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Physicist Phd Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Design Advanced Physics Problems - Craft open-ended, multi-step problems at PhD qualifying exam level, spanning quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and classical mechanics * Author ...

Design Advanced Problems - Craft PhD-level, open-ended physics problems that demand multi-step reasoning, rigorous mathematical derivation, and mastery of first principles across quantum mechanics ...

Systems Engineer V

Redmond, WA · On-site

$80 - $85/hr

BSc/MSc/PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related experience * Track record of software development following ...

Systems Engineer V

Redmond, WA · On-site

$80 - $85/hr

BSc/MSc/PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related experience * Track record of software development following ...

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Physicist Phd information

See Renton, WA salary details

$44.4K

$106.6K

$254.8K

How much do physicist phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist phd in Renton, WA is $106,639.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Physicist PhDs?

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 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.

What job categories do people searching Physicist Phd jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Physicist Phd jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Physicist Phd jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Physicist Phd job openings:
Infographic showing various Physicist Phd job openings in Renton, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,639 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
Physicist - Resilience Engineering & Operations

Physicist - Resilience Engineering & Operations

IonQ

Bothell, WA • On-site, Remote

$114.75K - $150.24K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Location: This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: 5% or less
Job ID:
1491 

The Role: 

We're looking for a Senior System Operations Engineer for our bleeding edge quantum computers that are based on trapped ion technology. You'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to operate and improve IonQ's industry-leading quantum computers. In the first three months on the job, you'd be learning how to maintain our quantum computers' hardware and software. Recent graduates in physics and related fields are encouraged to apply; we will train you in quantum computer maintenance and operation!

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in follow-the-sun on-call rotations to keep our systems running at peak performance.
  • Ensure high uptime and performance of our commercial quantum computers, through alert response, monitoring, and engineering of state-of-the-art quantum computers.
  • Work collaboratively with other System Operators on improvements and processes and practices to make operating quantum systems easier and more efficient.
  • Communicate with customers to coordinate access and inform on system status.
  • Remotely interfacing with quantum systems to impact performance using documented procedures.
  • Interpreting telemetry to aid in deeper understanding of quantum system status. 
  • Clearly communicating with teams working across multiple timezones.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, engineering, or another physical science
  • Desire and capability to work closely on a team that is distributed - excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
  • Hands on experience with optical alignments, laser stabilization, and/or AOMs
  • A propensity for learning new things and fascination with emerging technologies
  • Formal training or education in statistics
  • Capable of adapting for an ever-growing and ever-changing work environment
  • Disposition to work flexible working hours, on a 24/7 oncall shift where the rotation changes as needed
  • 1+ year laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD in physics, engineering, or another physical science
  • Deep experience with Javascript or Python
  • A background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning
  • Software Engineering experience

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.