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SRF Mechanical Technician III

Fermilab · Batavia, IL · $28.30–$34.51 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 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 a complex assembly you led where precision mattered.

What they are checking: Whether they can work with limited supervision on complex jobs, as this level expects.

As a point person for your area, how do you handle technical questions from others?

What they are checking: Whether they can be a reliable go-to person who shares knowledge.

Tell me about a time you suggested a better way to do an assembly task.

What they are checking: Whether they improve processes from the shop floor, which experienced technicians are expected to do.

What would you do

You find a scratch on a sealing surface just before assembly. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and report a quality issue instead of pressing on to save time.

About the work

What experience do you have assembling superconducting cavities or cryomodules?

What they are checking: How close their experience is to SRF assembly, which demands extreme care and precision.

How do you work in a cleanroom, and why does particulate control matter so much for SRF cavities?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that contamination ruins cavity performance and follow strict cleanroom practice.

Walk me through how you leak check a vacuum assembly.

What they are checking: Whether they know helium leak detection and good vacuum practice, which SRF work depends on.

How do you prepare a setup for a test phase so the engineers get good data?

What they are checking: Whether they understand what a test needs and set it up carefully the first time.

What safety hazards come with cryogenic and high-pressure systems, and how do you manage them?

What they are checking: Whether they take cryogenic and pressure hazards seriously in daily work.

How do you document assembly steps and torque values on critical hardware?

What they are checking: Whether they keep complete travelers and records for traceability.

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The full job description

As published by Fermilab.

The expected hiring range for this position is: $28.30-$34.51. 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 or sponsorship assistance. About the Role: Fermilab is seeking a Superconducting Radio Frequency Mechanical Technician who under limited supervision and based on extensive experience, academic study, and/or expertise, will provide complex technical support for an area of assignment, typically an experimental or support group. What your day to day as a SRF Mechanical Technician at Fermilab will look like: • Fabricate, sets-up, operate, test, repair, and/or modify a wide variety of moderately complex to complex electrical/electronic and/or mechanical equipment, systems, and devices for Laboratory projects/equipment in the assigned area, based on drawings, diagrams and schematics. • May act as a point person for technical issues in the assigned area. Assists in construction and assembly of experiment and support equipment. Prepares set-up for testing phases of equipment. Prepares and tests equipment for operation using appropriate diagnostic software. • Write, update, and test procedures and documentation for all finished work. Enters relevant work information into a database and/or personal logbook. • Produce reports as assigned. Electronically prepare and compile technical data and safety records for equipment using databases, spreadsheets, and other appropriate computing software and programs. • Provide moderately complex technical support and maintenance for a wide variety of instruments and equipment in the assigned area. Troubleshoots problems and conducts repairs as needed. • Perform ES&H duties, including environmental surveys, waste disposal, and radiological surveys. • Conduct periodic safety inspections of assigned area, including generation of hazard analyses. Assists in performing radioactive and chemical waste pick-ups, waste segregation, and related documentation. May prepare waste for disposal and package waste for shipment. • Respond to operational and emergency requirements. Required to work off-hour shifts or respond to emergency call-ins. • Procure and maintain inventories of small parts, supplies, materials, and equipment. Completes and submits requisitions. • Assist in the implementation and design of equipment and systems for area of assignment. Drives quality in all job aspects. May assists in the design and development of equipment and systems. • Provide guidance to less experienced technicians or contractors. As assigned, often serves as shift supervisor for specific project or task. • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. • Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position. Essential Skill and Attributes for Success: • HS degree (or technical certificate or equivalent) plus 5+ years of extensive related experience or 3+ 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.). • Experience working in a DOE laboratory environment is preferred. Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: • Demonstrated experience in the assigned area. • Possess and apply comprehensive knowledge of electrical, mechanical and/or ES&H technology concepts, practices, and procedures from extensive experience or academic study. • Possesses advanced knowledge in specific areas. • Ability to work on complex projects and assignments. • 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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