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Optical Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for fieldable atom optic devices for inertial navigation, geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the ...

Hobson Associates

NJ · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

MS or PhD in optics, physics, EE, or materials science. You've worked with fiber communication systems or amplifiers and have published research to show for it. U.S. permanent residency/ work ...

Pae

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar) with 3-6 years of experience or Master's Degree with 0-3 years of experience. * Must be able to obtain and ...

Amentum

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar) with 3-6 years of experience or Master's Degree with 0-3 years of experience. * Must be able to obtain and ...

Amentum

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN

$120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar) with 3-6 years of experience or Master's Degree with 0-3 years of experience. * Must be able to obtain and ...

Amentum

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar) with 3-6 years of experience or Master's Degree with 0-3 years of experience. * Must be able to obtain and ...

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How much do optical physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical physics in the United States is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical physics?

Optical physics is a branch of physics that focuses on the study of light, including its generation, transmission, detection, and interaction with matter. It encompasses the behavior and properties of light, such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and polarization, as well as the development and application of optical instruments like lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. Optical physicists work in a variety of fields, including telecommunications, imaging, medical technology, and quantum computing, to develop new technologies and improve our understanding of light.

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

To thrive as an Optical Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by at least a master's or doctoral degree in physics or a related field. Proficiency with simulation software (such as COMSOL, Zemax, or MATLAB), laboratory instrumentation, and experimental techniques is commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for designing experiments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These skills are essential for advancing research, developing innovative optical systems, and solving complex technical challenges in industry or academia.

How much does an optical physicist make?

Optical physicists typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $130,000 depending on experience, education, and location. They often work in research, development, or academia, utilizing skills in optics, laser technology, and experimental physics.

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 is the difference between Optical Physics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical PhysicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, advanced degrees often preferredEngineering degree, specialized training in optics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, academiaManufacturing, product development, industry settings
Industry UsageResearch, academia, scientific institutionsOptical systems design, product development, manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonUnderstanding fundamental optical phenomenaDesigning and implementing optical systems

Optical Physics focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of light and optics through research and theoretical work, often in academic or research settings. Optical Engineers apply these principles to design, develop, and improve optical devices and systems in industry. While both roles require knowledge of optics, Optical Physics emphasizes scientific research, whereas Optical Engineering centers on practical application and product development.

What's the highest paying physics job?

In physics, roles such as research physicist, optical physicist, or applied physicist in industries like aerospace, defense, or technology tend to have the highest salaries. Senior positions, especially those requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills in optics, quantum mechanics, or laser technology, often offer the highest compensation, sometimes exceeding six figures annually.

What jobs can you get with a photonics degree?

A photonics degree can lead to jobs such as optical engineer, laser technician, photonics researcher, or systems engineer, often requiring knowledge of optics, lasers, and photonic devices. These roles are common in industries like telecommunications, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing, and may require proficiency with optical testing tools and relevant certifications. Employment typically involves working in labs, research facilities, or manufacturing environments with standard work hours.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical physics research and development?

Optical physics professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision in experimental setups, dealing with complex instrumentation, and troubleshooting unexpected results due to subtle environmental factors like temperature or vibration. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams—such as engineers, material scientists, and software developers—requires clear communication and adaptability. Additionally, staying up-to-date with rapidly advancing technologies and publishing research findings can be demanding but is essential for career growth in this field.
More about Optical Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Physics jobs? Cities with the most Optical Physics job openings:
What states have the most Optical Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Physics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Physics jobs are:
Optical Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Physics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,574 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Quantum Physics

