1

Device Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Device Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $193.50K/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 ...

Lead Quantum Device Theorist

Berkeley, CA ยท On-site

$195K - $225K/yr

This position requires deep expertise in circuit QED, quantum device physics, and noise modeling for quantum error correction (QEC). You will work closely with experimental teams to model processor ...

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 ยท On-site

$103.80K - $142.50K/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

$103.80K - $142.50K/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 ...

PIC device physics * Semiconductor, metal, and dielectric materials properties, characterization methods, and data interpretation * Optoelectronic testing of PIC devices * Modeling, simulation ...

As a Pathfinding Device Integration Engineer, you will work at the intersection of device physics, materials science, and process coordination. You will transform innovative concepts into data-driven ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Device Physics information

See salary details

$11K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do device physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 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 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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Senior Device Engineer

Merck Group

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$129K - $193.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join EMD Electronics.
Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.
Everything we do in EMD Electronics is to help us deliver on our purpose of being the company behind the companies, advancing digital living. We are dedicated to being the trusted supplier of high-tech materials, services and specialty chemicals for the electronics, automotive and cosmetics industries. We foster a global collaborative organization made up of individuals who have the passion to win, obsess about the customer, are relentlessly curious and act with urgency. Together, we push the boundaries of science to make more possible for our customers.
Your Role
As a Senior Device Engineer, you will be at the heart of developing next-generation electronic device solutions - pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology and translating deep device physics into real-world innovations. You will own the full arc from characterization to optimization, partnering with world-class engineers across disciplines to solve complex integration challenges and deliver breakthrough results for our customers.
Key Responsibilities
  • Define and build e-test protocols tailored to specific technologies under evaluation, leveraging your device characterization expertise to ensure solutions precisely meet customer specifications.
  • Drive physical understanding of device behavior - interpreting e-test results to uncover root causes and guide the optimization of device stacks and architectures.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration with process, integration, materials, and hardware engineers to improve yield, enhance process uniformity, and resolve critical integration challenges.
  • Architect and maintain data pipelines and databases, providing clear visibility into device and integration run sheets to keep programs on track.
  • Be a technical anchor for the team - executing critical activities with precision and urgency, sharing knowledge across disciplines, and fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement.

Who You Are
Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, material science, or other related field and 2+ years post graduate experience.

OR
  • Masters degree in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, material science, or other related field and 3+ years post graduate experience

OR
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, material science, or other related field and 5+ years post graduate experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proficiency in electrical test tools, scripting of measurements, and data processing
  • In-depth knowledge of standard electrical test methods and procedures to measure fundamental properties of semiconductor devices
  • In-depth knowledge of device physics (e.g., emerging non-volatile memory technologies)
  • Proven experience working on device integration and product development (e.g. test vehicle development experience is preferred)
  • Proven hands-on lab experience with design of e-test experiments, scripting and troubleshooting
  • Self-motivated, excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Experience in customer interactions

US Pay Range for this position: $129,000 - $193,500
The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.
What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!
Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!