Description Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces?
Description Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces?
You will start out with novel optics design concepts and turn them into optical systems optimized for mass production. BS degree in Optics, Physics, EE or a related fieldExperience with at least one ...
You will start out with novel optics design concepts and turn them into optical systems optimized for mass production. BS degree in Optics, Physics, EE or a related fieldExperience with at least one ...
Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researche with Security Clearance
Laurel, MD · On-site
Description Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces?
Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researche with Security Clearance
Laurel, MD · On-site
Description Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces?
Research Physicist - Freelance AI Trainer
New York, NY · On-site
$76/hr
Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)
Research Physicist - Freelance AI Trainer
New York, NY · On-site
$76/hr
Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)
Research Physicist - Freelance AI Trainer
New York, NY · On-site
$76/hr
Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)
Research Physicist - Freelance AI Trainer
New York, NY · On-site
$76/hr
Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)
Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)
Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)
Optical Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$120K - $200K/yr
Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...
Optical Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$120K - $200K/yr
Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...
Quantum Physicist
Madison, WI · On-site
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quick apply
Quantum Physicist
Madison, WI · On-site
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quantum Physicist
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quantum Physicist
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quantum Physicist
Boulder, CO · On-site
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quantum Physicist
Boulder, CO · On-site
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Research Physicist - Freelance AI Trainer
New York, NY · On-site +1
$76/hr
Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)
Research Physicist - Freelance AI Trainer
New York, NY · On-site +1
$76/hr
Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)
Optical Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$120K - $200K/yr
Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...
Optical Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$120K - $200K/yr
Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...
Quantum Physicist
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quantum Physicist
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quantum Physicist
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quantum Physicist
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...
Quick apply
Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...
Quantum Physicist
Chicago, IL · On-site
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quick apply
Quantum Physicist
Chicago, IL · On-site
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quantum Physicist
Boulder, CO · On-site
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
Quick apply
Quantum Physicist
Boulder, CO · On-site
$130K - $211K/yr
PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...
You will start out with novel optics design concepts and turn them into optical systems optimized for mass production. BS degree in Optics, Physics, EE or a related fieldExperience with at least one ...
You will start out with novel optics design concepts and turn them into optical systems optimized for mass production. BS degree in Optics, Physics, EE or a related fieldExperience with at least one ...
Optical Engineer
$120K - $200K/yr
Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...
Optical Engineer
$120K - $200K/yr
Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...
Optical Design Engineer - Biophotonics
$147K - $220K/yr
... physics fundamentals Familiarity with the design, simulation, optimization, sensitivity and tolerance analysis of complex free space optical systems, with a preference for high-precision micro ...
Optical Design Engineer - Biophotonics
$147K - $220K/yr
... physics fundamentals Familiarity with the design, simulation, optimization, sensitivity and tolerance analysis of complex free space optical systems, with a preference for high-precision micro ...
Optical Physicist information
See salary details
$39.5K - $56.5K
19% of jobs
$59.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
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36% of jobs
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11% of jobs
$103.6K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
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13% of jobs
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8% of jobs
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5% of jobs
$141.5K - $158.5K
3% of jobs
$158.5K - $175.5K
2% of jobs
$175.5K - $192.5K
1% of jobs
$192.5K - $209.5K
1% of jobs
$209.5K - $226.5K
1% of jobs
$39.5K
$94.8K
$226.5K
How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?
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 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.

Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researcher
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics LaboratoryLaurel, MD • On-site
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 17 days ago
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating
9.9
Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
1st of 57 rated research
Job description
Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces?
Do you have experience with commercial computational software and optimization tools to gain insight into the interplay between novel materials and electromagnetic fields-specifically optical and infrared-and improve the design accordingly?
Do you seek to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to carry your solutions through the full cycle of design, fabrication, characterization, and prototyping?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
As part of a multi-disciplinary research team, you will join computational and experimental scientists and engineers who are passionate about developing innovative solutions that can impact the future development and application of electromagnetic devices using novel metasurface and phase-change material designs. Our team is committed to scientific excellence and continuous learning, valuing high-risk, high-reward ideas, honest discussion, and open collaboration.
We are seeking a creative and multidisciplinary scientist to help us mature existing projects and grow new ones by identifying emerging sponsor challenges that require novel electromagnetic solutions in the optical frequency range. The scope of the projects can range from fundamental discovery through advanced prototype demonstration. As a member of our team, you'll contribute to research that proceeds from computational modeling and optimization through prototyping and characterization to real-world transitioned technologies.
As a Design and Characterization Researcher:
Your primary responsibilities will be to (1) utilize computational tools to design and simulate the performance of optical metasurfaces, and (2) perform experiments to characterize the performance of metasurfaces in the optical frequency range. The former responsibility will leverage commercial computational tools to build simulations and develop numerical solutions. In addition, you will be encouraged to help develop independent research and development ideas that demonstrate the potential of new and emerging technologies for groundbreaking applications within the APL sponsor base.
You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and fabrication technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and related phenomena.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:
- Hold a Ph.D. degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with at least one year of experience.
- Have a record of creatively applying physics knowledge and performing experimental characterization of novel electromagnetic structures.
- Possess familiarity with the physics of tailoring electromagnetic fields to control reflection, transmission, and absorption through patterned surfaces and engineered material properties.
- Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometers.
- Write scientific programs in at least one high-level language (e.g., C, C++, Java) or an interpreted language (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
- Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret-level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:
- Possess insight into various fabrication methods and related tolerances pertinent to engineered electromagnetic surfaces.
- Have working experience building numerical models for solving electromagnetic problems using commercial tools such as CST and COMSOL.
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually
About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Manufacturing
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Laurel, MA, US