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Contract Physicist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

$129K/yr

... management, contract execution, and technical support. Click on "Learn more about this agency ... or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c ...

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Contract Physicist information

See Colorado salary details

$41.5K

$99.7K

$238.2K

How much do contract physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 cities in Colorado are hiring for Contract Physicist jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Contract Physicist job openings:

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.

$129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

The primary purpose of this position is to exercise second level supervisory and managerial authorities over the Engineering Flight in the Civil Engineer Squadron. The Engineering Flight is responsible for providing project planning, program development, design, energy management, project management, contract execution, and technical support.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, General Engineering Series 0801; Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts with your application.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
  1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1 , or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
  2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional. registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
  4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts with your application.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-03, equivalent to the next to lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in the Federal Service. Specialized experience must include a wide range of multidisciplinary professional engineering theories, concepts, principles, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment, as well as knowledge of standard construction and contracting regulations, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of the principles of planning and program management; common business and economic principles, theories, concepts, and procedures; financial management principles and standards; and of the DoD Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System (PPBS). Knowledge of safety, security, personnel management, and EEO regulations, practices, and procedures.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of a wide range of multidisciplinary professional engineering theories, concepts, principles, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment, as well as knowledge of standard construction and contracting regulations, practices, and procedures.
2. Knowledge of the principles of planning and program management; common business and economic principles, theories, concepts, and procedures; financial management principles and standards; and of the DoD Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System (PPBS).
3. Knowledge of safety, security, personnel management, and EEO regulations, practices, and procedures.
4. Skill in evaluating state-of-the-art scientific and engineering technologies and incorporating into the planning, design, operation, maintenance, repair and upgrade of installation natural/built infrastructure.
5. Ability to analyze, plan, organize, and direct the work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; and to mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization.
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with senior officials from a broad array of activities, including federal and local government, and industry.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER

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