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Full Time Theoretical Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

San Diego, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

Required on-site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications Understanding of radar ... Experience with statistical analysis, estimation theory, optimization, machine learning, or ...

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

San Diego, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

... site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications · Understanding of radar ... theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification. · Comfortable with public ...

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

National City, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

... site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications · Understanding of radar ... theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification. · Comfortable with public ...

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

La Jolla, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

... site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications · Understanding of radar ... theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification. · Comfortable with public ...

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

Cardiff By The Sea, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

... site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications · Understanding of radar ... theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification. · Comfortable with public ...

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

... site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications · Understanding of radar ... theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification. · Comfortable with public ...

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

Chula Vista, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

... site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications · Understanding of radar ... theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification. · Comfortable with public ...

Leidos

Applied Physicist III

El Cajon, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

... site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications · Understanding of radar ... theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification. · Comfortable with public ...

Amat

Director, Physicist/Scientist

Santa Clara, CA

$210K - $289K/yr

Demonstrates broad and comprehensive understanding of different systems, theories and practices as ... Additional Information Time Type: Full time Employee Type: Assignee / Regular Travel: Relocation ...

Xcimer Energy

Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO

$140K - $180K/yr

This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO. As a Pulsed Power ... We want someone who is strong in both theory and experiment and rigorous about documentation.

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Full Time Theoretical Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do full time theoretical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time theoretical physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Was Jeff Bezos a theoretical physicist?

Jeff Bezos is not a theoretical physicist; he is an entrepreneur and the founder of Amazon. Theoretical physicists typically hold advanced degrees in physics and work on abstract scientific concepts, which does not align with Bezos's career in business and technology.

What is the average income of a theoretical physicist?

The average income of a full-time theoretical physicist varies by experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually in the United States. Senior or research-focused physicists working in academia, government labs, or industry may earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and specialized skills in mathematical modeling and computational tools.

What is the difference between Full Time Theoretical Physicist vs Research Scientist?

AspectFull Time Theoretical PhysicistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Physics or related fieldMaster's or PhD, depending on specialization
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesResearch labs, industry, academia
Industry UsagePrimarily academia and government researchIndustry, academia, government

Full Time Theoretical Physicists focus on developing models and theories to understand physical phenomena, often working in academic or government research settings. Research Scientists may work across various fields, including physics, applying scientific methods to solve practical problems in industry or academia. While both roles require advanced degrees, the main difference lies in their typical work environments and research focus.

What jobs can I get as a theoretical physicist?

A theoretical physicist can work in academia as a researcher or professor, in government laboratories, or in industry roles such as data analysis, software development, or scientific consulting. These positions often require strong analytical skills, advanced knowledge of physics, and proficiency with mathematical tools and programming languages.

What is the holy grail of theoretical physics?

The holy grail of theoretical physics is the development of a unified theory that combines quantum mechanics and general relativity, often called a theory of everything. This would explain all fundamental forces and particles in a single framework, a goal pursued by many physicists through advanced mathematical models and research. Full time theoretical physicists work on these complex problems, often using computational tools and advanced degrees in physics or related fields.
More about Full Time Theoretical Physicist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Theoretical Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Theoretical Physicist jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Theoretical Physicist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Theoretical Physicist jobs are:
Full Time Theoretical Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Theoretical Physicist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, and 80% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Applied Physicist III

Applied Physicist III

Leidos

San Diego, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 427 rated business services

Job description

Leidos addresses some of the nation's toughest defense challenges through advanced physics-based modeling, signal processing, and data analytics. Our San Diego-based team consists of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on extracting maximum intelligence from complex radar and sensor data for both classified and unclassified systems. We are seeking a motivated and inquisitive Applied Physicist who thrives in research, algorithm development, modeling, simulation, and implementation. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong scientific curiosity, sound physical intuition, excellent mathematical skills, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop physics-based models, simulations, and analysis algorithms that support National Defense applications.

Research, design, and evaluate innovative approaches for radar/sensor phenomenology, detection, characterization, and data exploitation.

Apply applied physics, mathematics, and signal processing techniques to extract useful information from complex measured and simulated data sets.

Perform data analysis, model validation, uncertainty assessment, and performance characterization for algorithms and systems.

Create efficient implementations of scientific algorithms in MATLAB, Python, or similar high-level languages.

Document methods, results, and assumptions clearly for technical peers, program leadership, and customers.

Work collegially within a talented multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and software developers.

Basic Qualifications

BS degree with 5+ years of prior relevant applied physics, radar/sensor modeling, signal processing, data analysis, or scientific algorithm development experience; Masters with 2+ years of relevant experience; or Doctoral degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related scientific field.

US Citizenship and able to maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Experience developing, analyzing, or validating physics-based models, simulations, or scientific algorithms.

Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.

Fluency in MATLAB, Python, or a similar high-level scientific computing language.

Ability to translate physical concepts into algorithms, simulations, and quantitative analyses.

Proven track record of innovation, technical problem solving, and achieving results in a research or engineering environment.

Strong documentation and communication skills.

Required on-site full-time work in San Diego, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

Understanding of radar phenomenology, electromagnetic scattering, detection, estimation, or characterization.

Experience with modeling and simulation of physical systems, sensor systems, remote sensing, ocean/environmental phenomenology, or related data-intensive applications.

Experience programming in C/C++ or developing efficient production-quality scientific software.

Experience with statistical analysis, estimation theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification.

Comfortable with public speaking and/or customer presentations.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 27, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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