Indiana University Academic Positions

Kokomo, IN

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Quantum Physics Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Physics Location Bloomington Position Summary
A Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Quantum Optical Physics: Theoretical, Simulation, Modeling for Experimental Design
Title: Postdoctoral Fellow, physics
Appointment Status: Non-tenure track
Department: Department of Physics, Indiana University Bloomington
Location: Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.A.
Position Summary: The Department of Physics at Indiana University Bloomington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. This position is designed for a researcher who sits at the intersection of theoretical and experimental physics. The successful candidate will lead the architectural design/modeling/simulation of a groundbreaking experiment: the direct harvesting and extraction of quantum entanglement from the electromagnetic vacuum states. This is a design-phase experiment of the project, which requires simulations, modeling, calculation based on experimentally feasible and practical constrains and conditions to deliver an experiment-ready blueprint and architecture.
Key Research Responsibilities include: (1) Theoretical Modeling: Develop and refine models for entanglement harvesting using continuous-variable quantum information theory and Gaussian quantum states steering. (2) Experimental Simulation: Simulate the detection of vacuum fluctuations via electro-optic sampling, incorporating realistic parameters for femtosecond few-cycle laser pulses, terahertz bandwidths, and detector electronics. (3) System Architecture: Define the critical engineering requirements (optical pulse duration, terahertz crystal materials in cryogenetic environments, signal-to-noise ratio optimization, entanglement witnesses and verification) necessary to resolve the entangled vacuum variance.
Relevant keywords of this project in experiment includes: electro-optic sampling, terahertz pulses, femtosecond laser pulses, ultrafast optics, carrier-envelope phase/offset, balanced homodyne detection; keywords in theory includes: relativistic quantum information science, quantum field theory, quantum optics, quantum fluctuations of the vacuum, Unruh-DeWitt detector model, entanglement harvesting, entanglement witness.
In this exciting role and project, you will work under the direction of Prof. Chen-Ting Liao and in collaboration with other team members and collaborators. For additional information about the Liao research group, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/chentingliao/
Department Contact for Questions: Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to Prof. Chen-Ting Liao (Liao3[at]IU.edu)
Basic Qualifications:
Eligibility according to the project sponsor: (1) U.S. citizenship, or (2) U.S. Permanent Resident/Green Card holder, or (3) in the application process to become a U.S. Permanent Resident/Green Card holder.
Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Quantum Information Science, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field at the time of appointment. (ABD candidates will be considered).
Demonstrated ability to bridge theoretical concepts with physical realizability.
Strong track record of scientific research and peer-reviewed publications.
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
High degree of independence and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
Additional Qualifications:
Theory: Expertise in quantum optics, quantum information science, or quantum field theory.
Simulation: Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for simulation/modeling and data analysis.
Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics and/or Lumerical is a plus.
Experiment: Familiarity with ultrafast optics, terahertz generation, or balanced homodyne detection is highly desirable.
Design: some experience using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for experimental layouts is advantageous.
Required Documents: (1) Curriculum Vitae (including completed degrees, list of publications, research experience, and expertise), (2) Letter of Application (cover letter), (3) contact information of at least two references. Applications should be submitted through the application portal located at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/31923
Expected Start Date: Summer 2026. Applications will be reviewed starting on 2/15/26 and will continue until the position is filled.
Salary and Rank: $54-59K/yr, Postdoctoral Fellow. The initial appointment for this position will be for 2 years. Additional 1 year extension will be available based on performance, mutual agreement, and funding availability of the phase II of the project. A competitive benefits package will be offered by the University.

Basic Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Eligibility according to the project sponser: (1) U.S. citizenship, or (2) U.S. Permanent Resident/Green Card holder, or (3) in the application process to become a U.S. Permanent Resident/Green Card holder.
Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Quantum Information Science, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field at the time of appointment. (ABD candidates will be considered).
Demonstrated ability to bridge theoretical concepts with physical realizability.
Strong track record of scientific research and peer-reviewed publications.
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
High degree of independence and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to Prof. Chen-Ting Liao (Liao3[at]IU.edu)
Additional Qualifications
Additional Qualifications:
Theory: Expertise in quantum optics, quantum information science, or quantum field theory.
Simulation: Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for simulation/modeling and data analysis.
Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics and/or Lumerical is a plus.
Experiment: Familiarity with ultrafast optics, terahertz generation, or balanced homodyne detection is highly desirable.
Design: some experience using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for experimental layouts is advantageous.
Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 02/15/2026 Expected Start Date 07/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101463-2026

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