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$11K

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How much do device physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for device 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 are some common challenges device physics professionals face when working on cross-functional teams?

Device Physics professionals often collaborate with engineers, materials scientists, and product designers to develop and optimize electronic devices. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex physical concepts and experimental results to team members from different technical backgrounds. Additionally, aligning project timelines with the iterative nature of device research can be demanding. Successful Device Physics professionals are adaptable, proactive in fostering interdisciplinary understanding, and skilled at translating technical findings into actionable insights for the broader team.

What does a device physicist do?

A device physicist studies and develops the physical principles behind electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as transistors, sensors, LEDs, and solar cells. They work on understanding how materials and structures at the atomic or nanoscale level affect device performance. Their work involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with engineers to create innovative devices with improved efficiency, speed, or reliability.

What is the difference between Device Physics vs Semiconductor Process Engineer?

AspectDevice PhysicsSemiconductor Process Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, advanced knowledge of semiconductor physicsEngineering degree, expertise in fabrication processes
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departmentsManufacturing facilities, cleanrooms
Industry UsageDesign and analysis of semiconductor devicesProduction and process optimization
Common Search/ComparisonUnderstanding device behaviorImproving manufacturing processes

Device Physics focuses on understanding the fundamental principles governing semiconductor devices, including their behavior and performance. Semiconductor Process Engineers, on the other hand, work on developing and optimizing fabrication processes to produce these devices efficiently. While both roles are essential in the semiconductor industry, Device Physics is more research-oriented, whereas Process Engineering emphasizes manufacturing and process improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a device physicist?

To thrive as a Device Physicist, you need a solid background in physics, materials science, and semiconductor device theory, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a relevant field. Experience with simulation tools (such as TCAD), cleanroom fabrication processes, and characterization techniques is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success. These competencies enable Device Physicists to innovate, troubleshoot, and collaborate effectively in developing advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices.

What is a device physicist?

A device physicist is a scientist who studies the physical principles underlying electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as semiconductors, transistors, and lasers. They often work in research and development environments, using tools like microscopy and simulation software to improve device performance and reliability.
More about Device Physics jobs

What states have the most Device Physics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Device Physics jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Device Physics jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Device Physics jobs are:

Device Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Device Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Nanoelectronics & Device-Physics Engineer

Astera

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Astera
Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.
Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.
Position Summary
The Astera Institute is seeking a Nanoelectronics & Device-Physics Engineer to design the electrostatic drive and the field-effect position sensor for a nanoscale actuator, and own its fabrication process and electrical characterization. This position reports to Dr. Jeremy Barton (Astera Institute Resident, Project Lead). This is a full-time position.
Responsibilities
  • Design the electrostatic drive stack - the patterned electrode, insulating (high-k) dielectric, and compliant polymer that deflect the charged DNA-origami plate - to targets of roughly 10 nm of plate displacement and about 100 pN of force at low drive voltage, and validate the dielectric's long-term reliability.
  • Design a field-effect (FET) sensor that reads the mechanism's position electrically, including the low-noise readout needed to resolve nanometer-scale motion for closed-loop control.
  • Define the full device stack - patterned electrode, high-k dielectric, compliant polymer, and the DNA-origami actuator - and direct its fabrication (including electron-beam lithography) at cleanroom partners.
  • Characterize the finished device on the bench: voltage-displacement response, reversibility and hysteresis over many actuation cycles, and force/displacement by single-molecule AFM.
  • Ensure the measurement toolchain can actually resolve the quantities being measured.

Qualifications and Experience
  • PhD or MS in electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a related field, grounded in semiconductor device physics.
  • Experience with high-k dielectrics and thin-film stacks, FET or biosensor charge sensing, and low-noise electrical measurement.
  • Cleanroom process design and working familiarity with electron-beam lithography (running or directing fabrication).
  • Comfort at the bench with nanoscale electromechanical characterization; AFM experience is a plus.
  • Ability to partner closely with molecular-design and controls colleagues on a tightly integrated device.

Location
This position is on site at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.
Compensation
The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.
  • See the Benefits Summary.

Cultural Alignment
  • Surprising problem-solver - you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.
  • Bias to action - you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.
  • High standards, internally driven - you hold yourself to the bar of building world-class public goods without benchmarking against others.
  • Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship - you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.
  • Embrace the tools that define great work today - Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly; we see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras.

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