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Associate Nasa Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics Position Purpose This entry-level ... Apply physics and engineering principles to solve complex structural and mechanical challenges in ...

Senior Research Associate

Boulder, CO · On-site

$71K - $130K/yr

... NASA for the Athena x-ray satellite project. The screening infrastructure will include cryogenic ... A PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field. What We Would ...

... Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics Job Overview This role supports the ... Apply engineering and physics principles to solve complex, real-world challenges * Support the ...

Quality Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$61K - $78K/yr

Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a full-time Associate Program Quality Engineer. In this role, you ... e.g. math, physics, chemistry, etc.) anything else related. • Knowledge of manufacturing ...

Staff Systems Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... DoD or NASA acquisition environment. * Effective written and verbal communication skills for ... Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. * INCOSE Associate Systems ...

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Associate Nasa Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do associate nasa physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate nasa 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.

How hard is it to get a job at JPL?

Securing an Associate NASA Physicist position at JPL is highly competitive, requiring advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. in physics or related fields, along with relevant research experience and technical skills. Candidates often need a strong background in scientific research, proficiency with data analysis tools, and a demonstrated ability to contribute to complex projects in a collaborative environment.

How much do physicists make at NASA?

Physicists working at NASA, including associate physicists, typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions often start around $70,000, while senior roles with advanced degrees and specialized skills can exceed $130,000. Salaries are influenced by federal pay scales and may include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Does NASA hire physicists?

Yes, NASA hires physicists for roles involving space science, astrophysics, and research related to space exploration. These positions often require advanced degrees in physics or related fields and may involve working with specialized tools and research environments. Physicists at NASA contribute to missions, data analysis, and scientific advancements in space science.

Does NASA hire biochemists?

NASA primarily hires scientists and engineers in fields such as physics, astronomy, and aerospace engineering. While biochemists are not common roles, NASA may employ biochemists in specialized research areas related to space life sciences, astrobiology, or biological experiments on space missions. Relevant skills include laboratory research, data analysis, and knowledge of biological sciences.
More about Associate Nasa Physicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Nasa Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Associate Nasa Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Nasa Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Nasa Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Nasa Physicist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Nasa Physicist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Associate Staff - Orbital Dynamics

Associate Staff - Orbital Dynamics

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Advanced Electro-Optical Systems Group (Group 99) specializes in the rapid design and prototyping of innovative electro-optic systems that support the Department of Defense, NASA, and other U.S. government organizations. The group has deep expertise in satellite systems, electro-optical and infrared sensors, electronics, image processing, and low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) optical communications. By combining hardware and software development under one roof, the group rapidly architects, prototypes, and deploys end-to-end systems tailored to mission needs. We work closely with end users to transform enabling concepts into operational capabilities on accelerated timelines.

We are seeking self-motivated engineers and scientists with multidisciplinary skill sets and a passion for prototyping cutting-edge systems that address critical national challenges.

Job Description

Group 99 is seeking a highly motivated Associate Staff member with a focus on orbital dynamics to join our team. The ideal candidate is someone who wants to make a meaningful impact on real-world systems, thrives in technically challenging environments, and takes ownership from concept through execution.

You will work on problems spanning orbit determination, trajectory design, and space system analysis, contributing to missions and technologies that operate in complex and dynamic regimes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and apply models for orbital mechanics, trajectory propagation, and perturbation analysis
  • Perform orbit determination and estimation using real or simulated data
  • Analyze space system performance, including maneuver planning and mission design
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to integrate orbital dynamics with broader system requirements
  • Build, validate, and maintain analysis tools and simulation frameworks
  • Communicate technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Required Qualifications
  • M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field. A Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of experience would be considered.
  • Strong foundation in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics
  • Experience with scientific computing (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar)
  • Demonstrated ability to follow through on complex technical work from initial concept to delivery
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with orbit determination techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering, batch estimation)
  • Familiarity with space mission design or operations
  • Experience working with real sensor data or flight systems
  • Is comfortable working in ambiguous problem spaces and helping define solutions
  • Communicates clearly and works effectively in team settings

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400-$140,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $116,400-$182,200

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 42844