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Entry Level Physicist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Physicist information

See California salary details

$39K

$93.6K

$223.5K

How much do entry level physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physicist in California is $93,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Physicist Do?

As an entry-level physicist assist, you assist other team members to develop and evaluate the results of an experiment or design. You use sophisticated software to conduct the analyses and verify the feasibility of the projects. You can find entry-level physicist positions in a variety of industries, including communications, medical technology, and electronics. Duties vary with the job and your experience. In this role, you typically perform support tasks instead of actual research. Other responsibilities include writing grants for funding, entering data, and performing other administrative duties.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level physicists when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

Entry level physicists often encounter challenges when adapting to the faster-paced, results-driven environment of industry compared to academia. They may need to quickly learn new technical tools, adjust to collaborative projects with multidisciplinary teams, and align their research to business goals rather than purely scientific inquiry. Effective communication and the ability to translate complex concepts for non-specialist colleagues are also crucial skills that may require additional development. Seeking mentorship and actively engaging with colleagues can help ease this transition and foster professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Physicist, you need a solid understanding of core physics principles, strong mathematical skills, and at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related field. Familiarity with analytical software such as MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW, as well as experience with laboratory equipment and data analysis tools, is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help set candidates apart in collaborative research and technical discussions. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting experiments, interpreting results, and contributing to both academic and industry-driven projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physicist vs Research Assistant in Physics?

AspectEntry Level PhysicistResearch Assistant in Physics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesResearch labs, universities, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers seek entry-level physicists for research and analysis rolesEmployers hire research assistants to support physics research projects

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and work environments. An Entry Level Physicist often has more responsibilities in analysis and project development, while a Research Assistant primarily supports ongoing research activities. The main difference lies in job scope and potential career progression.

What does an entry level physicist do?

An entry level physicist typically assists in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting research projects under the supervision of more experienced physicists. Their duties may include setting up laboratory equipment, running simulations, and documenting results. They often work in academic, government, or industrial settings and may contribute to scientific papers or presentations. Entry level physicists also continue learning new techniques and may collaborate with other scientists or engineers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs in California? The most popular types of Physicist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physicist jobs in California? For Entry Level Physicist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physicist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physicist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Physicist jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Physicist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physicist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,563 per year, or $45 per hour.
Entry Level Satellite Systems Engineer

Entry Level Satellite Systems Engineer

Boeing

El Segundo, CA

$79K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 608 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Entry Level Satellite Systems Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has opportunity for Entry Level Satellite Systems Engineers to join our team in El Segundo, California to design and develop state-of-the-art satellite systems for space-based applications for commercial, civil, and national security programs. As system engineers we apply industry standard products, processes, and tools across subsystems in pursuit of programmatic objectives.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Applies an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to assist with analyses, design, development, requirements, and verification of a lifecycle balanced system of systems and system solutions.

  • Assists with analyses to evaluates customer/operational needs to define system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of all physical, functional and program interfaces.

  • Assists with various analyses to optimize total system of systems and/or system architecture.

  • Assists with analyses for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, system security, regulatory, certification, product assurance and other specialties quality factors into a preferred configuration to ensure mission success.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship as a condition of employment. A final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

  • Pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry; with a graduation date of December 31,2026 or earlier is required.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering

  • Classroom or professional experience working with space hardware

  • Internship experience displaying engineering principles

  • Proficiency in technical writing and good communication skills

  • Strong desire to learn engineering process for Space Hardware

  • Experience with digital engineering aspects and requirements; AI integration and test

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidate for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Typical Education/Experience:

Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, physics, or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor), or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This position is for 1st shift.

Total Rewards:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $79,050 - $106,950

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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