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Physicist Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Until

Engineer/Applied Physicist

Mundelein, IL

$120K - $200K/yr

Strong fundamentals in both a scientific (physics, chemistry, biology) and an engineering (electrical, mechanical, computational) discipline, excited to build the future * Experience designing and ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

Create, test, and validate mathematical models of atomic physics behavior, and use the results to inform system design by translating high-level system requirements into specialized engineering ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Works with electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, vacuum, laser, and controls engineering teams to develop requirements, guide design trades, and convert physics concepts into buildable and ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist

Boulder, CO · On-site

Works with electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, vacuum, laser, and controls engineering teams to develop requirements, guide design trades, and convert physics concepts into buildable and ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL

$130K - $211K/yr

Create, test, and validate mathematical models of atomic physics behavior, and use the results to inform system design by translating high-level system requirements into specialized engineering ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL

Design and analyze experiments and physics-based models to improve gate fidelity, stability, availability, and processor performance; guide architecture and engineering tradeoffs. * Own critical ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Design and analyze experiments and physics-based models to improve gate fidelity, stability, availability, and processor performance; guide architecture and engineering tradeoffs. * Own critical ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhysicist Engineer JobsPhysicist Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Physicist Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.7K

$97.7K

$233.3K

How much do physicist engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist engineer in Chicago, IL is $97,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Physicist Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, usually supported by a degree in physics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB or COMSOL), data analysis tools, and relevant industry certifications is often required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing innovative solutions, ensuring technical accuracy, and advancing projects in research or industry settings.

How do Physicist Engineers typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on research and development projects?

Physicist Engineers often work closely with professionals from various fields, such as mechanical engineers, materials scientists, and software developers, to solve complex technical challenges. Collaboration usually involves regular team meetings, sharing experimental data, and integrating different expertise to design, test, and refine prototypes or systems. Effective communication and a willingness to learn from other disciplines are essential, as projects often require combining theoretical physics concepts with practical engineering applications. This collaborative environment not only enhances innovation but also provides valuable opportunities for professional growth and learning new skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, leadership positions, or working in high-demand industries. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and work in high-demand industries or leadership positions.

Can a physicist do an engineer's job?

A physicist engineer typically has a strong foundation in physics principles and problem-solving skills, which can be applicable to engineering tasks. However, engineering roles often require specific technical training, certifications, and knowledge of industry standards and tools, so additional education or experience may be necessary to fully perform an engineer's job.

What is the difference between Physicist Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPhysicist EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or Engineering, often with specializationBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, technology developmentManufacturing, design firms, industrial settings
Industry UsageHigh-tech, aerospace, defense, research institutionsAutomotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonPhysicist Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer

Physicist Engineers focus on applying physics principles to develop new technologies and conduct research, often working in labs or R&D environments. Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems in manufacturing and industry. While both roles require engineering fundamentals, Physicist Engineers typically have a stronger physics background and work more in research settings, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on practical system design and production.

What are Physicist Engineers?

Physicist Engineers are professionals who apply principles of physics and engineering to solve complex technical problems, design new technologies, and develop innovative products. They often work in research and development, combining their deep understanding of physical laws with practical engineering skills to create solutions in fields such as energy, electronics, aerospace, and materials science. Their work may involve theoretical analysis, computational modeling, laboratory experiments, and prototype development.

How much do engineering physicists make?

Engineering physicists typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. They often work in research, development, or technical roles requiring strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of physics and engineering principles.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Physicist Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Physicist Engineer job openings:
Physicist Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physicist Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,663 per year, or $47 per hour.

Engineer/Applied Physicist

Until

Mundelein, IL

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Until is a moonshot company building a “pause button” for biology. Our near-term focus is organ-scale reversible cryopreservation: preserving donated organs at subzero temperatures without ice formation, then rewarming them uniformly for transplant. By solving this grand challenge, we’re laying the foundation for whole-body reversible cryopreservation, giving patients a bridge to future cures.

To achieve our goal, we are assembling an interdisciplinary team to develop perfusion systems, cryoprotectant formulations, and vitrification and rewarming hardware.

We envision a future where no transplantable organ is lost to logistics, and no terminal diagnosis is final because patients can safely wait for future medicine to arrive.

About The Role
We’re building an elite team of applied physicists and engineers for true full stack engineering, from electrons to operating systems. Projects will require high degree of autonomy and breadth of skill across electrical, mechanical, and computational design, with a strong emphasis on first principles thinking and a desire to make technology indistinguishable from magic.
About You
  • Strong fundamentals in both a scientific (physics, chemistry, biology) and an engineering (electrical, mechanical, computational) discipline, excited to build the future
  • Experience designing and analyzing both analog and digital circuitry
  • Experience with basic control systems and mechanical design
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent
  • Demonstrations of exceptional ability and autonomy in past work
Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years experience/graduate level in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent
  • Experience working in a startup
Benefits
  • Opportunity for outsized impact creating the future as an early team member
  • Generous medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
  • Flexible time off and paid holidays
  • Competitive compensation package, including salary and equity
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • FSA and commuter benefits
  • Subsidized lunch daily
While this represents our expected range based on market data, final compensation will be determined based on your specific qualifications and may be outside this range. Please keep in mind that the equity portion of the offer is not included in this estimate.
As an equal opportunity employer, Until is committed to providing employment opportunities to all individuals. All applicants for positions at Until will be treated without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.