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Defense Contractor Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Attalon, Inc.

Senior Program Manager

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

... defense contractor Preferred Qualifications * Master's degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng, Business Administration, or a related technical field * MBA * 10-15+ years of ...

Gamma Technologies, LLC

$97.05 - $137.02/hr

Fusing advanced physics with AI algorithms, our platform, GT-SUITE, is used to simulate a broad ... Defense contractors and prime integrators * Space and launch vehicle companies * Propulsion and ...

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Defense Contractor Physics information

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$11K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do defense contractor physics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor physics in the United States is $61,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Physics vs Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDefense Contractor PhysicsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Physics or related field; security clearance often requiredBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; security clearance often required
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, defense facilities, project officesManufacturing sites, design labs, testing facilities
Industry UsageDeveloping advanced defense systems, missile technology, sensor designDesigning mechanical components, systems integration, testing
Common Search/ComparisonDefense Contractor Physics vs Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer

Defense Contractor Physics and Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer roles share overlapping credentials and work environments within the defense industry. Physics roles focus on research, sensor development, and theoretical modeling, while Mechanical Engineering roles emphasize design, manufacturing, and testing of physical components. Both positions require security clearances and are integral to defense projects, but they differ in technical focus and daily tasks.

What are 5 potential jobs for defense contractor physics?

Potential jobs for someone with a background in defense contractor physics include roles such as defense analyst, systems engineer, research scientist, missile or radar systems designer, and simulation specialist. These positions often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of physics principles, and familiarity with defense technologies and tools like CAD software or simulation platforms.
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Cities with the most Defense Contractor Physics job openings:

What states have the most Defense Contractor Physics jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Physics jobs look for?

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Defense Contractor Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Experimental Atomic Physicist

Computational Physics Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for an Experimental Atomic Physicist to support our customers at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO).

Background

The USNO is responsible for the creation, dissemination and maintenance of precise time and navigation products for the Department of Defense and other customers. CPI is seeking an Experimental Physicist with a background in atomic, molecular or optical physics to support next‑generation atomic clock development at USNO. The successful candidate will support the work of the Clock Development division on optical lattice clocks and cold‑atom beam optical clocks based on alkaline earth atoms. The new Physicist will work with a team of CPI contractors and USNO Scientists to develop robust solutions for high‑uptime optical clocks and the infrastructure for their integration into the USNO timescale.

Most work for this position will be completed on-site at USNO in Washington, D.C.; occasional travel to conferences within and outside of the continental United States may be required based on the needs of the customer. Relocation assistance is available. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance upon hiring, an active clearance is not required at the time of application. The new Physicist will work closely with other CPI contractors and federal employees in the Precise Time Department, providing periodic updates to the Clock Development Division Chief.

Basic Qualifications
  • PhD in Experimental Atomic Physics or similar field
  • At least 6 years of experimental physics experience, this can include relevant work toward an advanced degree.
  • Data analysis using Python or similar programming language
  • Familiarity with lasers, optics and atomic spectroscopy
  • Familiarity with feedback control theory and electronics
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desired Qualifications
  • Atomic clocks
  • Laser cooling and trapping of alkaline‑earth atoms
  • Diode lasers and optical frequency combs
  • Hands‑on experience with python‑based experimental control (e.g. ARTIQ)

Candidate must obtain a SECRET clearance upon hiring. U.S. citizenship is required for DoD contracts.

Benefits
  • 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Disability insurance (short‑term and long‑term)
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

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