment, and with MS Word and Excel applications. • Demonstrated ability to write standard operating procedures (SOPs). • Ability to work independently following general or detailed verbal or written instructions is required. • Good oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. • Demonstrated ability to achieve team leadership responsibilities. • Completion of OSHA Construction Safety 30-Hour Training is preferred. • Forklift qualifications are preferred. • Experience overseeing and directing welding and fabrication work is preferred. • Overhead crane qualifications and rigging experience are required. • Electrical-electronic experience is preferred. • Responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, safety and health regulations, Laboratory policies, procedures, and practices pertinent to this position. 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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