Industrial Electrician: Research Facilities & Systems

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL seeks 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 DOE safety guidelines and NFPA 70E. You will work alongside scientists, engineers, and facility managers, performing preventive maintenance, wiring, and commissioning power systems for

Qualifications

• Valid state Journeyman Electrician license.
• Experience with high voltage power systems and troubleshooting.
• Safety certifications such as NFPA 70E or OSHA 10/30 required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair laboratory electrical systems up to 480V/277V/208V.
• Install temporary and permanent power hookups for experiments and equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment using digital multimeters and test equipment.
• Install conduit, wire, safety disconnects per NEC and lab standards.
• Perform preventive maintenance on UPS and backup batteries; oversee contractors.
• Adhere to NFPA 70E and conduct JHAs and LOTO procedures.

Skills

Schematic reading

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Climbing/working at height

PPE safety discipline

Radiological area work

Education

Journeyman Electrician license

Job description

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.

Levels and Minimum Requirements

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.

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. Interested in translating science into innovation? Build your career at Argonne. At Argonne, we view the world from a different perspective. We’re finding creative ways to prepare the world for a better future.