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Applied Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Physics is seeking an Experimental Physicist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in open quantum system dynamics, quantum information, and quantum emulation with ...

Applied Physics is seeking an Experimental Physicist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in open quantum system dynamics, quantum information, and quantum emulation with ...

This position requires a strong background in applied physics and the ability to translate scientific principles into commercially successful products through simulation, experimentation, data ...

This position requires a strong background in applied physics and the ability to translate scientific principles into commercially successful products through simulation, experimentation, data ...

This position requires a strong background in applied physics and the ability to translate scientific principles into commercially successful products through simulation, experimentation, data ...

This position requires a strong background in applied physics and the ability to translate scientific principles into commercially successful products through simulation, experimentation, data ...

This position requires a strong background in applied physics and the ability to translate scientific principles into commercially successful products through simulation, experimentation, data ...

This position requires a strong background in applied physics and the ability to translate scientific principles into commercially successful products through simulation, experimentation, data ...

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 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 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 ...

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Applied Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do applied physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 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?

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.

Is applied physics a good degree?

Applied physics is a valuable degree for careers such as applied physicist, as it provides a strong foundation in physics principles and practical problem-solving skills. Graduates often work in research, development, engineering, or technology sectors, where analytical skills and knowledge of experimental tools are essential.

What do applied physicists do?

Applied physicists use principles of physics to develop practical solutions in fields such as engineering, technology, and research. They design experiments, analyze data, and create new devices or materials, often working with tools like laboratory equipment and computer simulations. Their work supports innovation in industries like electronics, aerospace, and healthcare.

What jobs can you get with applied physicist?

Applied physicists can work in industries such as aerospace, defense, medical imaging, telecommunications, and research and development. They often find roles as research scientists, systems analysts, optical engineers, or technical consultants, utilizing skills in data analysis, modeling, and experimental design. Many positions require a strong understanding of physics principles and proficiency with laboratory tools and simulation software.
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Infographic showing various Applied Physicist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Applied Physicist (Quantum Systems) - GTRI - CIPHER - Open Rank

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Georgia Tech Research Institute
Education • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Georgia Tech rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Project/Unit Description

The Quantum Systems (QS) Division of the Georgia Tech Research Institute's Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research (CIPHER) Lab is seeking self-motivated individuals with experience in quantum science or photonics research. The division is composed of a large team of scientists and engineers from disciplines including physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, optical science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, and chemical engineering. QS employees perform fundamental research exploring next-generation technologies based on exotic physical phenomena, working to prove that devices based on these technologies can provide real-world solutions relevant to sponsors.
Our research portfolio includes programs in trapped-ion quantum computing, simulation, and sensing, vapor cell optically pumped magnetometers and Rydberg electrometers, atomic clocks, and the development of mass spectrometers. Support is available to develop projects outside of existing areas of research, such as photonic quantum computing, solid-state defects like NV-centers, quantum networking, and inertial sensors. QS researchers frequently contribute to projects in other GTRI labs and CIPHER divisions involving research in other topics including artificial intelligence and machine learning, communications, biophysics, security, and optics.
The candidate will be expected to work independently and effectively in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment. Affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology and located on its main campus in Atlanta Georgia, GTRI offers a unique opportunity to conduct applied research in a university setting. Employees in this position are encouraged to publish academic literature and pursue collaborations with academic, government, and industry partners.

Job Purpose

An applied physicist leverages knowledge and skills from the fields of physics, chemistry, material science, and mathematics to contribute to the research, analysis, design, and development of innovative systems, sensors, materials, and devices. They design and conduct experiments and/or simulations to ascertain physical properties and behaviors. Experiments conducted may involve the measurement, characterization, and testing of equipment and environmental phenomenology using specialized tools. Fundamental physical principles are used to inform the design of systems and sensors, to evaluate their theoretical performance, and to develop algorithms. Areas of application may include: optical systems, energy systems and storage, quantum systems, EO/IR & RF M&S and analysis, and photonics, and new materials. An applied physicist might also contribute to the development and application of new materials related to energy production, harvesting, and storage or to areas as diverse as healthcare, entertainment, or national security.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform more complex tests, experiments, calculations, and/or simulations to determine physical parameters/properties and behaviors of materials and systems and conduct more complex data analysis on the results of measurements and/or simulations
  • Lead design of experiments for simple experiments
  • Generate documentation of experiments and results
  • Contribute to white papers and proposals
  • Contribute to technical reports/presentations of project results

Additional Responsibilities

* Lead proposal writing and other business development activities to win funding for new research thrusts
* Manage the technical and financial execution of research programs
* Contribute to existing projects in applied quantum technologies
* Author technical reports and publications
* Present research to sponsors and peers
* Keep up-to-date in relevant published literature on applied quantum technologies

Required Minimum Qualifications

*Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered.
*Demonstrated expertise, e.g. through peer-reviewed publications, in quantum science research.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active TS SCI
  • An ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Active security clearance
    * Technical experience with any of the following:
    a. AMO physics techniques including ion trapping, laser cooling, atomic spectroscopy
    b. vapor cell sensors and clocks
    c. solid state color centers (e.g. NV-centers in diamond)
    d. single photon sources (e.g. quantum dot or four-wave-mixing) and detectors (e.g. SNSPDs)
    e. theoretical quantum optics and/or design for quantum optics experiments
    f. creation and analysis of entangled photon states (e.g. Bell pairs, GHZ states)
    g. integrated photonics design
    h. photonic quantum computing
    i. design and demonstration of practical or fielded quantum devices
    j. scientific programming
    k. micro/nano-fabrication tools and techniques

Travel Requirements

<10% travel

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

  • 0 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Computer Science, Engineering, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, Chemical Engineering.


U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.


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About Georgia Tech

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Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with great economic and cultural strengths. The Institute is a member of the University System of Georgia, the Georgia Research Alliance, and the Association of American Universities. Georgia Tech prides itself on its technology resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Industry

Education and colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US