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Job Description

Overview

The Electromechanical Technician position at Northwestern University involves assembly and testing of components for particle physics detectors, ensuring safe assembly and adherence to standard operating procedures. The role is part of a multi-institutional team at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, with three positions available for a one-year appointment.

Responsibilities

  • Perform assembly and testing activities for particle physics detector components.
  • Use hand tools to safely mount components.
  • Oversee automated assembly gantry systems.
  • Conduct quality control checks on detector components.
  • Work with low-temperature testing equipment (-40C).
  • Pack completed detector components for international shipment.
  • Maintain records of detector assembly steps and quality control results.
  • Prepare shipment requests and monitor shipment activities.
  • Carry out statistical analysis of quality control data.
  • Develop automation and quality control software using tools such as Python.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • HS diploma or equivalent and some basic science courses.
  • Experience with testing of components for particle physics detectors or similar systems is preferred.
  • Completion of a full 4-year course of study in a relevant major is preferred.
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom environment for full work days.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • PTO

Additional Information

  • Position is 40 hours per week.
  • Target hiring range is between $42,804 - $50,112 per year.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
PTO
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How this job compares in Evanston, IL

Pay in context

At roughly $22/hr, this posting comes in about 30% below the $32/hr median for welding jobs across Illinois, where the middle half runs $27–$39/hr across 247 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 9% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. That gap is worth raising directly — in a market this size there is normally room to negotiate toward the median, particularly if you already hold the certifications the posting asks for.

The local market in Evanston, IL

Evanston, IL is a small market in our index: 1 other active welding opening alongside this one, from 1 employer. Across Illinois as a whole we're tracking 333 other active welding openings from 207 employers. With this few local postings, most welders here end up either commuting or looking at travel work. Browse welding jobs across Illinois.

Northwestern University currently has 1 other opening live in Illinois, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Illinois at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Staff on Site (13), S&C Electric Company (10), and Gerber Collision & Glass (10). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Illinois, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Chicago at $37/hr, Elk Grove Village at $36/hr, and Bedford Park at $33/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Evanston, IL

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Electromechanical Technician figures were last recalculated when this page was built.