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Atmospheric Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Student Research Assistant

Locke, NY

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Knowledge of and experience with atmospheric physics, boundary layer meteorology, clouds and water cycle are essential. Other experiences include using high performance computers, ability to perform ...

Student Research Assistant

Locke, NY

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Knowledge of and experience with atmospheric physics, boundary layer meteorology, clouds and water cycle are essential. Other experiences include using high performance computers, ability to perform ...

Student Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Knowledge of and experience with atmospheric physics, boundary layer meteorology, clouds and water cycle are essential. Other experiences include using high performance computers, ability to perform ...

Student Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Knowledge of and experience with atmospheric physics, boundary layer meteorology, clouds and water cycle are essential. Other experiences include using high performance computers, ability to perform ...

Chemistry, fluid dynamics, atmospheric physics background or coursework is a plus. * Coursework in Computer Vision and experience with OpenCV is highly desired. * Must be able to learn and ...

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Atmospheric Physics information

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$11K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do atmospheric physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for atmospheric physics in the United States is $61,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is atmospheric physics?

An Atmospheric Physics job involves studying the physical processes and phenomena in Earth's atmosphere, including weather, climate, and atmospheric dynamics. Professionals in this field analyze data from satellites, weather stations, and climate models to understand atmospheric behavior. They may work in research institutions, government agencies, or private industries, contributing to weather forecasting, climate change research, and environmental policy. Strong skills in math, physics, and computer modeling are essential for success in this career.

What kind of jobs can you get with an atmospheric physics degree?

Atmospheric physics graduates can pursue careers as meteorologists, climate scientists, atmospheric researchers, or environmental consultants. These roles often involve data analysis, computer modeling, and the use of specialized software and instruments to study weather patterns, climate change, and atmospheric phenomena.

Is atmospheric physics hard?

Atmospheric physics can be challenging due to its complex concepts involving fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and radiation processes. Success in the field often requires strong mathematical skills, proficiency with modeling tools, and a solid understanding of physical principles, making it a demanding but rewarding area of study and work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in atmospheric physics, and why are they important?

To succeed in Atmospheric Physics, a strong background in physics, mathematics, and atmospheric sciences—typically demonstrated through an advanced degree—is essential. Familiarity with data analysis software, remote sensing tools, and programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or Fortran is highly valued, alongside possible certifications in meteorology or environmental science. Analytical thinking, problem-solving aptitude, and clear scientific communication are important soft skills for excelling in both individual research and collaborative projects. These competencies are crucial for accurately modeling atmospheric phenomena and conveying complex findings to stakeholders or policy makers.

What do atmospheric physicists do?

Atmospheric physicists study the physical properties and processes of the Earth's atmosphere, including weather, climate, and atmospheric phenomena. They use tools like computer models, remote sensing instruments, and laboratory experiments to analyze atmospheric data and develop theories. Their work often involves data analysis, mathematical modeling, and field measurements to improve understanding of atmospheric behavior and support weather forecasting and climate research.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in atmospheric physics?

Professionals in Atmospheric Physics often spend their days collecting and analyzing atmospheric data, developing and running computational models, and interpreting the results to understand weather patterns, climate trends, or air quality. They may also be responsible for preparing research reports, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, or presenting findings at scientific conferences. Many roles involve a mix of computer-based work, occasional field measurements, and active collaboration with meteorologists, environmental scientists, and engineers. This variety ensures that no two days are exactly the same, offering ongoing learning and engagement for those in the field.

