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Graduate Physicist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Junior Coatings Scientist PECVD / DLC

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to gain hands-on, expert mentorship in thin-film deposition, advanced plasma physics, and industrial surface ...

Nuclear Engineer

Coolidge, AZ

$92K - $110K/yr

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

Nuclear Engineer

Bagdad, AZ

$96K - $115K/yr

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

Nuclear Engineer

Fredonia, AZ

$85K - $102K/yr

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

Nuclear Engineer

Flagstaff, AZ

$98K - $118K/yr

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

Nuclear Engineer

Clifton, AZ

$96K - $115K/yr

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

Nuclear Engineer

Pinedale, AZ

$90K - $108K/yr

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

Nuclear Engineer

Payson, AZ

$91K - $109K/yr

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

Nuclear Engineer

Sunsites, AZ

$93K - $111K/yr

... physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves ... and advanced graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Physicist information

See Arizona salary details

$36.8K

$88.3K

$211.1K

How much do graduate physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate physicist in Arizona is $88,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate physicist?

A Graduate Physicist job typically involves applying physics principles to solve real-world problems in research, engineering, technology, or data analysis. Responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, developing simulations, or contributing to product development. These roles are found in industries like healthcare, aerospace, energy, and finance. Strong analytical skills, mathematical proficiency, and problem-solving abilities are essential. Many graduate physicists also pursue further education or specialized training to advance their careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate physicist?

To thrive as a Graduate Physicist, you need a solid grounding in physics principles, mathematics, and experimental or computational methods, supported by a physics degree. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as MATLAB or Python), laboratory equipment, and sometimes industry-specific certifications are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective teamwork, and clear communication help set candidates apart in collaborative and often multidisciplinary environments. These capabilities are crucial for successfully conducting research, solving complex problems, and contributing to innovative scientific or technical projects.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a graduate physicist?

As a Graduate Physicist, your daily tasks often include conducting experiments or simulations, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical reports or presentations of your findings. You may also assist with the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment or contribute to the development of new research methods. Collaboration is common, so you'll regularly interact with senior scientists, engineers, or cross-functional team members to advance project goals. Over time, you may take on additional responsibilities such as mentoring interns or presenting at industry conferences, offering valuable opportunities for professional growth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Physicist jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Graduate Physicist jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Physicist jobs in Arizona? For Graduate Physicist jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Physicist job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,347 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Junior Coatings Scientist PECVD / DLC

ARMORLUBE LLC

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description


Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Junior Coatings Scientist to join our advanced materials development team. In this role, you will work directly alongside a Senior Scientist to develop, optimize, and scale cutting-edge Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) processes, with a primary focus on Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings.
 
This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to gain hands-on, expert mentorship in thin-film deposition, advanced plasma physics, and industrial surface engineering. You will play a vital role in taking new deposition systems from initial power-on through comprehensive process validation, directly contributing to the growth of our production capabilities.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Equipment Commissioning & Turn-on: Assist senior engineering staff in the physical installation, initial powering, and sub-system testing of new PECVD and vacuum deposition hardware.
  • System Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ): Participate in structured equipment validation protocols, including vacuum leak testing, gas flow calibration, power supply tuning, and plasma stability testing.
  • Process Development & Scaling: Assist the Senior Scientist in designing, running, and optimizing PECVD coating recipes and surface preparation to achieve targeted mechanical, tribological, and structural properties.
  • Analytical Characterization: Perform routine thin-film characterization to evaluate coating quality, including thickness, hardness, adhesion (scratch testing), friction coefficients, and microstructure.
  • Data Analysis & Documentation: Meticulously log validation metrics, process parameters, and analytical test results to build a robust baseline for new machinery.
  • Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Assist in diagnosing hardware anomalies during the commissioning phase, monitoring plasma stability, and establishing baseline preventive maintenance routines.
 
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline.
  • Core Knowledge: Strong foundational understanding of materials characterization, surface science, and thin-film concepts.
  • Hands-on Aptitude: Comfort working around mechanical hardware, vacuum systems, gas delivery lines, or high-power electronics.
  • Methodical Execution: High attention to detail required for following strict equipment startup sequences, validation checklists, and safety protocols.
  • Analytical Mindset: Excellent data collection and documentation habits; proficiency with technical writing and data analysis. 
Preferred (Nice-to-Have):
  • Direct undergraduate or internship experience with vacuum technology, plasma processing, or physical/chemical vapor deposition (PVD/CVD).
  • Familiarity with equipment validation procedures, sensor calibration, or mass flow controller (MFC) verification.
  • Basic understanding of plasma diagnostics, power matching, or hollow cathode technology.

What We Offer
  • Direct mentorship from industry-leading experts in DLC and advanced plasma technology.
  • A fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment using state-of-the-art industrial coating systems.
  • High-impact experience involved in the ground-up deployment and qualification of new industrial technology.