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Applied Physicist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Applied Physics

Seismologist

Los Angeles, CA

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Applied Materials

Physicist/Scientist E4

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Supports high level / complex physics and chemistry related application and system issues in the ...

LLNL

Senior Laser Modeling Physicist

Livermore, CA

PhD in Laser Physics, Applied Physics, general solid-state laser engineering or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience. * Significant ...

LLNL

Senior Laser Modeling Physicist

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.8K/wk

PhD in Laser Physics, Applied Physics, general solid-state laser engineering or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience. * Significant ...

LLNL

Senior Laser Modeling Physicist

Livermore, CA · On-site

PhD in Laser Physics, Applied Physics, general solid-state laser engineering or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience. * Significant ...

Amat

Physicist / Scientist IV (E4)

Santa Clara, CA

$161K - $221K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Physicist / Scientist IV (E4) Location: Santa Clara, CA Key Responsibilities * Design and lead ...

TAE

Scientist - Applied Laser Physics

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or Optical Engineering * Preferred: Specialization in laser diagnostics or plasma optics At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making ...

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All JobsApplied Physicist JobsApplied Physicist Jobs in California

Applied Physicist information

See California salary details

$39K

$93.6K

$223.5K

How much do applied physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied physicist in California is $93,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is applied physics a good degree?

Applied physics is a valuable degree for roles such as applied physicist, as it provides a strong foundation in physics principles and practical problem-solving skills. Graduates can work in research, development, engineering, and technology sectors, often requiring proficiency with laboratory tools and programming. The degree offers good job prospects, especially when combined with internships or specialized certifications.

What is an applied physicist?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applied physicist?

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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Applied Physicist jobs in California?

For Applied Physicist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Applied Physicist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Applied Physicist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Applied Physicist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Applied Physicist job openings:

Applied Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Physicist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,563 per year, or $45 per hour.

Engineer/Applied Physicist

Until

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Until Job Opportunity

Until is a moonshot company building a "pause button" for biology. Our near-term focus is organ-scale reversible cryopreservation: preserving donated organs at subzero temperatures without ice formation, then rewarming them uniformly for transplant. By solving this grand challenge, we're laying the foundation for whole-body reversible cryopreservation, giving patients a bridge to future cures.

To achieve our goal, we are assembling an interdisciplinary team to develop perfusion systems, cryoprotectant formulations, and vitrification and rewarming hardware.

We envision a future where no transplantable organ is lost to logistics, and no terminal diagnosis is final because patients can safely wait for future medicine to arrive.

About The Role

We're building an elite team of applied physicists and engineers for true full stack engineering, from electrons to operating systems. Projects will require high degree of autonomy and breadth of skill across electrical, mechanical, and computational design, with a strong emphasis on first principles thinking and a desire to make technology indistinguishable from magic.

About You
  • Strong fundamentals in both a scientific (physics, chemistry, biology) and an engineering (electrical, mechanical, computational) discipline, excited to build the future
  • Experience designing and analyzing both analog and digital circuitry
  • Experience with basic control systems and mechanical design
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent
  • Demonstrations of exceptional ability and autonomy in past work
Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years experience/graduate level in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent
  • Experience working in a startup
Benefits
  • Opportunity for outsized impact creating the future as an early team member
  • Generous medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
  • Flexible time off and paid holidays
  • Competitive compensation package, including salary and equity
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • FSA and commuter benefits
  • Subsidized lunch daily

$120,000 - $200,000 a year While this represents our expected range based on market data, final compensation will be determined based on your specific qualifications and may be outside this range. Please keep in mind that the equity portion of the offer is not included in this estimate.

As an equal opportunity employer, Until is committed to providing employment opportunities to all individuals. All applicants for positions at Until will be treated without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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