More about Atmospheric Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for Atmospheric Physics jobs? Cities with the most Atmospheric Physics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Atmospheric Physics jobs? The most popular types of Atmospheric Physics jobs are:
What states have the most Atmospheric Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Atmospheric Physics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Atmospheric Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Atmospheric Physics jobs are:
Infographic showing various Atmospheric Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Applied Physicist - EO/IR, Quantum Sensors, Optics & Atmospheric with Security Clearance

Alaire Technologies, Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Senior Physicist / Applied Physicist – EO/IR, Quantum Sensors, Optics & Atmospheric Modeling Location: Alexandria, VA / Washington, DC (Hybrid options may be available) Join Alaire Technologies
Alaire Technologies develops advanced sensing, imaging, and signal processing technologies that
provide the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with next-generation operational capabilities. We are
seeking an exceptional PhD-level scientist to develop cutting-edge electro-optical, infrared, laser,
and quantum sensing technologies for challenging maritime and littoral environments.
If your expertise includes optics, photonics, laser systems, atmospheric propagation, quantum
sensing, radiative transfer, or advanced sensor algorithms, we would love to speak with you. Position Overview
We are seeking a PhD Physicist, Applied Physicist, Optical Physicist, Quantum Scientist, or
Atmospheric Scientist to develop advanced sensor algorithms and physics-based models
supporting next-generation Navy sensing systems.
This role combines theoretical physics, numerical modeling, signal processing, image
processing, atmospheric propagation, and experimental validation to improve the
performance of advanced electro-optical, infrared, laser, and quantum sensors.
The ideal candidate has experience developing mathematical models, validating
algorithms against experimental data, and solving complex problems involving real-world
sensing systems. Key Responsibilities - Design, develop, and validate advanced signal processing and image processing algorithms for EO/IR, laser, lidar, radar, and quantum sensing systems. - Develop atmospheric propagation, turbulence, scattering, aerosol, and radiative transfer models for maritime and littoral environments. - Perform modeling, simulation, and performance prediction for advanced sensing systems. - Develop detection, tracking, classification, target recognition, change detection, and sensor fusion algorithms. - Analyze laboratory and field-collected sensor data to calibrate, validate, and improve performance models. - Support optical system modeling, sensor characterization, and algorithm optimization. , - Collaborate with engineers, physicists, and government customers to transition research into operational software. - Participate in laboratory testing, field experiments, and at-sea demonstrations. - Prepare technical reports, white papers, peer-reviewed publications, and customer presentations. Required Qualifications PhD in one of the following: - Physics - Applied Physics - Optical Physics - Electrical Engineering - Atmospheric Science - Photonics - Optical Engineering - Quantum Science - or a closely related technical discipline Experience in several of the following: − Electro-optical (EO) systems − Infrared (IR) imaging − EO/IR sensors − Laser systems − Photonics − Optical engineering − Atmospheric propagation − Atmospheric turbulence − Radiative transfer − Scattering theory − Aerosol modeling − Signal processing − Image processing − Sensor algorithms − Statistical detection − Target tracking − Machine learning for sensing applications , − Numerical modeling − Computational physics − Sensor calibration − Experimental design − Performance modeling − Sensor validation Programming experience with one or more of: − Python − MATLAB − C − C++ − CUDA − Julia Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting: − U.S. Navy − Marine Corps − DARPA − AFRL − NRL − Naval Research Laboratory − DoD laboratories − Government R&D organizations Experience with: − Lidar − Radar − EO/IR systems − Laser sensing − Optical imaging − Remote sensing − Sensor fusion − High Performance Computing (HPC) − GPU computing , − MBSE − Digital engineering Highly Desired (Quantum Sensor Experience) Candidates with experience in quantum technologies are especially encouraged to apply. Examples include: − Quantum sensors − Quantum optics − Quantum photonics − Quantum metrology − Atomic physics − AMO Physics − Precision measurement − Laser spectroscopy − Cold atom systems − Atom interferometry − Optical frequency standards − Quantum magnetometers − Quantum gravimeters − Quantum inertial navigation − Quantum accelerometers − Quantum gyroscopes − Quantum clocks − NV-center sensing − Atomic clocks − Optical clocks − Frequency combs − Bose-Einstein Condensates − Optical trapping − Laser cooling Ideal Background ,We are interested in scientists who have worked in areas such as: − Optical Physics − Applied Physics − Quantum Physics − Experimental Physics − Computational Physics − Atmospheric Physics − Photonics − Laser Physics − Remote Sensing − Electro-Optics − Infrared Imaging − Imaging Science − Computer Vision − Signal Processing − Sensor Development − Defense Research − Naval Sensing − Aerospace Sensors