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Physicist Phd Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Physicist Phd information

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$36.8K

$88.3K

$211.1K

How much do physicist phd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist phd in Arizona is $88,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physicist PhD?

Physicist PhDs are individuals who have earned a doctoral degree (PhD) in physics, demonstrating advanced knowledge and research skills in the field. They typically conduct original research in areas such as quantum mechanics, condensed matter physics, or astrophysics, and contribute to scientific understanding through experiments, theory, or computational work. Many Physicist PhDs work in academic, government, or industry settings, applying their expertise to solve complex scientific and technological problems. Their work often includes publishing research, teaching, and collaborating with other scientists.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations that a physicist PhD might engage in, and how do these collaborations impact daily work?

Physicist PhDs often collaborate with professionals from fields like engineering, computer science, materials science, and biology, depending on their research focus. These interdisciplinary partnerships can involve joint experiments, data analysis, and developing new technologies or methodologies. Such collaborations enrich daily work by exposing physicists to diverse perspectives and innovative approaches, while also requiring strong communication and project management skills. Working across disciplines can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and broaden career opportunities within both academia and industry.

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

To thrive as a Physicist PhD, you need advanced knowledge of physics concepts, strong analytical skills, and a doctoral degree in physics or a related field. Proficiency with scientific programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), laboratory equipment, and data analysis software is typically required. Critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration are vital soft skills for presenting research and working in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable physicists to drive scientific discovery, clearly convey complex ideas, and contribute valuable insights to their field.

What is the difference between Physicist Phd vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPhysicist PhdMaterials Scientist
Required credentialsPhD in Physics, advanced research experienceTypically a PhD in Materials Science or related field
Work environmentResearch labs, academia, government agenciesIndustrial labs, manufacturing, research institutions
Industry usageFundamental research, academia, government projectsProduct development, materials testing, quality control

Physicist Phd and Materials Scientist both hold advanced degrees and conduct research, but physicists focus on fundamental physical principles, while materials scientists specialize in material properties and applications. Their work environments and industry applications differ, with physicists often in academia or government labs, and materials scientists in industry settings.

Are physics PhDs employable?

Physics PhDs are highly employable in various fields such as academia, research institutions, government labs, and industry sectors like technology, engineering, and data analysis. Success often depends on additional skills like programming, experimental techniques, and communication, as well as networking and postdoctoral experience.

Is a physicist PhD worth it?

A physicist with a PhD often has access to advanced research, academic, and specialized industry roles that require deep expertise. While earning a PhD involves significant time and financial investment, it can lead to higher earning potential and opportunities in research, development, and academia compared to those with only a bachelor's or master's degree.

What jobs can a physicist PhD get?

A physicist with a PhD can pursue careers in research and development, academia, data analysis, engineering, and scientific consulting. They often work in laboratories, universities, government agencies, or private industry, utilizing skills in problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and experimental design.

What are popular job titles related to Physicist Phd jobs in Arizona?

For Physicist Phd jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physicist Phd jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Physicist Phd jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Physicist Phd jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Physicist Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various Physicist Phd job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,347 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 4

Northrop Grumman

Chandler, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Sr.

Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as a technical leader on the electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) modeling, algorithm, and simulation (MAS) group within the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). Responsibilities include the design, development, verification, and implementation of image processing algorithms, highfidelity simulation tools, and physicsbased models supporting seeker development and flight test.

The team develops and maintains highfidelity 6DOF simulations, evaluates seeker performance in relation to algorithms and hardware, and builds/maintains the seeker test suite. The selected candidate will lead complex modeling and simulation (M&S) efforts, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across disciplines and programs in a fastpaced, teamoriented environment. Responsibilities Lead development of high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models (including closed loop 6DOF) for design, performance assessment, and flight test support.

Coordinate and oversee the efforts of team members to ensure timely completion of models and algorithm development in alignment with the program schedule. Design and implement image/signal processing algorithms and integrate them into the simulation framework, conducting trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess performance and robustness. Apply EO/IR phenomenology and advanced physics concepts to create realistic models of seeker hardware, scenes, and flight environments, including use of scene generators (e.g., MSLRAD or similar)

Develop, maintain, and optimize modeling and analysis tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for use in high performance computing (HPC) environments. Collaborate with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams to plan and execute M&S activities, support requirements flow down, and define verification approaches. Support HWIL, lab, and real time test activities, correlating simulation predictions with test/flight data and leading root cause analysis and model updates.

Provide technical leadership and briefings to internal and external stakeholders, including participation in design and readiness reviews. Mentor early career and mid-level engineers and drive continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management. Promote continuous improvement in coding standards, configuration management, and verification practices within the M&S team.

Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience; or Master's degree and 6 years of related experience; or PhD and 4 years of related experience. Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope

Experience with video/image processing algorithms such as background/noise estimation, target detection, false alarm rejection, radiometric estimation, search/object localization, discrimination algorithms, and sensor control. Professional experience of coordinating and leading teams in efforts to deliver models and development of algorithm solutions for EO/IR or seekerrelated systems in alignment with program requirements and milestones. Experience with image and signal processing techniques and implementation of algorithms in C or C++ and either MATLAB or Python.

Demonstrated expertise in physical optical systems simulation and scene generation, knowledge of EO IR imaging systems, and radiometric transfer principles. Experience developing and executing simulations in highperformance computing (HPC) environments. Proven ability to independently tackle complex technical problems, synthesize results, and present technical findings to stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline. Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope

Experience serving as a technical lead or task lead for modeling and simulation on missile, hypersonic, or other highreliability systems, including familiarity with associated standards. Previous experience with DoD missile defense programs and related performance and verification frameworks. Familiarity with hardware/software integration and modeling physicsbased or realtime systems, including HWIL environments.

Proficiency in: C/C++ development and Linux environments, MATLAB and Python analysis and prototyping toolchains, Software change/configuration management tools, processes, and realtime programming practices Experience using scene generators such as MSLRAD or similar EO/IR scene generation tools. Demonstrated experience restructuring algorithms for improved performance on HPCs (e.g., vectorization, parallelization, distributed computing). Familiarity with software and firmware development lifecycles, implementation of algorithms, and verification processes

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,000.00 - $202,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date.

However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939