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Masters In Physics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in material science, physics, or similar engineering discipline * First ... academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience.

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in material science, physics, or similar engineering discipline * First ... academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience.

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in material science, physics, or similar engineering discipline * First ... academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience.

Document results and brief customers and stakeholders Basic Qualifications * BS degree in physics, engineering, math or related field with 4-8 years of relevant experience, or Masters with 2-6 years ...

Sensing Algorithm Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Document results and brief customers and stakeholders Basic Qualifications * BS degree in physics, engineering, math or related field with 4-8 years of relevant experience, or Masters with 2-6 years ...

About us PhysicsX is a deep-tech company with roots in numerical physics and Formula One, dedicated ... With at least 2 years industry experience (post Masters or PhD) in a commercial, non-research ...

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Bachelors or Masters in optical engineering, physics, or related field. * 3+ years experience maturing optical systems designs from proof of concept to production * Ability to model and script in ...

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Bachelors or Masters in optical engineering, physics, or related field. * 3+ years experience maturing optical systems designs from proof of concept to production * Ability to model and script in ...

Showing results 41-60

Masters In Physics information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$46.3K

$51.8K

How much do masters in physics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for masters in physics in California is $46,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $49,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Masters In Physics vs Data Analyst?

AspectMasters In PhysicsData Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Physics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, tech companiesBusiness, finance, healthcare, tech firms
Industry UsageResearch, academia, R&D departmentsData-driven decision making across industries

Masters In Physics and Data Analyst roles share a focus on analytical skills and quantitative methods. However, Masters In Physics emphasizes research and theoretical understanding, while Data Analysts focus on interpreting data to inform business decisions. Both roles often require strong math skills, but Data Analysts typically need proficiency in data tools and software.

How much does a master's in physics make?

A master's in physics can lead to roles such as research scientist, data analyst, or technical specialist, with salaries typically ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced positions or those requiring a Ph.D. may offer higher compensation, especially in research, academia, or industry sectors that value technical skills and analytical expertise.

Is it worth doing a master's in physics?

A master's in physics can enhance job prospects in research, academia, and technical roles, often requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It may lead to higher-level positions and specialized careers, but the value depends on individual goals and the industry demand for advanced physics expertise.

What cities in California are hiring for Masters In Physics jobs?

Cities in California with the most Masters In Physics job openings:

Infographic showing various Masters In Physics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,287 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer, State Estimation

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and implement real-time state estimation algorithms on target hardware.

  • Collaborate with systems engineers to define feature requirements.

  • Work with integration engineers to test, validate, and debug estimation algorithms before deployment.


Job description

About Us
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive's next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we're addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.
The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we'll map a new way forward. Working together, we'll create a future that's more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.
Role Summary
As a Senior State Estimation Engineer, you will collaborate with a team of engineers to develop, analyze, and test real-time state estimation algorithms for electric vehicles. You will work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you adapt quickly and enjoy solving challenging engineering problems.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement real-time state estimation algorithms on target hardware.
  • Work with systems engineers to define feature requirements.
  • Collaborate with integration engineers to test, validate, and debug estimation algorithms before deployment.
  • Contribute to the automated testing framework for Unit, SIL, HIL, and cloud-based validation.
  • Develop and maintain simulation models to validate estimation solutions.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Master's degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
  • Understanding of state estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filters, observers).
  • Experience with classical dynamics, modeling, and simulation.
  • Understanding of ground-vehicle dynamics concepts, tire dynamics, understeer/oversteer.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ and Python.

Preferred:
  • Hands-on engineering experience through internships, research, or personal projects.
  • Familiarity with software development processes and relevant tools.
  • Experience with real-time embedded systems, sensor fusion, or automotive applications.
  • Masters or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
Total Rewards
We build the exceptional - and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.
Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.
In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees - including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs.
External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies" may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies' service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment.
Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English)and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.
Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.