High Level RF Engineer

Fermi Research Alliance, LLC; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 88,800 - 126,267; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Life insurance

Short and Long‑term disability insurance

Retirement benefits

Onsite day care

Job summary

A leading research institution in Batavia, Illinois is seeking a motivated Electrical Engineer to support operations of high-power RF systems in the Accelerator Division. The ideal candidate should possess a relevant engineering degree and experience with RF systems. Responsibilities include designing and maintaining RF hardware, troubleshooting systems, and collaborating with teams to ensure performance. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, along with hands-on learning opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree or a Master's/PhD with 2+ years.
• Experience with RF systems operation and maintenance.
• Understanding of high-frequency analog circuits design.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement and maintain high-power RF systems.
• Participate in RF systems operation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate to verify system functionality.

Skills

Operational experience in high voltage & high current pulsed RF systems

Hands-on electronics hardware experience

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

Education

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering

Tools

Network analyzer

Oscilloscope

Signal generator

Vector network analyzer

Spectrum analyzer

Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is: $88,800.00-$126,267.00.

About the role

Fermilab seeks a highly motivated Electrical Engineer in the Accelerator Division RF Department's High‑Level RF Group to support operations of existing accelerators and the new PIP‑II particle accelerator, featuring a new 800 MeV superconducting linear accelerator. The selected candidate will work in an operations and design team environment under the supervision of a scientist or a more senior engineer. The candidate will work with high‑power RF systems (e.g. 1 to 60 kilowatt solid state amplifiers, 200‑kilowatt wide‑band tetrode RF amplifiers, 30 kilowatt IOT amplifiers, and 0.3 to 10 megawatt klystron amplifiers with associated support hardware), and assist with current and future RF systems operation and maintenance. Candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with signals and systems directly affecting accelerator performance as well as have opportunities for hands‑on learning of particle accelerator systems.

What your day‑to‑day as a High‑Level RF Engineer at Fermilab will look like

• Design, develop, implement and maintain hardware for current and future high‑power RF systems, from low level control circuitry to high power RF amplifiers.
• Participate in the daily operation of RF systems for linacs and synchrotrons including troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with technical staff to verify system functionality and performance.
• Perform engineering analysis, write reports and create presentations.
• Respect, understand, and value individual differences that embody the principles of diversity.
• Abide by all environment, safety, and health regulations.

Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success

• Bachelor's Degree in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 4+ years of engineering experience, or a master's degree or PhD in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 2+ years of engineering experience.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Operational experience in high voltage & high current pulsed RF systems for linacs and synchrotrons is highly desired (e.g. Klystrons, Tetrodes, IOTs, and Solid State).
• Experience with network analyzer to measure modes, impedance, VSWR and Q of RF resonant cavities desired.
• Design, development, implementation and maintenance of hardware for high power RF systems.
• Knowledgeable in high‑frequency analog circuits hardware design including interfacing between low level systems and high‑power RF equipment.
• Hands‑on electronics hardware experience with oscilloscopes, signal generators, vector network analyzers, and spectrum analyzers is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Physical Activity and Work Conditions

The position is normally scheduled for a daytime shift, though occasional off‑shift machine studies and/or emergency call‑ins shall be required as knowledge and skills develop. HUMAN FACTORS: Mental Concentration, Sitting, Standing, Tight Work Schedule, Visually Demanding. CHEMICAL FACTORS: Solvents.

Work Arrangement

• 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.

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.