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Physicist Phd Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

UHS

CHIEF PHYSICIST

Washington, DC · On-site

$240K - $300K/yr

PhD in Medical Physics or related fields plus two years residency or specialty training in a postgraduate program in Medical Physics. * Advanced degree in Radiation Physics required * ABR and ABMP ...

UHS

CHIEF PHYSICIST

Washington, DC

PhD in Medical Physics or related fields plus two years residency or specialty training in a postgraduate program in Medical Physics. * Advanced degree in Radiation Physics required * ABR and ABMP ...

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All JobsPhysicist Phd JobsPhysicist Phd Jobs in Reston, VA

Physicist Phd information

See Reston, VA salary details

$41.1K

$98.6K

$235.6K

How much do physicist phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist phd in Reston, VA is $98,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,400.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of a PhD physicist?

A PhD physicist's salary varies based on experience, industry, and location, but typically ranges from $80,000 to over $130,000 annually. Physicists working in research, academia, or industry may also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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.

Is a PhD worth it in physics?

A PhD in physics prepares physicist PhDs for research, academia, and specialized industry roles, often requiring strong analytical and technical skills. While it can lead to higher-level positions and increased earning potential, it also involves significant time and financial investment, and job prospects depend on the field and sector chosen.

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 can you do after a PhD in physics?

A physicist with a PhD can pursue careers in academia as a researcher or professor, work in industry such as technology, aerospace, or data analysis, or join government labs and agencies. They often utilize skills in research, data modeling, programming, and problem-solving, and may need to obtain relevant certifications or security clearances depending on the role.

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 does a physicist with a PhD make?

A physicist with a PhD typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Academic physicists may earn less, while those in private sector research, technology, or engineering often have higher salaries. Advanced skills in data analysis, programming, and research are common requirements for these roles.
What are popular job titles related to Physicist Phd jobs in Reston, VA? For Physicist Phd jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physicist Phd jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Physicist Phd jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Physicist Phd jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Physicist Phd job openings:
Physicist Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physicist Phd job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,630 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Engineering Physicist with Security Clearance

Alaire Technologies, Inc

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Alaire Technologies is Hiring!
Engineering Physicist – Entry to Senior Level
Location: Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $80,000–$150,000 (depending on experience)
Security Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance (existing clearance preferred)
About the Role
Alaire Technologies is seeking Engineering Physicists at both entry and advanced levels to support U.S. Navy projects focused on next-generation sensing and signal processing systems. You'll join a collaborative R&D team that designs and builds high-performance experimental platforms to meet real-world defense needs.
This role is ideal for:
• New graduates with a strong foundation in hands-on physics or engineering lab work.
• Experienced professionals (MS/PhD) with backgrounds in experimental physics, systems engineering, or instrumentation. What You'll Do
• Design and assemble laboratory experiments and prototype systems.
• Develop and maintain data acquisition and control systems.
• Analyze experimental results to refine system performance.
• Collaborate with internal teams and government clients to define technical goals and report outcomes.
• Conduct background research to inform experimental methods and system improvements.
• Support documentation of procedures, results, and recommendations. What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications:
• B.S. in Physics, Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (MS/PhD for senior roles).
• Strong hands-on experience in lab environments, either academic or professional.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a DoD Secret Clearance.
Preferred Skills:
• Experience with sensors, control systems, signal processing, or embedded electronics.
• Familiarity with tools such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar.
• Knowledge of data acquisition and instrumentation integration.
• Background in defense, R&D, or experimental system development. Why Alaire?
You’ll be part of a fast-moving, technically innovative team working on high-impact defense technologies. Whether you're early in your career or looking to apply advanced expertise, you'll have the opportunity to shape projects that matter.

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