ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Physicist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

EnergyWave.ai

Physicist

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

Structure: This is an early, part-time/contract engagement with equity-weighted compensation ... Graduate-level physics or EE; hands-on lab instrumentation experience; comfort publishing null ...

Posted today

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for ... Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents DESIRED ...

Meta

Contract Manufacturing Manager

Sunnyvale, CA

$115K/yr

Contract Manufacturing Manager Responsibilities: * Develop, sustain and grow a meaningful ... rules of physics. Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action ...

Meta

Contract Manufacturing Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $163K/yr

Meta is currently seeking a Contract Manufacturing Manager that will lead and be responsible for ... of physics. Equal Employment Opportunity Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity ...

Mercor

Physics PhD - Theoretical Expert

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$70 - $180/hr

Contract Compensation: $70-$180/hour Location: Remote Role Responsibilities * Solve and evaluate challenging physics problems across various subfields. * Review AI-generated proofs , derivations, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Physicist JobsContract Physicist Jobs in California

Contract Physicist information

See California salary details

$39K

$93.6K

$223.5K

How much do contract physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract physicist in California is $93,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract physicist?

Contract physicists are professionals who work on a temporary or project-by-project basis rather than as permanent employees. They apply their expertise in physics to solve specific problems, conduct research, or provide consulting services for various organizations, such as research institutions, private companies, or government agencies. Their work can involve experimental or theoretical physics and often requires adapting to different projects, environments, and teams. Contract physicists typically negotiate the terms and length of their engagements, which can offer flexibility and diverse experiences.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract physicist?

A Contract Physicist should possess a solid background in physics, analytical problem-solving abilities, and at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python is often required. Strong communication, adaptability, and project management skills help them excel in diverse, client-driven environments. These skills ensure precise project delivery, effective collaboration, and the ability to address complex scientific challenges on a contract basis.

What are common challenges faced by contract physicists, and how can they be addressed?

Contract physicists often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new projects, managing multiple client expectations, and staying updated with the latest research. Since they may work with diverse teams across different organizations, strong communication and time management skills are essential. Building a robust professional network and keeping up with advancements in their field can help contract physicists secure new opportunities and remain competitive. Proactively seeking feedback and clarifying project goals early on also greatly improves project outcomes.

What is the difference between Contract Physicist vs Research Physicist?

AspectContract PhysicistResearch Physicist
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD in Physics or related fieldTypically requires a PhD in Physics or related field
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary assignments, often freelance or consultingPermanent or long-term research positions in labs or academia
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private companies, consulting firmsUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&D
Work FocusApplying physics to specific projects, often with deliverablesAdvancing scientific knowledge, publishing research

Contract Physicists typically work on short-term projects for various clients, focusing on applying physics skills to meet specific goals. Research Physicists usually hold permanent positions dedicated to scientific discovery and publishing. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

Is being a contract physicist a high paying job?

Contract physicists can earn competitive wages, often depending on their level of expertise, specialization, and the industry they work in, such as research, defense, or technology. Compensation may vary significantly based on project scope, experience, and the duration of contracts, with some roles offering higher pay for specialized skills or security clearances.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Physicist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Physicist jobs in California?

For Contract Physicist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Physicist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Physicist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Physicist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Physicist job openings:

Contract Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Physicist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,563 per year, or $45 per hour.

Physicist

EnergyWave.ai

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 20 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

Company: EnergyWave, Inc. (energywave.ai) is a pre-seed research venture developing the power supply for humanoid robots. We are explicitly research-stage: our first module is a historically documented solid-state configuration under a strict conservation-of-energy protocol — meter every input and output path, then answer two questions: what is the net energy source, and where is the colder sink? If the accounting holds, we extract the physics and file IP. If it doesn't, we retire the module publicly. We make no performance assertions about any device.

Role: Experimental physicist or measurement engineer to help design and execute the characterization protocol — calorimetry, instrumentation selection, error budgets, and blinded controls. You will be asked to try to kill the hypothesis, on the record. Skepticism is a qualification, not a disqualifier.

Structure: This is an early, part-time/contract engagement with equity-weighted compensation, expanding with funding milestones. We state that plainly because measurement discipline extends to how we describe our own roles.

You: Graduate-level physics or EE; hands-on lab instrumentation experience; comfort publishing null results.

Apply