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Nasa Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HSG, LLC

Health Physicist

Edwards, CA · On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

Help protect the future of aerospace innovation at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. Herndon Solutions Group (HSG) is seeking a highly skilled Health Physicist / Radiation Safety Officer to ...

BWXT

Health Physicist 2

Erwin, TN

$66K - $101K/yr

Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical ... Requisition Number: [[id]] Health Physicist 2 - Nuclear Fuel Services - Erwin, TN Position Overview:

BWX Technologies

Health Physicist 2

Erwin, TN · On-site

$66K - $101K/yr

Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical ... Requisition Number: ((id)) Health Physicist 2 - Nuclear Fuel Services - Erwin, TN Position Overview:

BWX Technologies, Inc.

Health Physicist 2

Erwin, TN

$66K - $101K/yr

Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical ... Requisition Number: [[id]] Health Physicist 2 - Nuclear Fuel Services - Erwin, TN Position Overview:

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Nasa Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do nasa physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa 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.

What does a NASA physicist do?

A NASA physicist conducts research and applies the principles of physics to help solve problems related to space exploration, Earth sciences, and aeronautics. Their work includes designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, developing new technologies, and contributing to the understanding of phenomena such as gravity, radiation, and planetary atmospheres. NASA physicists often collaborate with engineers, astronomers, and other scientists to support the agency's missions and advance scientific knowledge.

What are some common challenges NASA physicists face when working on interdisciplinary projects?

NASA physicists often collaborate with engineers, computer scientists, and other specialists on complex missions. One common challenge is effectively communicating highly technical physics concepts to team members from different backgrounds, ensuring everyone is aligned on objectives and methodologies. Additionally, balancing scientific exploration with practical constraints, such as budget and project timelines, requires flexibility and creative problem-solving. These experiences can be professionally rewarding and foster broad skill development, making collaboration a critical aspect of the role.

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

To thrive as a NASA Physicist, you need an advanced degree in physics or a related field, a solid understanding of scientific research methods, and experience in data analysis. Familiarity with simulation software, programming languages like Python or MATLAB, and laboratory instrumentation is typically required, along with any relevant certifications for specialized equipment. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and convey complex findings. These skills ensure that research is accurate, innovative, and actionable, driving NASA's mission in space exploration and technology development.

What is the difference between Nasa Physicist vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectNasa PhysicistAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, PhD often preferredEngineering degree, often aerospace or mechanical
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, mission control, data analysisDesign, testing, manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft
Industry UsageResearch institutions, NASA, government agenciesAircraft and spacecraft companies, defense industry

While both roles work within aerospace and space exploration, Nasa Physicists focus on scientific research and data analysis related to space phenomena, whereas Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft and spacecraft systems. Both careers require strong technical skills, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

More about Nasa Physicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Nasa Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Nasa Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nasa Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Nasa Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Nasa Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Nasa Physicist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Nasa Physicist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nasa Physicist jobs are:
Nasa Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nasa Physicist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Health Physicist

Health Physicist

HSG, LLC

Edwards, CA • On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description


Help protect the future of aerospace innovation at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Herndon Solutions Group (HSG) is seeking a highly skilled Health Physicist / Radiation Safety Officer to support Occupational Health Services operations at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). This unique opportunity supports radiation safety, laser safety, radiofrequency safety, and operational health physics activities within one of the most technically advanced aerospace research environments in the country.

This role directly supports workforce safety, mission readiness, and regulatory compliance across laboratories, research facilities, aircraft operations, and mission-critical programs supporting NASA’s flight research mission.

This position is contingent upon contract award. The anticipated contract start date is October 1, 2026.

General Description

The Health Physicist will support Occupational Health Services operations within a highly technical aerospace and research environment. This role provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation safety programs supporting NASA personnel, laboratories, aircraft operations, industrial facilities, research activities, and mission operations.

The Health Physicist serves as the technical lead for radiation safety, dosimetry, laser safety, radio frequency (RF) safety, and regulatory compliance activities in accordance with NASA procedural requirements, NRC regulations, California Title 17 requirements, OSHA standards, and industry best practices.

This position requires strong technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, analytical capability, and the ability to work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, medical personnel, safety professionals, and operational leadership in a dynamic federal environment.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

Radiation Safety Program Management

  • Support implementation and compliance of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation safety programs.
  • Serve as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and support Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and Radio Frequency Safety Officer (RFSO) program activities as designated.
  • Provide technical oversight for radiation safety operations in accordance with NASA requirements and applicable federal/state regulations.
  • Support development, implementation, and maintenance of radiation safety procedures, permits, and operational guidance.

