Applied Physicist III
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
San Diego, CA · On-site
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
San Diego, CA · On-site
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
$87K - $157K/yr
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 ...
Arlington, VA · On-site
Physics (can be Applied Physics or other variants) or Masters with relevant work experience but not desk experience. * A background in experimental physics and an understanding of optics Desired ...
Arlington, VA · On-site
Physics (can be Applied Physics or other variants) or Masters with relevant work experience but not desk experience. * A background in experimental physics and an understanding of optics Desired ...
Arlington, VA · On-site
Physics (can be Applied Physics or other variants) or Masters with relevant work experience but not desk experience. * A background in experimental physics and an understanding of optics Desired ...
Arlington, VA · On-site
Physics (can be Applied Physics or other variants) or Masters with relevant work experience but not desk experience. * A background in experimental physics and an understanding of optics Desired ...
Physics (can be Applied Physics or other variants) or Masters with relevant work experience but not desk experience. * A background in experimental physics and an understanding of optics Desired ...
Quick apply
Physics (can be Applied Physics or other variants) or Masters with relevant work experience but not desk experience. * A background in experimental physics and an understanding of optics Desired ...
... and applied physics * Innovation: Incorporate hands-on, inquiry-based learning and integrate ... Masters degree in Physics, Science Education, or a related field * Valid teaching credential ...
Quick apply
... and applied physics * Innovation: Incorporate hands-on, inquiry-based learning and integrate ... Masters degree in Physics, Science Education, or a related field * Valid teaching credential ...
Laurel, MD · On-site
At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we solve critical challenges in ... Have a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Technology, Computer ...
Laurel, MD · On-site
At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we solve critical challenges in ... Have a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Technology, Computer ...
Mountain View, CA · Hybrid
$145K - $192K/yr
Masters of science with 5+ years experience or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or equivalent * Strong knowledge of depth sensing technologies and hands on experience ...
Mountain View, CA · Hybrid
$145K - $192K/yr
Masters of science with 5+ years experience or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or equivalent * Strong knowledge of depth sensing technologies and hands on experience ...
At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we solve critical challenges in ... Have a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Technology, Computer ...
At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we solve critical challenges in ... Have a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Technology, Computer ...
DESIRED EXPERTISE: • Masters' degree or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, quantum information science, or closely related fields, with four plus (4+) ...
DESIRED EXPERTISE: • Masters' degree or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, quantum information science, or closely related fields, with four plus (4+) ...
DESIRED EXPERTISE: • Masters' degree or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, quantum information science, or closely related fields, with four plus (4+) ...
DESIRED EXPERTISE: • Masters' degree or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, quantum information science, or closely related fields, with four plus (4+) ...
Masters' degree or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, quantum information science, or closely related fields, with four plus (4+) years of work experience.
Masters' degree or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, quantum information science, or closely related fields, with four plus (4+) years of work experience.
Masters' degree or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, quantum information science, or closely related fields, with four plus (4+) years of work experience.
Quick apply
Masters' degree or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, quantum information science, or closely related fields, with four plus (4+) years of work experience.
$39K - $40.2K
3% of jobs
$40.2K - $41.5K
7% of jobs
$41.5K - $42.7K
12% of jobs
$43.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$42.7K - $43.9K
8% of jobs
$43.9K - $45.1K
12% of jobs
$45.1K - $46.4K
8% of jobs
The median wage is $46.5K / yr.
$46.4K - $47.6K
12% of jobs
$47.6K - $48.8K
8% of jobs
$49.5K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$48.8K - $50K
12% of jobs
$50K - $51.3K
8% of jobs
$51.3K - $52.5K
12% of jobs
$39K
$46.9K
$52.5K
| Aspect | Applied Physics Masters | Physicist |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Master's degree in applied physics or related field | Typically a PhD in physics or related specialization |
| Work Environment | Research labs, industry, technology companies | Research institutions, government labs, academia |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Tech firms, manufacturing, R&D departments | Universities, government agencies, research organizations |
Applied Physics Masters graduates often work in industry-focused roles applying physics principles, while physicists usually engage in research and academic or government projects. Both roles require strong physics knowledge, but physicists typically hold higher degrees and focus more on theoretical research.

8.4
Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
56th of 425 rated business services
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:May 27, 2026For 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.
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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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.
It services
10,000+ Employees
Reston, VA, US