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Applied Physics Lab Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Applied Physics Lab information

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How much do applied physics lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for applied physics lab in Dallas, TX is $19.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $25.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an applied physics lab?

An Applied Physics Lab is a research facility where scientists and engineers use principles of physics to solve real-world problems and develop new technologies. These labs often work on projects involving electronics, materials science, optics, robotics, and more, frequently collaborating with industry and government organizations. Applied Physics Labs can be found at universities, private companies, and government research centers, and their work often leads to advances in fields like defense, healthcare, energy, and communications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applied physics lab technician?

To thrive as an Applied Physics Lab Technician, you need a strong background in physics or engineering, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, measurement devices, and data analysis software like MATLAB or LabVIEW is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help technicians excel in collaborative research environments. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting scientific innovation.

What are the typical collaborative projects an applied physics lab professional might engage in, and how do they work with interdisciplinary teams?

Professionals working in an Applied Physics Lab often collaborate on projects that intersect with engineering, materials science, computer science, and even biomedical fields. They regularly participate in cross-disciplinary teams to design experiments, develop prototypes, or solve complex technical problems. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as team members may have different technical backgrounds and project goals. These collaborations not only foster innovation but also provide valuable networking and learning opportunities for lab professionals.

What is the difference between Applied Physics Lab vs Optical Engineer?

AspectApplied Physics LabOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Engineering, or related fields; security clearance often requiredBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications like OSA may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, government facilities, defense projectsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, defense contractors, research institutionsTech companies, aerospace, telecommunications, research firms

Applied Physics Labs and Optical Engineers often share credentials and work environments, especially in research and defense sectors. While Applied Physics Labs focus on broad physics research and development, Optical Engineers specialize in designing and testing optical systems. Both roles are vital in high-tech industries, but their specific focus areas differ.

What does an applied physics lab do?

An applied physics lab conducts research and experiments to develop practical solutions using principles of physics. Staff in these labs often work on projects related to technology development, instrumentation, and scientific innovation, utilizing tools like lasers, sensors, and computational models.

What jobs can you get with applied physics?

Applied physics graduates can pursue roles such as research scientist, optical engineer, data analyst, systems analyst, or technical consultant. These jobs often require strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and proficiency in programming or modeling tools.

What are popular job titles related to Applied Physics Lab jobs in Dallas, TX?

For Applied Physics Lab jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Applied Physics Lab jobs in Dallas, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Applied Physics Lab jobs in Dallas, TX are:

Infographic showing various Applied Physics Lab job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,282 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer - EO/IR or RF Signal Processing

Raytheon

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-28

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-849 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 849 (External Site)

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. 

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
 

The Processing, Guidance and Controls (PG&C) Center within the Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities Discipline consists of Guidance, Navigation and Control; Signal Processing; and Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis disciplines for Effectors.

The Signal Processing team is seeking Principal Systems Engineer – EO/IR or RF Signal Processing engineers to join our PG&C Center in Tucson, AZ.

As the Principal Systems Engineer – EO/IR or RF Signal Processing, you will collaborate in the design, development, prototyping, integration, testing, and performance assessment of radio frequency (RF) or electro-optical / infrared (EO/IR) algorithms and models. Used across our products and new business initiatives, signal processing algorithms extract and exploit sensor signals to be used for calibrating and denoising raw sensor data; detecting, acquiring, tracking, and classifying objects of interest; and sensor fusion. This is an onsite position located in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do

  • You will act with advanced to expert knowledge of signal processing to support budget, schedule, development, execution, and completion of difficult and often complex missile systems program objectives.
  • You will use and modify simulations for the design, development, prototyping, integration, testing, and performance assessment of signal processing algorithms and models.
  • You will participate in engineering lab environments to test, verify, and validate sensor models and signal processing algorithm performance in accordance with requirements.
  • You will focus on integration of algorithms into hardware and collaborate in all development phases from program start-up to live-fire testing, providing signal processing knowledge to resolve numerous and often undefined problems and issues in design reviews, peer reviews, and technical briefings to parties within and outside your own discipline.
  • You will share your knowledge and mentor multiple team members.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Signal processing experience in the EO/IR or RF domains.
  • Experience with the C programming language, or Object-Oriented Programming experience with the C++, C#, or Java programming languages.
  • Experience with algorithm design, implementation, analysis, testing, and optimization.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an Interim Secret U.S. government issued Security Clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain special program access after start.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Advanced Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or Applied Math.
  • Experience with missile systems applications supporting customer programs.
  • Experience with version control tools such as Azure DevOps and Git.
  • Subject Matter Expertise in multiple EO/IR or RF algorithms such as edge detection, segmentation, image restoration, adaptive processing, beamforming, angle estimation, synthetic aperture processing, waveform design, tracking, feature extraction, or classification / recognition.
  • Proficiency in using MATLAB or Python for analysis of data sets.
  • Strong communication skills, capable of presenting analysis to technical and non-technical audiences and advocating for best solutions and strategy.
  • Experience with hardware/software integration.
  • Experience managing or leading others in a technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment.
  • Ability to interface with adjacent engineering disciplines such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control; Software Engineering; Systems Engineering; or Hardware Engineering.

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
  • Relocation Eligible - relocation assistance is available for this position

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.  Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
  • This position requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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