Rigging Technician - Installation

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; South Dakota; On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Fermilab in Lead, South Dakota, seeks a Rigging Technician to perform rigging and lifting tasks in underground cleanroom and cryostat areas. You will operate cranes and lifting gear to position large detector components, interpret technical drawings, and uphold strict safety and inspection standards.

The role requires 3+ years of rigging/mechanical experience, 1+ safety certification, and the ability to work at elevation on a rotating two-shift schedule. Pre-employment screening applies.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: High school diploma, technical certificate, or equivalent; 3+ years of rigging or mechanical experience.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and perform precise mechanical installations.
• Experience with load control, lift safety, and equipment inspections.
• Candidates must possess at least one of: NCCCO or equivalent Rigging Certification or related qualification.

Responsibilities

• Execute rigging and lifting operations in the cleanroom and cryostat using cranes and lifting equipment.
• Secure attachment and movement of large detector components with appropriate gear and fixtures.
• Assist with movement and installation of infrastructure such as electronics racks and cryogenic tanks.
• Work at elevation using lifts or scaffolding while managing suspended loads.
• Interpret drawings and support precise mechanical installations.
• Inspect rigging equipment and ensure safety compliance.
• Coordinate rigging activities with logistics, engineering, safety, and project leads.
• Support safe execution of work in underground areas and related project spaces.
• Perform other duties and adhere to EH&S regulations.

Skills

Rigging

Mechanical

Safety leadership

Team coordination

Interpret drawings

Education

High school diploma

Technical certificate

NCCCO or equivalent

Lineman Associate Degree

Tools

Overhead cranes

Chain hoists

Winches

Tuggers

Slings

Spreader bars

Custom fixtures

Job description

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.

What your day-to-day as a Rigging Technician at Fermilab will look like:

Execute rigging and lifting operations within the cleanroom and cryostat using small and large overhead cranes, chain hoists, winches, tuggers, and specialty lifting equipment.

Ensure the secure attachment and movement of large detector components using approved lifting gear, spreader bars, slings, and custom fixtures.

Assist with the movement, installation, and positioning of critical infrastructure systems, including electronics racks, cryogenic tanks, floor platforms, and cable trays.

Work at elevation using lifts or scaffolding while securing or aligning suspended loads and hardware.

Interpret technical drawings and support precise mechanical installations.

Inspect rigging and lifting equipment and help ensure equipment is appropriate and safe for assigned work.

Apply established load-control, lift-safety, and equipment-inspection practices during rigging operations.

Coordinate rigging activities with logistics, engineering, safety, and project leads.

Support safe and efficient execution of work in the underground cleanroom, cryostat, and associated project areas.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Perform all duties in accordance with applicable environmental, health and safety regulations, Laboratory policies, procedures, and practices.

Skills and Attributes for Success

Minimum Education and Experience High school diploma, technical certificate, or equivalent. 3+ years of rigging or mechanical experience in an industrial, construction, utility, or laboratory setting.

Required Training, Certification, or Education

Candidates must possess at least one of the following: Recognized Rigging or Crane Operator Safety Training Certified Rigger designation, such as NCCCO or equivalent Lineman Associate Degree from an accredited technical college.

Technical Expertise

Advanced knowledge of mechanical and/or rigging concepts, including load control, lift safety, and equipment inspection. Experience using rigging equipment such as overhead cranes, chain hoists, winches, tuggers, slings, spreader bars, and specialty lifting equipment. Experience interpreting technical drawings and performing precise mechanical installations. Ability to safely secure, control, move, and position large components and equipment.

Safety & Team Coordination

Demonstrated leadership in rigging environments with responsibility for safety and team coordination. Ability to coordinate lifting and rigging activities with logistics, engineering, safety, and project personnel. Strong commitment to established lift plans, hazard controls, equipment inspections, and safe work practices. Ability to recognize changing conditions and communicate potential safety or operational concerns.

Additional Requirements

May be required to legally operate a government vehicle. Must be able to perform work at elevation using lifts or scaffolding. Must be able to work safely around suspended loads and specialized lifting equipment.

Work Environment

Work is performed one mile underground at the LBNF/DUNE Far Site in Lead, South Dakota. This position works a rotating two-shift schedule. Work includes rigging and lifting operations within cleanroom and cryostat environments. The position requires work at elevation using lifts or scaffolding and work around suspended loads, cranes, hoists, and other material-handling equipment. The role requires close coordination with logistics, engineering, safety, and project teams in an active industrial and technical environment.

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.

Fermilab is the United States' premier particle physics laboratory. We work on the world's largest and most advanced particle accelerators and dig down to the tiniest building blocks of matter. We probe the farthest reaches of the universe, seeking out the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Fermilab's over 2,000 employees include scientists and engineers from all around the world and collaborators from more than 50 countries on physics experiments based in the United States and elsewhere. Our work experience is the combination of everything that’s unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, our people.

To learn more about Fermilab's employee programs, visit our main Careers site.