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Full Time Theoretical Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Xcimer Energy

Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$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.

Argonne National Laboratory

Assistant Physicist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$94K - $147K/yr

Strong knowledge of accelerator theory, accelerator modeling and simulation, beam control, and beam ... Job Family Research Development (RD) Job Profile Physics 2 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time ...

St. Joseph's Health

Medical Physicist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

Benefits Eligibility : (Full-time and Part-time Employees-over 20 hours a week) * Competitive ... Knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts acquired through completion of a Master's degree in ...

St. Joseph's Health

Medical Physicist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

Qualifications Knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts acquired through completion of a ... Benefits Eligibility : (Full-time and Part-time Employees-over 20 hours a week) * Competitive ...

Draper

Senior Condensed Matter Physicist

Cambridge, MA

$82K - $220K/yr

It is highly desirable that the candidate have some experience with theory, simulation, and ... Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time ...

Draper

Senior Condensed Matter Physicist

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

It is highly desirable that the candidate have some experience with theory, simulation, and ... Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time ...

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Full Time Theoretical Physicist information

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$94.8K

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

As of Jun 17, 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.

Pulsed Power Physicist

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change.Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!
 
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.
 
As a Pulsed Power Physicist, you will work on the science and engineering of electron-beam cathode systems for Xcimer's pulsed power driven inertial fusion energy program. The core goal is maximizing beam efficiency and energy deposition on target. You will lead cathode development across multiple emitter technologies , design and optimize hibachi foil/anode structures for beam transport, and build complex experimental systems from concept through commissioning. This role carries significant independent scientific responsibility. We want someone who is strong in both theory and experiment and rigorous about documentation.
Responsibilities
  • Optimize beam efficiency and energy deposition on target
  • Lead design, fabrication, and testing of cathode systems across multiple emitter technologies (explosive emission, thermionic, photocathodes)
  • Design and optimize hibachi foil/anode grid structures for beam transport efficiency
  • Lead experimental campaigns end-to-end
  • Develop and validate cathode and beam transport models (analytical, PIC, SPICE) to guide design decisions; roughly equal balance of modeling and experimental work
  • Operate and maintain UHV vacuum systems (target < 10^-9 Torr) including bakeout, leak checking, and pumping systems
  • Survey prior art on emitter technologies, beam transport, and cathode physics
  • Own experimental program documentation: test reports, design records, operating procedures, and data management
  • Manage hardware procurement, BOM tracking, and vendor relationships for cathode subsystems
  • Interface with potential commercial emitter suppliers on procurement, packaging, and quality
  • Support integration of cathode systems into larger diode and laser architectures
Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or closely related field (MS with exceptional relevant experience considered)
  • Deep expertise in beam diagnostics (Faraday cups, beam imaging, energy analysis, calorimetry)
  • Hands-on experience with vacuum electronics and electron-beam generation
  • Able to independently design experiments, interpret results, and write up findings clearly
  • Experience building and commissioning complex experimental systems end-to-end (mechanical, electrical, vacuum, controls)
  • Familiarity with high-voltage pulsed power systems (100 kV+)
  • Proficiency with lab instrumentation (SMUs, oscilloscopes, HV power supplies)
  • Comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and physics domains in a small team
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Desired
  • Direct experience with explosive emission, or cold cathode technologies
  • Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes    
  • Experience with PIC or beam optics simulation codes (e.g., Chicago, CST, COMSOL)
  • Background in beam transport optimization
  • Track record of thorough technical documentation and hardware program management (procurement, scheduling, vendor coordination)
  • Background in excimer laser or inertial fusion energy systems
$140,000 - $180,000 a year
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on "EEO Is the Law," please see here and here.
 
Benefits
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company's long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.
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.
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