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Physicist Phd Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

STR

Principal Signal Processing Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline * 10+ years of experience on relevant physics modeling and processing programs, including the ...

Saic

Technical Studies Lead

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200 - $240/hr

PhD and nine (9) years or more experience in a technical field (Math/Physics/Aerospace Engineering or related discipline) * 10+ years of experience in the space domain * Understanding of the NRO ...

STR

Principal Signal Processing Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline * 10+ years of experience on relevant physics modeling and processing programs, including the ...

STR

Principal Signal Processing Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline * 10+ years of experience on relevant physics modeling and processing programs, including the ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$55.25 - $71.25/hr

Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline * Experience supporting aircraft ... Staff Flight Physics Engineer (6+ Years) * Applies advanced engineering principles to aircraft ...

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Physicist Phd information

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$39.2K

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$224.6K

How much do physicist phd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist phd in Virginia is $93,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Physicist Phd jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Physicist Phd job openings:

Physicist Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physicist Phd job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,991 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

space system engineer(expert) with Security Clearance

CEdge Software Consultants

Springfield, VA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced engineering support across all phases of the system lifecycle to ensure the delivery of timely and accurate Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT). This role applies to a multi-disciplinary approach to the development, integration, and sustainment of space-based capabilities within Controlled Access Programs (CAPs) and Special Access Programs (SAPs) across the National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG) and the Department of Defense/Intelligence Community (DoD/IC).
The engineer will engage in activities including requirements engineering, solutions development, systems reliability and resiliency, services deployment, research and development (R&D), systems integration, test and evaluation (T&E), and maintainability analysis. A deep understanding of secure architectures and the ability to operate effectively within highly classified environments is essential.
Security and Program Access Requirements:
Must be willing to sign additional Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Must provide proof of Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) status for participation in KPMO programs
Required Qualifications:
Master’s in Engineering and 18 years of experience, or PhD in Engineering and 10 years of experience in related technical or scientific fields such as engineering, physics, mathematics
Experience with Integrated Protection Strategy (IPS) or integrating SSA applications
Experience with space related activities such as SOSI, BMC3, or orbital analysis
Experience dealing with data at multiple classification levels and processing data at multiple classification levels
Demonstrated experience with space enterprise information needs
Experience with space environments such as space to ground or threat assessments of space assets
Experience with physics models to include analyzing space weather effects, and threat/damage analysis of space based objects
Experience with space object measurement
Experience with NRO/SAO or AF SPO
Understanding of MBSE processes, tools, and languages
TS/SCI clearance adjudication and ability to pass a polygraph

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