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Device Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You'll operate at the intersection of device physics, process integration and data-driven innovation, partnering closely with product teams to accelerate development cycles and enable breakthrough ...

Senior Device Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Your Role As a Senior Device Engineer, you will be at the heart of developing next-generation ... PhD in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, material science, or other related field and ...

We work at the intersection of physics, process integration, and design, using advanced modeling and simulation to influence real silicon decisions. If you enjoy solving deep device problems before ...

The right candidate brings deep device physics knowledge across multiple laser and modulator architectures and the practical judgment to make design decisions that survive contact with a real foundry ...

Senior Foundry Device Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Demonstrated expertise in CMOS semiconductor device physics and fabrication of advanced transistor device architectures. * Owning NPI (New Product Introduction) in production fabs and perform product ...

Senior Foundry Device Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Demonstrated expertise in CMOS semiconductor device physics and fabrication of advanced transistor device architectures. * Owning NPI (New Product Introduction) in production fabs and perform product ...

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Device Physics information

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$11K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do device physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 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 is the highest paid job in physics?

The highest paid jobs in physics typically include roles such as research scientists, physics professors at top universities, and industry positions like chief technology officers or senior engineers in technology companies. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in areas like quantum physics, materials science, or device physics, and can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are 5 potential jobs for physics?

Five potential jobs for physics graduates include research scientist, materials scientist, medical physicist, electronics engineer, and data analyst. These roles often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and proficiency in programming or modeling tools. Opportunities exist in academia, industry, healthcare, and government agencies.

Is device physics hard?

Device physics is a specialized field that involves understanding the physical principles behind electronic devices, such as semiconductors and transistors. It often requires a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and engineering, and can be challenging due to its technical complexity. Success in this field typically depends on advanced education, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with simulation tools and laboratory work.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of device physics, high-paying roles such as senior research scientists, chief technology officers, or executive positions in technology companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills in research, development, or management within the tech industry.

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Device Physics jobs
What states have the most Device Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Device Physics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Device Physics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Senior Quantum Applied Research Scientist, Physics Modeling

Senior Quantum Applied Research Scientist, Physics Modeling

Nvidia Corporation

Redmond, WA • On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

At NVIDIA, we're solving the world's most exciting problems with our unique approach to accelerated computing. We're looking for a passionate scientist at the intersection of quantum device physics and advanced physics simulation and modeling. This role will path-find the future of high-fidelity, real-time models for fault-tolerant quantum hardware.
At NVIDIA, we want to help accelerate the entire quantum ecosystem. As a Sr. Quantum Applied Research Scientist, you will help design and build high-fidelity models grounded in device physics, calibration experiments, decoding, and system performance. You will develop physics-informed data generation pipelines, advanced physics models, and advanced noise models. Your research will translate qubit physics into performant, accelerated modeling systems for fault-tolerant quantum computing for both offline and real-time use. You will collaborate with teams across Product, Engineering, and Applied Research to push the frontier of Accelerated Quantum Supercomputers! Do you love developing new technology, enjoy working with people and teams around the world, and operating at the speed of light? If yes, we would love to hear from you!
What you'll be doing:
  • Research and develop advanced physics-based models and scalable simulation frameworks.
  • Build physics-informed synthetic data generation pipelines that leverage quantum device models, noise channels, and Hamiltonian characterization to produce high-quality datasets.
  • Develop detailed noise models of quantum hardware that capture device physics, decoherence, and drift behavior, enabling accurate performance prediction and parameter inference without full experimental overhead.
  • Develop GPU-accelerated implementations to ensure the full simulation and modeling pipeline scales.
  • Communicate research findings and collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance the field, while championing rapid innovation, technical depth, and creative problem solving.

What we need to see:
  • Masters Degree in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field (Ph.D. strongly preferred); or equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years of combined experience and high impact in quantum systems, physics-based modeling, simulation, or related research areas.
  • Hands-on expertise in developing high-fidelity models of physical systems, including numerical simulation and model validation.
  • Strong background in quantum device physics and information science, including noise models, error mechanisms, and fault-tolerant quantum systems across one or more qubit modalities.
  • Broad understanding of quantum control, such as pulse-level hardware interfaces and classical feedback through software abstractions.
  • Experience with scalable computing or accelerated systems for simulation, numerical methods, or modeling workflows.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Hands-on experience developing simulation frameworks or digital twins of quantum systems and deploying them in calibration or control workflows, with awareness of fidelity, latency, and scalability tradeoffs.
  • Deep expertise in modeling, extracting, and validating noise processes, including system identification, parameter estimation, and uncertainty quantification.
  • Experience with physics-informed or generative approaches to synthetic data generation, including noise simulation, Hamiltonian learning, or data augmentation for scientific workflows.
  • Experience with modeling of more than one qubit modality, including neutral atom qubits.
  • Proficiency with CUDA and NVIDIA GPU programming for accelerating quantum simulation, numerical modeling, or large-scale scientific workloads.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/
#LI-Hybrid
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 192,000 USD - 304,750 USD.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 12, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993