Principal Manufacturing Technician

The Principal Manufacturing Technician - Cyclotron Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a particle accelerator (cyclotron) used in the production of radioisotopes for medical imaging, research, or industrial applications. This senior-level role includes oversight of daily operations, troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and mentoring junior staff. The operator ensures adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements governing radiation, equipment, and facility operations.

Schedule:
Tuesday - Friday (W1), Saturday - Monday (W2) (12-hour shifts)
Work Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, or 6:00 pm to 6:00 am
Ability to work overtime when necessary

• Must maintain operational compliance with US and international regulatory agencies and guidelines (i.e. FDA, EU, HC, TGA, PIC/S, ISO, USP, NRC, cGMP, etc.).
• Ensure a safe and quality working environment.
• Operate the cyclotron according to established protocols.
• Monitor, adjust, and control beam parameters to optimize isotope yields and quality.
• Perform routine start-up, shutdown, and preventative maintenance tasks.
• Troubleshoot system failures and coordinate complex repairs with Cyclotron Specialist
• Keep detailed logs of maintenance and operational activities.
• Follow radiation safety procedures and use protective equipment.
• Complete and maintain all required safety and operational documentation.
• Record production data, radiation levels, and equipment performance metrics.
• Generate reports on cyclotron output and operational incidents.
• Provide oversight for cyclotron bombardments and technical training to junior operators
• Perform other duties as assigned by area management (i.e. inventory management, spare parts, training, etc).
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime, as necessary.

• Associate's degree in Electronics, Physics, Engineering, Nuclear Medicine Technology, or related field preferred.
• Six or more years of relevant work experience required.
• Equivalent technical training and experience will be considered.
• Training in radiological safety and cyclotron operations preferred.
• Ability to use a variety of general-purpose test equipment and bench test electronic system components.
• Good mechanical inclination and proficiencies.
• Good technical troubleshooting skills with and without schematics.
• Experience in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the following: solid state and vacuum tube based electronics, analog and digital circuits, logic circuits/PLCs, high power RF systems (high HF through low VHF ranges), high voltage DC power equipment, electro-mechanical systems, and vacuum systems (mechanical, cryogenic, and/or diffusion pumps) preferred.
• Experience working around ionizing radiation sources preferred.
• Experience working with pneumatics and hydraulics is preferred.
• Ability to communicate equipment issues to Cyclotron Specialist.

Working Conditions:

• Willingness to work in plant producing radioactive materials and requiring all employees to participate in safety programs designed to minimize potential and/or actual exposure levels.
• Responsibilities include the ability to lift up to 70 pounds, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, must be able to physically negotiate stairs and evacuation ladders with or without accommodation, wear and operate safety equipment, enter vessels, and inspect equipment.
• Material handling devices (e.g., hand truck, fork truck, and conveyors) are used when possible, however, use of proper lifting and movement techniques is necessary to prevent injury.
• Must be willing to wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hearing protection as needed.
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods of 8+ hours a day while performing duties.
• Must possess good hand-eye coordination; close attention to detail is required.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to mechanical/moving parts, hazards including corrosive, flammable and toxic material, dust, dirt, odors, and irritants.
• Willingness to complete safety training within allotted timeframes, and work in a team-based environment.
• Must be able to work outside of regular work hours, including off shift, weekend, and holiday work as business needs require.