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Entry Level Physicist Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Physicist information

See Madison, WI salary details

$39.8K

$95.5K

$228.2K

How much do entry level physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physicist in Madison, WI is $95,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,400.00 and $112,900.00 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.
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physicist jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physicist jobs in Madison, WI are:

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Cities near Madison, WI with the most Entry Level Physicist job openings:

Entry Level Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physicist job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,528 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer I/II (Reactor Design)

Fissionaire

Madison, WI

$99K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

As an emerging leader in nuclear engineering, our startup is developing revolutionary reactor technology to secure safe and abundant energy for future generations.  We are seeking a highly skilled entry-level Nuclear Engineer I/II to join our dynamic team and contribute to the design and development of next-generation nuclear reactors.


The Nuclear Engineer I/II will contribute to the design, analysis, and optimization of advanced nuclear reactor systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nuclear engineering, proficiency with industry-standard design software, and a proactive, self-starting attitude. This role requires innovative thinking, technical expertise, and a commitment to advancing safe and sustainable nuclear energy solutions.

Key responsibilities
  • Design and develop nuclear reactor systems, including core design, thermal-hydraulics, and safety systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Perform simulations and analyses to optimize reactor performance, safety, and efficiency using industry-standard software tools.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, materials scientists, and safety analysts, to integrate reactor designs into broader systems.
  • Conduct risk assessments and safety analyses to ensure designs meet stringent nuclear safety requirements.
  • Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
  • Stay updated on advancements in nuclear technology, materials, and regulations to incorporate cutting-edge solutions into designs.
  • Participate in project planning and scheduling to ensure timely delivery of design milestones.
  • Contribute to research and development initiatives for innovative reactor concepts.  
qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field. Ph.D. preferred but not required.
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in nuclear reactor design, analysis, or related fields within industry or in academic work.
  • Proficiency with nuclear design and analysis software, such as MCNP, SCALE, RELAP5, COMSOL, MOOSE, GOTHIC etc.
  • Familiarity with CAD software for reactor component design.
  • Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis, scripting, or automation of design processes.
  • Knowledge of nuclear physics, neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, and reactor safety principles.
  • Experience with Molten Salt Reactor design preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects to completion with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Familiarity with nuclear regulatory frameworks and safety standards.
  • Knowledge of materials science, particularly related to radiation-resistant materials and high-temperature applications.
  • Familiarity with risk assessments and analysis (PRA, FMEA, PIRT etc.) preferred
  • Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for thermal-hydraulic analysis preferred.
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.
What we offer
  • Competitive salary with equity options
  • Comprehensive benefits, holiday and PTO schedule
  • Opportunity to shape foundational operations in a groundbreaking nuclear startup.

Fissionaire’s technology is subject to U.S. export control regulations, which require the company to review applicants’ eligibility based on their citizenship or residency status. As part of the application process, candidates will be asked to indicate whether they are a U.S. citizen, green card, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee resident to support this review. Because government authorization timelines can vary, Fissionaire is unable to consider alternate resident statuses where required approvals may not be obtainable within a timeframe that meets business needs.

Fissionaire is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, family or relationship structure, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Fissionaire’s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.