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Optical Physicist Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Consistently and effectively report out on design and testing to core and cross-functional teams Skills & Qualifications: * BS required in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. MS is ...

Consistently and effectively report out on design and testing to core and cross-functional teams Skills & Qualifications: * BS required in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. MS is ...

Consistently and effectively report out on design and testing to core and cross-functional teams Skills & Qualifications: * BS required in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. MS is ...

Consistently and effectively report out on design and testing to core and cross-functional teams Skills & Qualifications: * BS required in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. MS is ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Sandy Springs, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Duluth, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Marietta, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Lawrenceville, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Roswell, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Athens, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Alpharetta, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Johns Creek, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Carrollton, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Augusta, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Woodstock, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Deep knowledge of mechanics including kinematics and dynamics, energy, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ...

Deep knowledge of mechanics including kinematics and dynamics, energy, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ...

Deep knowledge of mechanics including kinematics and dynamics, energy, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Physicist information

See Georgia salary details

$33.4K

$80.1K

$191.3K

How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in Georgia is $80,051.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $94,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is photonics a good career?

Optical Physicists working in photonics research and development often find the field to be promising due to its applications in telecommunications, medical devices, and laser technology. The career typically requires strong knowledge of optics, electronics, and materials science, with opportunities in academia, industry, and government labs. Job growth is driven by advancements in optical communication, imaging, and sensing technologies.

Does NASA hire optical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires optical engineers and physicists to work on projects involving optical systems, sensors, and instrumentation for space exploration and research. These roles often require expertise in optics, laser systems, and related technologies, along with relevant degrees and security clearances. Optical physicists may be involved in designing, testing, and maintaining advanced optical equipment used in space missions.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities I might have as an Optical Physicist?

As an Optical Physicist, your daily work might include designing and testing optical systems, conducting experiments to analyze light behavior, developing simulations, and troubleshooting system performance. You could work on projects involving telecommunications, laser technologies, imaging devices, or even cutting-edge research in quantum optics. Collaboration is common, as you’ll often partner with engineers, other scientists, or product development teams to bring new optical technologies to life. This role offers a dynamic mix of hands-on lab work and theoretical analysis, providing opportunities to grow your skills and contribute to innovative solutions.

What does an optical physicist do?

An optical physicist researches and develops technologies related to light and optics, such as lasers, lenses, and optical systems. They often work in laboratories or research facilities, using tools like spectrometers and optical fibers, and may require advanced degrees in physics or engineering.

What does an Optical Physicist do?

An Optical Physicist studies the behavior and properties of light, including how it interacts with different materials. They apply principles of optics to develop technologies like lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. Their work is used in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. They may conduct experiments, develop mathematical models, and collaborate with engineers to create optical devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Physicist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Physicist, you need deep knowledge of optics, photonics, and physics principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software such as Zemax or COMSOL, experience using laboratory equipment like spectrometers and lasers, and sometimes industry certifications are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for designing and analyzing complex optical systems, collaborating on multidisciplinary projects, and advancing innovation in the field.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior optical physicists, specialized researchers, or executives in optics-related industries can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require expertise in optics, physics, or engineering, along with strong project management and technical skills.
Infographic showing various Optical Physicist job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,051 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Applied Physicist (Quantum Systems) - GTRI - CIPHER - Open Rank

Applied Physicist (Quantum Systems) - GTRI - CIPHER - Open Rank

Georgia Tech Research Institute

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Georgia Tech rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Project/Unit Description

The Quantum Systems (QS) Division of the Georgia Tech Research Institute's Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research (CIPHER) Lab is seeking self-motivated individuals with experience in quantum science or photonics research. The division is composed of a large team of scientists and engineers from disciplines including physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, optical science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, and chemical engineering. QS employees perform fundamental research exploring next-generation technologies based on exotic physical phenomena, working to prove that devices based on these technologies can provide real-world solutions relevant to sponsors.
Our research portfolio includes programs in trapped-ion quantum computing, simulation, and sensing, vapor cell optically pumped magnetometers and Rydberg electrometers, atomic clocks, and the development of mass spectrometers. Support is available to develop projects outside of existing areas of research, such as photonic quantum computing, solid-state defects like NV-centers, quantum networking, and inertial sensors. QS researchers frequently contribute to projects in other GTRI labs and CIPHER divisions involving research in other topics including artificial intelligence and machine learning, communications, biophysics, security, and optics.
The candidate will be expected to work independently and effectively in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment. Affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology and located on its main campus in Atlanta Georgia, GTRI offers a unique opportunity to conduct applied research in a university setting. Employees in this position are encouraged to publish academic literature and pursue collaborations with academic, government, and industry partners.

Job Purpose

An applied physicist leverages knowledge and skills from the fields of physics, chemistry, material science, and mathematics to contribute to the research, analysis, design, and development of innovative systems, sensors, materials, and devices. They design and conduct experiments and/or simulations to ascertain physical properties and behaviors. Experiments conducted may involve the measurement, characterization, and testing of equipment and environmental phenomenology using specialized tools. Fundamental physical principles are used to inform the design of systems and sensors, to evaluate their theoretical performance, and to develop algorithms. Areas of application may include: optical systems, energy systems and storage, quantum systems, EO/IR & RF M&S and analysis, and photonics, and new materials. An applied physicist might also contribute to the development and application of new materials related to energy production, harvesting, and storage or to areas as diverse as healthcare, entertainment, or national security.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform more complex tests, experiments, calculations, and/or simulations to determine physical parameters/properties and behaviors of materials and systems and conduct more complex data analysis on the results of measurements and/or simulations
  • Lead design of experiments for simple experiments
  • Generate documentation of experiments and results
  • Contribute to white papers and proposals
  • Contribute to technical reports/presentations of project results

Additional Responsibilities

* Lead proposal writing and other business development activities to win funding for new research thrusts
* Manage the technical and financial execution of research programs
* Contribute to existing projects in applied quantum technologies
* Author technical reports and publications
* Present research to sponsors and peers
* Keep up-to-date in relevant published literature on applied quantum technologies

Required Minimum Qualifications

*Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered.
*Demonstrated expertise, e.g. through peer-reviewed publications, in quantum science research.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active TS SCI
  • An ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Active security clearance
    * Technical experience with any of the following:
    a. AMO physics techniques including ion trapping, laser cooling, atomic spectroscopy
    b. vapor cell sensors and clocks
    c. solid state color centers (e.g. NV-centers in diamond)
    d. single photon sources (e.g. quantum dot or four-wave-mixing) and detectors (e.g. SNSPDs)
    e. theoretical quantum optics and/or design for quantum optics experiments
    f. creation and analysis of entangled photon states (e.g. Bell pairs, GHZ states)
    g. integrated photonics design
    h. photonic quantum computing
    i. design and demonstration of practical or fielded quantum devices
    j. scientific programming
    k. micro/nano-fabrication tools and techniques

Travel Requirements

<10% travel

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

  • 0 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Computer Science, Engineering, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, Chemical Engineering.


U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.


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About Georgia Tech

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Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with great economic and cultural strengths. The Institute is a member of the University System of Georgia, the Georgia Research Alliance, and the Association of American Universities. Georgia Tech prides itself on its technology resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Year founded

1888

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