Radiation Surveys & Exposure Assessments

  • Conduct ionizing and non-ionizing radiation exposure surveys and assessments.
  • Perform:
    • Radiation exposure surveys
    • Leak testing
    • RF surveys
    • Laser hazard evaluations
    • UV radiation assessments
    • Area monitoring and contamination assessments
  • Support annual radiation vault surveys and required operational inspections.
  • Evaluate radiation hazards and recommend engineering, administrative, or PPE controls to mitigate risk.
  • Prepare technical evaluations, reports, recommendations, and exposure documentation.

Dosimetry & Radiation Monitoring

  • Manage and coordinate radiation dosimetry activities.
  • Coordinate issuance, tracking, exchange, and retrieval of radiation badges and monitoring devices.
  • Maintain radiation exposure records and provide annual exposure reports to monitored personnel.
  • Support radiation monitoring program compliance and documentation activities.

Radiation Inventory, Permitting & Compliance

  • Maintain inventories of ionizing radiation devices, laser systems, RF sources, and related radiation-producing equipment.
  • Support radiation permitting and authorization activities for operational and research projects.
  • Review radiation-related requests, equipment acquisitions, and operational changes for compliance impacts.
  • Support compliance with:
    • NASA procedural requirements
    • NRC regulations
    • California Title 17
    • OSHA standards
    • Applicable radiation safety consensus standards

Equipment & Instrumentation Management

  • Coordinate calibration, maintenance, bump testing, and operational readiness of radiation safety equipment and instrumentation.
  • Maintain associated logs, records, and equipment documentation.
  • Coordinate with NASA metrology and outside vendors for required calibration and maintenance services.

Audits, Documentation & Reporting

  • Support internal audits, OCHMO reviews, self-assessments, and radiation safety inspections.
  • Prepare technical reports, corrective action recommendations, and program documentation.
  • Assist with development of radiation safety procedures, training materials, and operational guidance.
  • Support incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation.

Emergency Response & Operational Support

  • Support emergency preparedness and response activities involving radiological hazards.
  • Participate in drills, exercises, aircraft mishap exercises, and operational readiness activities.
  • Provide technical guidance regarding radiation hazards during operational incidents or emergency response situations.
  • Support hazard evaluations associated with mission activities, laboratories, industrial facilities, and airborne research operations.

Education & Training

  • Develop and provide radiation safety training programs related to:
    • Ionizing Radiation Safety
    • Laser Safety
    • Radio Frequency (RF) Safety
    • UV Safety
    • Radiation Worker Training
    • Dosimetry Program Requirements
  • Support annual awareness campaigns and safety outreach initiatives.

Collaboration & Program Coordination

  • Collaborate with NASA leadership, Environmental Health personnel, occupational medicine staff, engineers, scientists, and operational teams.
  • Attend required meetings, audits, inspections, and planning sessions.
  • Support integrated Occupational and Environmental Health operations and continuous improvement initiatives.

The duties and responsibilities described in this position description in no way state or imply that these are the only duties performed. This position may require that additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We Value You

  • You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
  • You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.
  • You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across.
  • You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.
  • You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful.
  • You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work.

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, Radiological Health, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Radiation Protection, or related scientific field.
  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in Health Physics, Radiation Safety, or Radiological Protection programs.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience serving as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and/or Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
  • Must possess the required training, certifications, and experience to perform duties associated with Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Laser Safety Officer (LSO), and Radiofrequency Safety Officer (RFSO) responsibilities.
  • Current DOT/IATA Shipping of Radioactive Material certification
  • Candidates who do not currently possess RFSO and/or LSO certifications must obtain the applicable certification training within the first three (3) months of contract performance.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation safety principles
    • NRC regulations
    • OSHA regulations
    • Radiation exposure assessment methodologies
    • Dosimetry programs
    • Radiation instrumentation and monitoring equipment
  • Experience conducting radiation surveys and hazard assessments.
  • Strong technical writing, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently within operational and industrial environments.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Certified Health Physicist (CHP) preferred.
  • Prior NASA, DoD, aerospace, laboratory, research, or federal contract experience.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

  • Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
  • Work Environment: Work will mainly be performed in an office setting and occasionally with irregular hours.
  • Travel: A low to moderate amount of travel away from office may be required


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