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Applied Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

We are seeking a motivated and inquisitive Applied Physicist who thrives in research, algorithm development, modeling, simulation, and implementation. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong ...

Until

Engineer/Applied Physicist

Mundelein, IL

$120K - $200K/yr

About The Role We're building an elite team of applied physicists and engineers for true full stack ... Strong fundamentals in both a scientific (physics, chemistry, biology) and an engineering ...

Until

Engineer/Applied Physicist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

About The Role We're building an elite team of applied physicists and engineers for true full stack ... Strong fundamentals in both a scientific (physics, chemistry, biology) and an engineering ...

AVARINT LLC

DIADS Applied Scientist

Buffalo, NY

$80K - $109K/yr

Avarint is seeking an applied physicist, mathematician, or engineer (preferably electrical, mechanical, or aerospace) in the domains of radars, missiles, command and control (C2), and hypersonics.

Southcoast Health

Physicist

Fall River, MA · On-site

$94.94 - $146/hr

Doctoral degree or Masters Degree in either Medical Physics or other Applied Physics/Engineering degree required. * Clinical experience in radiation therapy and linear accelerator commissioning is ...

Southcoast Health System, Inc.

Physicist

Fall River, MA

$94.94 - $146/hr

Doctoral degree or Masters Degree in either Medical Physics or other Applied Physics/Engineering degree required. * Clinical experience in radiation therapy and linear accelerator commissioning is ...

Applied Physics

Seismologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Applied Physics is seeking a highly motivated and experienced seismologist to join our gravitational ranging team. As a seismologist at Applied Physics, you will conduct original research in ...

Southcoast Health

Physicist

Fall River, MA · On-site

Doctoral degree or Masters Degree in either Medical Physics or other Applied Physics/Engineering degree required. * Clinical experience in radiation therapy and linear accelerator commissioning is ...

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Applied Physicist information

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How much do applied physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an applied physicist?

An applied physicist is a scientist who uses principles of physics to develop practical solutions, technologies, or products. They often work in research and development environments, applying experimental and computational skills to solve real-world problems across industries such as engineering, healthcare, and technology.

What can you do with applied physics?

Applied physicists use principles of physics to develop new technologies, improve existing systems, and solve practical problems in industries such as healthcare, electronics, energy, and manufacturing. They often work with laboratory equipment, simulation software, and interdisciplinary teams to translate scientific research into real-world applications.

What are applied physicists?

Applied physicists are scientists who use principles and theories of physics to solve practical problems and develop new technologies. Unlike theoretical physicists, who focus on understanding the fundamental laws of nature, applied physicists work on translating those principles into real-world applications. They may work in diverse fields such as engineering, materials science, electronics, medical technology, and energy. Their work often involves research, experimentation, and collaboration with engineers and other scientists to innovate and improve products, processes, or instruments.

What can applied physicists work as?

Applied physicists can work in research and development roles across industries such as aerospace, electronics, energy, and healthcare. They often analyze complex systems, develop new technologies, and use tools like laboratory equipment and computer simulations. Positions may require advanced degrees and strong problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Applied Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Applied Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and problem-solving, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, simulation software (such as MATLAB or COMSOL), and data analysis tools is commonly required, and additional certifications in specialized areas can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and clear communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and presenting complex findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing practical solutions to real-world problems and advancing innovation in scientific and technological industries.

Are physicists highly paid?

Applied physicists often earn competitive salaries, especially those with advanced degrees and specialized skills in research, development, or industry. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and sector, with positions in technology and engineering typically offering higher compensation.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations involved in an Applied Physicist role?

Applied Physicists frequently work alongside engineers, material scientists, computer scientists, and industry specialists to develop practical solutions based on physical principles. These collaborations often involve joint research projects, product development, and troubleshooting complex technical challenges. Teamwork is essential, as applied physics projects typically require input from multiple fields to move from theoretical concepts to real-world applications, such as developing medical devices, renewable energy technologies, or advanced manufacturing processes.
More about Applied Physicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Applied Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Applied Physicist job openings:
What states have the most Applied Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Applied Physicist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Applied Physicist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Applied Physicist jobs are:
Applied Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Physicist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Applied Physicist III

Applied Physicist III

Leidos

San Diego, CA • On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 449 rated business services

Job description

Leidos addresses some of the nation's toughest defense challenges through advanced physics-based modeling, signal processing, and data analytics. Our San Diego-based team consists of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on extracting maximum intelligence from complex radar and sensor data for both classified and unclassified systems. We are seeking a motivated and inquisitive Applied Physicist who thrives in research, algorithm development, modeling, simulation, and implementation. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong scientific curiosity, sound physical intuition, excellent mathematical skills, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop physics-based models, simulations, and analysis algorithms that support National Defense applications.

Research, design, and evaluate innovative approaches for radar/sensor phenomenology, detection, characterization, and data exploitation.

Apply applied physics, mathematics, and signal processing techniques to extract useful information from complex measured and simulated data sets.

Perform data analysis, model validation, uncertainty assessment, and performance characterization for algorithms and systems.

Create efficient implementations of scientific algorithms in MATLAB, Python, or similar high-level languages.

Document methods, results, and assumptions clearly for technical peers, program leadership, and customers.

Work collegially within a talented multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and software developers.

Basic Qualifications

BS degree with 5+ years of prior relevant applied physics, radar/sensor modeling, signal processing, data analysis, or scientific algorithm development experience; Masters with 2+ years of relevant experience; or Doctoral degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related scientific field.

US Citizenship and able to maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Experience developing, analyzing, or validating physics-based models, simulations, or scientific algorithms.

Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.

Fluency in MATLAB, Python, or a similar high-level scientific computing language.

Ability to translate physical concepts into algorithms, simulations, and quantitative analyses.

Proven track record of innovation, technical problem solving, and achieving results in a research or engineering environment.

Strong documentation and communication skills.

Required on-site full-time work in San Diego, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

Understanding of radar phenomenology, electromagnetic scattering, detection, estimation, or characterization.

Experience with modeling and simulation of physical systems, sensor systems, remote sensing, ocean/environmental phenomenology, or related data-intensive applications.

Experience programming in C/C++ or developing efficient production-quality scientific software.

Experience with statistical analysis, estimation theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification.

Comfortable with public speaking and/or customer presentations.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 2, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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