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Entry Level Physics Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Physics information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$18

$23

How much do entry level physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level physics in Iowa is $18.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physics vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level PhysicsEntry Level Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Physics or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, tech companiesManufacturing, design firms, engineering consultancies
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companiesAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing
Common Search IntentUnderstanding physics roles, research opportunitiesEngineering roles, design projects

Entry Level Physics focuses on fundamental scientific research and theoretical understanding, often in labs or academia. Entry Level Mechanical Engineering emphasizes designing, analyzing, and manufacturing mechanical systems. While both require a bachelor's degree, their work environments and industry applications differ, catering to distinct career paths.

What typical projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level physicist?

As an entry-level physicist, you can expect to support senior researchers with data collection, analysis, and laboratory experiments. You may assist in setting up experimental apparatus, recording results, and using specialized software for simulations or data modeling. Collaboration with engineers, technicians, and other scientists is common, especially when troubleshooting equipment or interpreting findings. Over time, you'll gain more responsibility and may have the opportunity to contribute to research papers or present findings at team meetings.

What is an entry level physicist?

Entry level physics jobs are positions typically suited for recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field. These roles often include job titles such as research assistant, laboratory technician, data analyst, or quality control specialist. They provide opportunities to apply foundational physics knowledge in real-world settings, gain practical experience, and develop technical and analytical skills. Entry level positions may be found in industries like education, research, engineering, technology, or healthcare. These jobs can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles with further experience or education.

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 concepts, strong mathematical skills, and typically a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), laboratory equipment, and simulation tools is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication help you stand out in research and team environments. These skills and qualities enable accurate experimentation, effective problem-solving, and clear dissemination of findings, which are essential for success in physics roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Physics jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Physics jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physics jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Physics jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physics jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physics jobs in Iowa are:
Entry Level Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physics job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,196 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Entry Level Electrical Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now

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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