The expected hiring range for this position is:
$41.43-$50.53.
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.
Fermilab’s Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Project is seeking a Senior Technical Specialist – Electrical to join the underground operations team in Lead, South Dakota. This high-impact role will support the installation, integration, and commissioning of large-scale detector systems, with a primary focus on electrical infrastructure, component reliability, and team leadership.
The ideal candidate brings advanced technical experience in electrical systems and infrastructure for large scientific or industrial environments and is eager to mentor, guide, and supervise junior technicians while maintaining the highest safety and performance standards. This position plays a critical role in executing Fermilab’s strategic objectives underground at the LBNF-DUNE project site in Lead, SD.
What your day-to-day as a Sr. Technical Specialist at Fermilab will look like:
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Lead and perform installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electrical systems including detector cabling, power distribution, signal paths, and infrastructure support for FD1 and FD2.
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Supervise and mentor a team of technicians, providing technical direction, scheduling work, setting goals, and contributing to performance evaluations.
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Guide the daily operation of electrical installation tasks, ensuring conformance with engineering plans, safety standards, and project timelines.
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Coordinate electrical testing and validation of systems, including cold box and in-cryostat environments.
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Install and maintain related mechanical infrastructure such as cable trays, grounding systems, and control enclosures.
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Support the integration of network systems, detector safety systems, electronics racks, and low-voltage power systems.
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Lead or coordinate design, fabrication, calibration, and maintenance of complex electrical equipment and tools.
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Collaborate with engineers and project leaders to develop layouts, designs, and implementation plans for electrical subsystems.
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Write and update procedures and technical documentation; contribute to traveler documents and technical notes.
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Generate and review Hazard Analyses; ensure full compliance with ESH standards and project safety requirements.
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Oversee procurement of electrical components, manage delivery schedules, coordinate with vendors, and maintain inventory.
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Operate material handling equipment including forklifts, scissor lifts, pallet jacks, and detector-specific transport systems.
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Ensure high standards of quality control and problem resolution throughout project phases.
Skills and Attributes for Success:
Minimum Education/Experience:
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High school diploma (or technical certificate or equivalent) with 15+ years of advanced technical experience in one or more critical functions of strategic importance to a scientific or engineering project
Technical Expertise:
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Advanced and specialized knowledge in electrical systems installation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting in industrial, research, or technical environments.
Leadership:
Demonstrated supervisory and mentoring experience. Ability to guide teams, delegate effectively, and foster professional development.
Technical Skills:
Familiarity with cleanroom protocol, detector integration, underground operations, and precision alignment techniques preferred.
Problem Solving:
Proven ability to interpret complex electrical diagrams, resolve operational issues, and collaborate across disciplines.
Certifications:
Must be able to legally operate government vehicles; additional certifications in electrical safety or systems preferred.
Work Environment
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Must be able to work one mile underground on a rotating two-shift schedule.
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Tasks involve working at heights and in confined spaces using lifts and access equipment.
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Must be capable of operating material handling equipment and performing physical tasks in an industrial environment.
What We Offer
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts
- Paid time off and holidays
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Generous retirement plan
- Professional development opportunities
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.
