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Entry Level Physicist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Calpine

Operator Technician I

Middletown, CA · On-site

$51.62 - $52.59/hr

Job Responsibilities * Entry-level; practical operating knowledge to perform job. * Performs ... Strong mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and ...

Calpine

Operator Technician I

Middletown, CA

$51.62 - $52.59/hr

Job Responsibilities * Entry-level; practical operating knowledge to perform job. * Performs ... Strong mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and ...

All JobsPhysicist JobsEntry Level Physicist JobsEntry Level Physicist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Entry Level Physicist information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$43.2K

$103.7K

$247.6K

How much do entry level physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physicist in Santa Rosa, CA is $103,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $122,500.00 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.
More about Entry Level Physicist jobs
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Physicist jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Physicist job openings:
Entry Level Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physicist job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,653 per year, or $49.8 per hour.
Operator Technician I

Operator Technician I

Calpine

Middletown, CA • On-site

$51.62 - $52.59/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Calpine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Calpine, a business unit of Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG), is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. With 79 energy facilities in operation, Calpine's fleet has the capacity to generate approximately 27,000 MW of electricity - enough to power approximately 27 million homes. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.
The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.
Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)
Responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment including reading gauges and meters and recording activities in operating logs and records. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe, efficient and economical manner. Performs overhaul maintenance and system improvement tasks. Performs chemical analysis and chemical control on steam, cooling and condensate systems, and maintains chemistry logs. Incumbents assist in the development of standard operational procedures and provide input to plant betterment items to improve plant efficiency, reliability and safety. Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures. Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and forklifts, and handle and transfer bulk chemicals.
Job Responsibilities
  • Entry-level; practical operating knowledge to perform job.
  • Performs standardized, ongoing duties and tasks.
  • Routine decisions.
  • With guidance, ensures timely and accurate performance of responsibilities for a single trade, group of closely related tasks or functional area.
  • Work typically reviewed by others; work reflects developing competency and basic skills.
  • Errors may cause simple rework or correction to single task.
  • Duties and tasks are standardized.
  • Resolves routine questions and problems, and refers more complex issues to higher levels.
  • Works under direct supervision and/or defined parameters.
  • Prioritizes basic tasks; priorities typically guided by standard practices or by others.
  • Receives training but uses some specialized skills where technical experience can be applied to assigned tasks. Assists more experienced Operator Technicians.

Job Requirements
  • High School Diploma and attendance in trade school, military service or equivalent.
  • Entry level; minimum 2 years directly related experience including understanding of health and safety regulations, and previous experience working with and around hazardous energy, chemicals and waste materials including knowledge of safe handling, storage, and transport.
  • Requires previous experience using test equipment and calibration appliances. Additional experience with machinery repair and control systems preferred.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics.
  • Begins to achieve primary certifications/licensures. Valid state driver's license.

Salary Information
  • Hourly Rate Range - $51.62 to $52.59 /hour

Additional Calpine Information:
  • Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
  • Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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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