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Entry Level Physicist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Springfield, VA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Springfield, VA ยท 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 ...

Junior Test Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $93K/yr

Responsibilities As a Test Engineer - Entry Level, the selected individual will assist senior ... Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering or Physics from an accredited college or university

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Physicist information

See Washington salary details

$44.7K

$107.4K

$256.5K

How much do entry level physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physicist in Washington is $107,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Washington? The most popular types of Physicist jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physicist jobs in Washington? For Entry Level Physicist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physicist jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physicist jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Physicist jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Physicist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physicist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,375 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Architect/Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineer with Security Clearance

Department of Defense

Fort Belvoir, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Duties * Coordinates the review of shop drawings to determine conformance with construction plans. * Directs surveillance of construction to assure the contractor is conducting quality control operations to produce work in conformance with plans and specifications. * Provides technical assistance and advice for resolution of complex problems. * Discusses details of construction with contractor's personnel to ensure mutual understanding of the project requirements. * Serves as coach, facilitator and/or negotiator in coordinating team initiatives and in consensus building activities among team members. * Maintains liaison with and participates constantly in discussions with using agency and contractor representatives on matters of safety, post regulations, coordination of utility outages, and progress of the work. Requirements Conditions of employment * Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. * This position may requires travel up to approximately 25% of the time. * This position requires the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License. * This position is designated Tier 5, Special Sensitive, High Risk and the incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance Level with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access as a condition of employment. * This is a drug testing designated position (TDP) under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program. Individuals occupying a TDP position must successfully complete a pre-appointment drug test prior to and periodically thereafter. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is . Basic Requirement for Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineer: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); OR (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure - Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. 2. Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, or any other written test required for professional registration, by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. 3. Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in A above. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program. 4. Related curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. Basic Requirement for Architect: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in architecture or in a related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by at least one of the following: (1) Related Curriculum - Degree in architectural engineering provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in statement A above, or (2) Experience: 1 year of experience in an architect's office or in architectural work for each year short of graduation from a program of study in architecture. In the absence of any college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that you have acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Performing quality assurance inspections to verify workmanship and contract compliance; 2) Reviewing plans and specifications; AND 3) Directing the preparation of daily inspection reports. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11). Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Additional information * Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. * You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. * This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. * Direct Deposit of Pay is required. * Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. * If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet. * This is a Construction, Analysis, Science, Infrastructure and Engineers (CASIE) Career Field position. * Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. * When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information. * Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is i