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Applied Physics Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Microbiologist

Laurel, MD · On-site

$105 - $290/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

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  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Web-lab experience culturing, assaying, and manipulating bacterial species. * Proficiency in basic ... The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to ...

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Combat Systems Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$100 - $245/hr

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  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

S. in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Math or equivalent field. * Have 3+ years of experience in engineering, technical analysis, or systems integration. * Have experience in AAW, BMD ...

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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 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for applied physics lab in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 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.
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What cities are hiring for Applied Physics Lab jobs?

Cities with the most Applied Physics Lab job openings:

What states have the most Applied Physics Lab jobs?

States with the most job openings for Applied Physics Lab jobs include:

Infographic showing various Applied Physics Lab job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Radiation Hardened (RADHARD) Electronics Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Laurel, MD • On-site

$100 - $245/hr

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Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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Job description

Description

Are you passionate about applying your analytical skill to questions in strategic deterrence and defense?

Are you searching for important physics/engineering-based analysis work, where you can contribute to some of our country's most fascinating security challenges?

Are you interested in research that will make the next generation of U.S. Strategic Systems more survivable, reliable, and credible?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The System Modeling and Estimation Group within the Force Projection Sector of the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic physicist and/or engineer to take on the position of Radiation Hardened (RADHARD) Electronics Engineer. The ideal candidate will work on complex, multi-discipline problems with a team of experts to offer technical contributions to improve the next generation of U.S. Strategic Systems.

As a Radiation Hardened (RADHARD) Electronics Engineer...
  • You will work with a talented multi-disciplinary team
  • You will analyze the nuclear survivability of strategic weapon systems and structures
  • You will perform technical analyses to understand, evaluate, and characterize the response of component and system level electronics to nuclear events and the natural space environment
  • You will use in-house or third-party modeling tools to perform rigorous technical analyses
  • You will identify and collect information needed to perform credible analysis of system level effects
  • You will perform technical analyses of work produced by external partners
  • You will support instrument and system level design reviews
  • You will expand your technical skillset to include additional nuclear hardness and survivability areas
  • You will interact with sponsors and representatives of other organizations
Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related science/engineering field with 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Are familiar with hardware design and development of analog or digital electronics, FPGAs, and/or software systems
  • Are familiar with radiation environments and the principles of radiation interactions with matter
  • Have a strong mathematical and statistical background
  • Attention to detail with strong verbal and written communication skills
  • The qualifications needed in this job also include initiative, interest in skill development and the flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Have a Master of Science or Doctorate in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related science/engineering field with 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Have Strategic RADHARD or space RADHARD electronics experience
  • Have a basic understanding of device physics and radiation effects on electronics
  • Have experience with modeling or testing of any radiation effects on electronics including total ionizing dose, dose rate, single event effects and displacement damage from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and heavy ions
  • Have hands on experience designing, implementing, and optimizing real world applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies
  • Have experience with electromagnetic pulse theory and system protection
  • Have electronics design experience
  • Are familiar with the natural space environment and their effects on systems
  • Are familiar with nuclear weapon environments and their effects on systems
  • Have radiation detection experience
  • Have knowledge of data analysis, computational physics, or computational engineering
  • Have experience modeling nuclear weapon effects
  • Are a licensed Professional Engineer
  • Demonstrated ability to present to high level government sponsors
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance
Benefits and Compensation

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually

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