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Entry Level Physicist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Physicist information

See Iowa salary details

$37.1K

$89K

$212.7K

How much do entry level physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physicist in Iowa is $89,047.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,400.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How difficult is it to get a job as an entry level physicist?

Securing an entry level physicist position can be competitive, often requiring a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Internships, research experience, and proficiency with scientific tools like MATLAB or LabVIEW can improve job prospects, but overall, the difficulty depends on the job market and individual qualifications.
More about Entry Level Physicist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Physicist jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physicist jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Physicist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physicist jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physicist jobs in Iowa are:

Entry Level Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physicist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,047 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Entry Level Electrical Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an Entry-Level to Experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Entry Level Electrical Engineer
As an Electrical Engineer you will support the development and validation of electrical and electronic systems for off-highway equipment. This role combines hands-on electrical design responsibilities, including wire harness development, with leadership of Product Validation and Verification (PV&V) activities. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure electrical systems meet functional, performance, durability, and regulatory requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and execute electrical Product Validation and Verification (PV&V) activities for machine platforms and subsystems.
  • Support electrical system and component design, including wire harness design, circuit definition, connector selection, and routing integration.
  • Develop and review electrical schematics, harness drawings, and design documentation in support of new product development and production programs.
  • Plan, coordinate, and perform electrical testing activities, including functional, environmental, durability, and EMC testing.
  • Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve electrical system issues identified during development testing, validation, or production use.
  • Serve as the electrical representative on Product Delivery Process (PDP) and PV&V teams, ensuring electrical plans, schedules, and deliverables are defined and executed.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, software, manufacturing, and supplier teams to ensure robust electrical system integration.
  • Author and review electrical requirements, test plans, test reports, and technical documentation.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Engineering experience supporting electrical design, analysis, testing, or validation activities on complex systems or products.
  • Understanding of electrical components such as batteries, starters, alternators, relays, solenoids, sensors, lighting, and connectors.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve electrical system issues.
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to work within cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% to support testing and development activities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with electrical wire harness design, circuit routing, and schematic development.
  • Hands-on experience performing environmental and EMC testing and driving issue resolution.
  • Experience with Creo for design and packaging work.
  • Familiarity with Capital Harness or similar harness design tools.
  • Experience using Windchill or other PLM systems.
  • Exposure to SAP or similar ERP systems.
  • Familiarity with electrical requirements development, verification planning, and validation reporting.
  • Knowledge of off-highway equipment, including construction, agricultural, or forestry machines.
  • Experience working within a structured product development or gated release process.

About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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