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Atomic Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

Vector Atomic

Manufacturing Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Experience with frequency combs, ultra-stable lasers, atomic physics systems, frequency standards, or free space optical systems. * Familiarity with vacuum systems, thermal control, or vibration ...

Vector Atomic

Manufacturing Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Experience with frequency combs, ultra-stable lasers, atomic physics systems, frequency standards, or free space optical systems. * Familiarity with vacuum systems, thermal control, or vibration ...

JPL

Technologist III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Atomic physics technical background * Extensive experience with atom interferometry systems and research. * Experience with atom interferometry for gravity measurement/sensing. * Demonstrated success ...

Atom Computing

Principal Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO

$200K - $230K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

Atom Computing

Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

Atom Computing

Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

Atom Computing

Senior Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO

$185K - $210K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

Atom Computing

Principal Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

Atom Computing

Senior Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$185K - $210K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

Vector Atomic

Manufacturing Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Experience with frequency combs, ultra-stable lasers, atomic physics systems, frequency standards, or free space optical systems. * Familiarity with vacuum systems, thermal control, or vibration ...

Atom Computing

Senior Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO

$185K - $210K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

Atom Computing

Principal Quantum Engineer

Boulder, CO

$200K - $230K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum ...

JPL

Technologist III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in experimental atomic physics or closely related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of professional experience, or Master's degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 ...

Quantinuum

R&D Atomic Physicist - 649

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a R&D Atomic Physicist in our Brooklyn Park, MN location. Our team is leading the ... ion physics * Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen ...

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Technologist III

Campus, IL · On-site

Bachelor's degree in experimental atomic physics or closely related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of professional experience, or Master's degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 ...

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How much do atomic physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for atomic physics 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 jobs can a nuclear physicist do?

A nuclear physicist can work in research and development, academia, or industry, focusing on nuclear energy, medical imaging, radiation safety, or nuclear weapons. They often work in laboratories, government agencies, or private companies, utilizing skills in data analysis, experimental design, and specialized equipment. Advanced degrees and security clearances are common requirements for many positions.

What is the difference between Atomic Physics vs Nuclear Physics?

AspectAtomic PhysicsNuclear Physics
Required credentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics; PhD often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Physics or Nuclear Engineering; PhD common
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesResearch labs, nuclear facilities, government agencies
Industry usageFundamental research, spectroscopy, quantum mechanicsNuclear energy, medical imaging, nuclear safety

Atomic Physics focuses on the behavior of electrons and atoms, often involving quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Nuclear Physics studies the nucleus of atoms, including nuclear reactions and radioactivity. While both fields require strong physics backgrounds and often overlap in research settings, they differ in their focus areas and applications.

What is atomic physics?

Atomic physics is a branch of physics that studies atoms as isolated systems, primarily focusing on the behavior, properties, and interactions of electrons and the atomic nucleus. It explores topics such as electron configurations, ionization, atomic spectra, and how atoms interact with electromagnetic fields. Atomic physicists often investigate phenomena like energy levels, atomic transitions, and the effects of external forces on atoms. This field is fundamental in understanding the structure of matter and has applications in areas such as quantum computing, laser technology, and spectroscopy.

What's the highest paying physics job?

In atomic physics, high-paying roles include research scientists in government or private sector laboratories, often requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills. Positions such as senior research scientists or physics department heads typically offer the highest salaries, especially with experience and security clearances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Atomic Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Atomic Physicist, you need a strong background in physics and mathematics, typically supported by a Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field. Familiarity with advanced laboratory equipment, simulation software (such as MATLAB or COMSOL), and experience with spectroscopy or quantum measurement systems is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are important soft skills for designing experiments and interpreting complex data. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing research, solving scientific problems, and contributing to technological innovations in atomic physics.

What does an atomic physicist do?

An atomic physicist studies the properties and behavior of atoms, including atomic structure, spectra, and interactions. They often conduct experiments using specialized equipment like lasers and particle accelerators and analyze data to understand fundamental atomic phenomena, contributing to fields such as quantum mechanics and materials science.

How much do atomic physicists make?

Atomic physicists typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Those with advanced degrees and research experience working in academia, government labs, or private industry may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in atomic physics research roles?

Professionals in atomic physics research often encounter challenges such as managing complex experimental setups, interpreting intricate data, and staying current with rapidly evolving technologies. Collaboration is key, as projects frequently require input from multidisciplinary teams, including engineers and computational scientists. Additionally, securing research funding and publishing results in high-impact journals can be competitive, requiring persistence and strong communication skills.
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What cities are hiring for Atomic Physics jobs? Cities with the most Atomic Physics job openings:
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Atomic Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Atomic Physics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 40% Physical, and 60% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Quantum Engineer

Quantum Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

We are looking for Quantum Engineers to work on all aspects of neutral atom quantum computing. As a Quantum Engineer at Atom Computing, you will join a team of talented scientists and engineers who are working to translate fundamental atomic physics to a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer. 

We welcome applicants from a diverse set of backgrounds, but are specifically interested in candidates with experience in the following fields: Trapping and manipulation of cold atoms; Coherent control of quantum systems (for example: neutral atoms, trapped ions, NV- centers, nuclear magnetic resonance, superconducting qubits); Quantum characterization, verification, and validation (QCVV) techniques.

Responsibilities
  • Design and construct the scientific hardware and control interfaces (both hardware and software) that are the essential backbone of the quantum computing platform.
  • Generate intellectual property related to the design and operation of neutral-atom-based quantum computers.  
  • Distill and communicate findings internally, and as appropriate, in external publications and presentations.  
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Experience & Education
  • PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
Required Qualifications
  • Extensive knowledge of the state-of-the-art techniques used in atomic physics and quantum computing research 
  • Deep understanding of the fundamental interactions between light and matter.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with Python and Git software version control
Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, we offer unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.  We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!
 
The salary range for this position is between $160,000 - $185,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus, sign-on bonus and incentive stock options for equity in the company.