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Entry Level Physicist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$80K - $128K/yr

US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph prior to starting. * BS/BA degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering (or other engineering), Optics ...

Amentum

Intermediate Software Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$36.96 - $55.42/hr

Bachelor's Degree (in one of these in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Math, Electrical Engineering, Physics or Related Field) and more than 1 year of software engineering experience coding in ...

Pae

Intermediate Software Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site +1

$36.96 - $55.42/hr

Bachelor's Degree (in one of these in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Math, Electrical Engineering, Physics or Related Field) and more than 1 year of software engineering experience coding in ...

Amentum

Intermediate Software Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site +1

$36.96 - $55.42/hr

Bachelor's Degree (in one of these in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Math, Electrical Engineering, Physics or Related Field) and more than 1 year of software engineering experience coding in ...

AltaGas

WGL - Pressure Technician I

Springfield, VA · On-site

$33.14/hr

... physics, electronics, and gas systems (including the ability to smell odorized natural gas). • ... entry-level pressure operations testing • Willingness and ability to complete all required ...

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Entry Level Physicist information

See Virginia salary details

$39.2K

$94K

$224.6K

How much do entry level physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physicist in Virginia is $93,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 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.
More about Entry Level Physicist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Physicist jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physicist jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Physicist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physicist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physicist jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Physicist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Physicist job openings:
Entry Level Physicist jobs near you
Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Peraton

Springfield, VA • On-site

$80K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 204 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities
We are seeking an Image Scientist who will support:
  • Product evaluations, quality studies, new product initializations, product algorithm assessments, or develop image quality equations to quantify the expected quality of a system given various parameters.
  • Candidate should have a working understanding and practical application of modeling components of the image path to include sensor, detector, atmospheric, and material properties.
  • Simulation and modeling experience and ability to develop algorithm description documentation for software development is needed.
  • Familiarity with current Geospatial-Intelligence (GEOINT) systems, products and development, as well as exploitation software packages will be necessary to develop test and verification methodologies. GEOINT is a combination of Image intelligence (IMINT) and geolocation information.

Specific sub-tasks and activities to be performed include (but are not limited to):
  • Sensor modeling; decomposing product formation elements to quantify the overall quality of the image chain
  • Algorithm assessment to quantify the performance of a product with respect to desired mission applications
  • Performing baseline assessment of system performance to support sensor initialization
  • Operational monitoring of system performance over time
  • Analysis of reported errors and artifacts and recommendation of possible causes and suggested corrective actions
  • Generation of Image Quality Equations (IQEs)
  • Relating the National Image Interpretability Ratings Scale (NIIRS) to physical characteristics of the image change

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph prior to starting.
  • BS/BA degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering (or other engineering), Optics/Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics or related STEM degree and 0-2 years of experience.

#PeratonEarlyCareer
Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$80,000 - $128,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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