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Contract Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Gate Group

Physicist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

In this role, you will contribute to high-impact government contracts focused on conventional ... The ideal candidate brings a strong physics foundation, hands-on simulation experience, and the ...

Cape Fox SS

Radiation Therapy Medical Physicist

WA · On-site

$215K - $226K/yr

Shall posse five years of recent clinical therapeutic radiological physics experience within the last 6 years prior to contract execution. Shall be currently proficient in clinical radiation therapy ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

System One

Health Physicist Technician 2

Everett, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Contract Duration: One year with possible extension Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking a Health Physicist Technician 2 to support radiation safety operations ...

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Contract Physicist information

See salary details

$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do contract physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 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.
More about Contract Physicist jobs

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Cities with the most Contract Physicist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs?

The most popular types of Physicist jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Physicist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Physicist jobs include:

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Contract Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Physicist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Physicist

Red Gate Group

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description
The Red Gate Group is seeking a talented and motivated Physicist to support advanced multiphysics modeling and simulation efforts in Albuquerque, NM. In this role, you will contribute to high-impact government contracts focused on conventional weapons effects, computational structural dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, and multi-spectrum functional defeat modeling. The ideal candidate brings a strong physics foundation, hands-on simulation experience, and the ability to operate effectively within a collaborative, fast-paced technical environment supporting national defense priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop, execute, and validate Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to support conventional weapons effects analysis
  • Perform coupled CFD/CSD simulations to characterize complex fluid-structure interaction phenomena under operationally relevant conditions
  • Conduct thermal modeling to assess heat transfer, thermal loading, and material response in weapons effects scenarios
  • Build and apply multi-spectrum functional defeat models to evaluate target vulnerability and system defeat mechanisms across relevant threat profiles
  • Support the development and maintenance of conventional weapons effects models in compliance with program-specific requirements and standards
  • Execute rigorous uncertainty analysis to quantify and communicate model fidelity, sensitivity, and confidence bounds to stakeholders
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of physicists, engineers, and analysts to integrate simulation outputs into broader system-level assessments and technical reports

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline (Master's preferred)
  • 8+ years of experience in multiphysics modeling and simulation, consistent with a journeyman proficiency level
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with CFD and/or CSD modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, OpenFOAM, AUTODYN, or equivalent)
  • Working knowledge of coupled multi-physics simulation methodologies, including fluid-structure interaction
  • Familiarity with uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods and their application in physics-based modeling environments
  • US Citizen with an Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance (required at time of application)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document and present technical findings clearly to both technical and programmatic audiences

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with conventional munitions, terminal ballistics, or weapons effects modeling in a DoW or DOE-related program environment
  • Familiarity with multi-spectrum target defeat analysis or vulnerability/lethality (V/L) assessments
  • Experience working within a government contracting environment, including adherence to SOW deliverables, CDRLs, and program schedules
  • Proficiency in scripting or programming languages (Python, MATLAB, or Fortran) for pre/post-processing and automation of simulation workflows
Company Description
The Red Gate Group, founded in 2006, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Company based in Chantilly, VA. As an SDVOSB, the Red Gate Group has established a reputation for delivering quality multi-tiered services in intelligence analysis, strategic planning, program management, policy development, operational design, and technology integration. RGG delivers high-quality, customer-centric solutions around the world-from the foxhole to the highest levels of Government. Our motto, "Making a Difference for Country and Client," reflects our deep commitment to national security and service excellence. As an employer of choice, we offer comprehensive benefits including flexible time off, 11 paid holidays, immediate 401(k) eligibility with a generous match, and full medical, dental, and vision coverage. Our employees enjoy 100% company-paid life insurance and disability benefits, along with professional development assistance for degrees and certifications. We foster a culture of growth and work-life balance, backed by our commitment to supporting both our clients' missions and our employees' success. Join our team and be part of an organization that values both service excellence and employee wellbeing.

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