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Military Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Round Rock ISD

TEACHER - PHYSICS

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

... military status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities. In ...

Protingent

Health Physics Technician 2

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$28 - $52/hr

Health Physics Technician 2 Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract ... Military experience is a plus. * Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ...

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Military Physics information

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$11K

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How much do military physics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for military physics in the United States is $61,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Military Physics vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMilitary PhysicsMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in physics, specialized military clearanceBachelor's or master's in mechanical engineering, professional licensure often required
Work EnvironmentDefense labs, military facilities, research institutionsManufacturing plants, design firms, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary agencies, defense contractors, government researchPrivate companies, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive
Common Search & ComparisonMilitary PhysicsMechanical Engineer

Military Physics focuses on applying physics principles to defense and military technology, often requiring security clearances and working within defense environments. Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems across various industries, with a broader application scope. While both roles involve engineering principles, Military Physics is specialized in defense-related research, whereas Mechanical Engineering covers a wider range of mechanical systems and industries.

What do physicists do in the military?

Physicists in the military conduct research and develop technologies related to defense systems, such as missile guidance, radar, and communications. They analyze physical phenomena, perform experiments, and apply their knowledge to improve military equipment and strategies, often working with specialized tools and adhering to security protocols.

Was Elon Musk a Physicist?

Elon Musk is not a professional physicist; he has a background in physics and economics from the University of Pennsylvania. While he has a strong interest in science and technology, his career has primarily been in engineering, entrepreneurship, and business leadership rather than academic or research physics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in military physics roles?

Professionals in military physics often encounter challenges such as working with highly classified or sensitive information, which requires strict adherence to security protocols. Additionally, projects may have tight deadlines and require rapid adaptation to evolving defense needs or emerging technologies. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, analysts, and military personnel—is common, making effective communication skills essential. The fast-paced and high-stakes environment can be demanding, but it also offers opportunities for impactful work and professional growth.

What is the rarest job in the military?

One of the rarest military jobs is the Military Physics role, which involves advanced research and development in areas like ballistics, weapons systems, and sensor technology. These positions are highly specialized, often requiring advanced degrees and security clearances, and are limited in number within military research units.

What is military physics?

Military physics is a specialized branch of physics focused on the application of physical principles and scientific research to defense technologies and military operations. This field encompasses areas such as ballistics, nuclear physics, materials science, radar, and communication systems. Professionals in military physics work to develop, test, and improve technologies like weaponry, protective gear, surveillance tools, and navigation systems. Their expertise is crucial for advancing defense capabilities and ensuring national security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Military Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Military Physicist, you generally need a strong background in physics or engineering, often with an advanced degree and security clearance. Familiarity with modeling and simulation software, ballistics analysis tools, and specialized defense technologies is typical, along with knowledge of military protocols. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and making high-stakes decisions. These competencies ensure the development and application of advanced technologies critical to national defense and operational success.

What can I do in the military with a physics degree?

A physics degree can qualify you for roles in the military such as missile defense analyst, research scientist, or weapons systems engineer, where understanding of physics principles is essential. These positions often require security clearances and involve working with advanced technology, simulations, and data analysis. Additional skills in programming, mathematics, and laboratory work are beneficial for these roles.
More about Military Physics jobs
What states have the most Military Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Military Physics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Military Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Military Physics jobs are:
Military Physics jobs near you
Visiting Instructor - Physics

Visiting Instructor - Physics

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Visiting Instructor - Physics

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536419
Work type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Science
Department: Physics
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Instructional / Teaching Faculty

Job Description

Applications are invited for the position of Visiting Instructor in the Department of Physics at Virginia Tech. This is a full time, non-tenure track, one academic year appointment for the period August 2026 - May 2027. The successful applicant will teach and mentor students enrolled in large introductory physics classes at Virginia Tech. The responsibilities include lecture, demonstration, discussion, and supervising graduate student support activities in calculus-based physics for physical scientists and engineers, or in general physics, which is primarily for life-science majors. The teaching load is 3 - 4 courses per semester.

Required Qualifications

A Master's degree or above in physics or a closely related field.
Demonstrated record or potential for teaching introductory physics courses.
Ability to contribute to a collegial classroom and work environment.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience 

Hours per week

40 hours - exempt position

Review Date

June 2, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jackie Woodyard at woodyaj@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: May 13, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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