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Contract Physicist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Arcfield

Mid-Level Physicist

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

Responsibilities The physicist will perform scientific analysis and computational modeling to ... Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the ...

Medpace, Inc.

PhD Medical Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

PhD or Master degree in physics or in other relevant field with at least 5 years' experience in ... Medpace Overview Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization (CRO) providing ...

Medpace, Inc.

PhD Medical Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$90K - $150K/yr

PhD or Master degree in physics or in other relevant field with at least 5 years' experience in ... Medpace Overview Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization (CRO) providing ...

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All JobsContract Physicist JobsContract Physicist Jobs in Colorado

Contract Physicist information

See Colorado salary details

$41.5K

$99.7K

$238.2K

How much do contract physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract physicist in Colorado is $99,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $117,800.00 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 Colorado?

The most popular types of Physicist jobs in Colorado are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Contract Physicist jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Contract Physicist job openings:

Contract Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Physicist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,689 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Mid-Level Physicist

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Arcfield
IT Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Arcfieldexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
The physicist will perform scientific analysis and computational modeling to evaluate fratricide, normal, hostile, and intrinsic radiation environments and their effect on the SWS, as well as on personnel. The successful candidate will perform a wide range of tasks spanning radiation transport calculations, Hardening and Vulnerability (H&V) calculations, Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) calculations, hostile nuclear environment definition, and planning and assessment of radiation/electrical/mechanical testing. Position will require the use of scientific and engineering simulation software, in particular radiation transport codes (e.g., MCNP, Attila, etc.), as well as with object-oriented programming languages (e.g., C++, Python, etc.).
This position will be responsible for the following:
  • Assist the customer in system planning, requirement definition, assessment, and qualification of current and future Navy weapon systems.
  • Develop technical documentation and briefings.
  • Develop and maintain software code as deliverables to the Navy.
  • Develop technical reports capturing assumptions, inputs, outputs, and results.
  • Develop and deliver presentations.
  • Interface directly with the customer.
  • Travel for meetings and customer interactions as required.
  • Contribute to team efforts in the completion of fratricide, normal, hostile, and intrinsic environment studies of applicable systems.
  • Perform radiation transport calculations of free-field and internal dose levels in Navy systems.
  • Perform intrinsic radiation studies for personnel safety.
  • Compare and correlate radiation modeling results with experimental data.
  • Perform Verification & Validation of simulation models and results.
  • Assist in test planning and execution at radiation, electrical, and mechanical above ground test facilities.
  • Work with software engineers to implement physics-based analysis models into maintainable software programs.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Minimum requirement is a BS Degree in Physics or Nuclear Engineering (or other related STEM fields) with 5-7 years of experience; MS with 3-5 years of experience; or PhD with 0-2 years of experience. An advanced degree is preferred and applicants with advanced degrees will be given preference.
  • Must BE ABLE TO OBTAIN and maintain a Top Secret Clearance.
  • Experience in experimental design, execution, and modeling.
  • Experience choosing and applying physical models in the formal analysis of physical systems.
  • Experience in writing technical reports or articles.
  • Experience presenting results to technical SMEs and government customers of various backgrounds and education levels.

Desired:
  • A PhD in Physics or Nuclear Engineering (or other related STEM fields).
  • Radiation transport experience (neutron, photon, electron)
  • Experience with any of the following computational tools: C++, Fortran, or Python, MCNP, Attila.
  • Ability to create unique code-to-code interfaces along with post processing routines for model response analyses.
  • Ability to lead a team of motivated and highly skilled engineers and scientists.
  • Experience with industry leading verification and validation practices, model uncertainty quantification, industry standard design of experiment processes, and application of statistical analysis of experimental data.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and manage detailed tasks.
  • Comfortable working independently or on a team.
  • Knowledge of object-oriented design.
  • Experience with strategic weapon systems.

Equal Pay Act
This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield 's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. Min: $91,706.25 Max: $159,459.38
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.

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