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Physicist Salaries Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

Master's degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical ... PIC experience The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Ph.D. in Physics or Optical Engineering with a thesis focused on Quantum Optics or Quantum ... PIC experience The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The ...

Meta

Optical Architect - AI Accelerators

Redmond, WA · On-site

$173K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, and/or ... annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In ...

Kymeta

Senior RF Antenna Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Master's in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Applied Physics, or similar degree field with ... This is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would be ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Geologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$56K/yr

Apply now to start your Civilian Army career today! 1st Year Salary $56715-$73731 2nd Year Salary ... physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPhysicist Salaries JobsPhysicist Salaries Jobs in Renton, WA

Physicist Salaries information

See Renton, WA salary details

$44.4K

$106.6K

$254.8K

How much do physicist salaries jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist salaries 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 is the difference between Physicist Salaries vs Mechanical Engineer Salaries?

AspectPhysicist SalariesMechanical Engineer Salaries
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Physics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, government agenciesManufacturing, design firms, industrial settings
Industry UsageResearch, academia, government researchProduct design, manufacturing, consulting

Physicists typically hold advanced degrees and work in research or academic environments, focusing on theoretical or experimental physics. Mechanical engineers usually have a bachelor's or master's degree and work in industrial or manufacturing settings, applying engineering principles to design and develop mechanical systems. While both roles require strong technical skills, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

Do you need a PhD to be a physicist?

A physicist can work in various roles with different educational backgrounds; while many research and academic positions require a PhD, entry-level or applied roles often only need a bachelor's or master's degree. Advanced positions in research, academia, or specialized industries typically require a PhD and strong analytical skills.

Is being a physicist a high paying job?

Physicists often earn competitive salaries, especially those with advanced degrees and specialized skills in research, academia, or industry. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and sector, with many physicists earning above the national average for science and engineering roles.

What are popular job titles related to Physicist Salaries jobs in Renton, WA?

For Physicist Salaries jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Physicist Salaries jobs near you

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Starcloud

Redmond, WA • On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:

As a GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer at Starcloud, you will own the ADCS of our in-orbit data centers. You will be instrumental in developing algorithms, simulations, and tools, demanding an innovative and highly skilled individual with a strong foundation in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, and software development. You will be responsible for selecting ADCS architectures, creating and maintaining production code, performing detailed performance analysis, and supporting on-call operations to ensure our satellite network operates at peak efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Algorithm and Software Development:
    • Develop and implement high-reliability and high-performance GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, and dashboards
    • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews to ensure high-quality software solutions.
    • Conduct comprehensive data analysis to review performance metrics from various elements of the satellite constellation and network.
    • Produce detailed technical documentation for programs, algorithms, and analytical methods.
  • System Integration and Support:
    • Support on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites, and reviewing network data to maintain optimal network performance.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance GNC system performance and ensure seamless integration.
  • Optimization and Analysis:
    • Perform constellation design and optimization, fleet management, satellite orbit transfer automation, and collision avoidance.
    • Conduct constellation-level and network-level analysis of both existing and proposed satellite systems.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Experience in developing, debugging, and deploying software for spacecraft GNC
  • Deep understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline or Physics
  • Proven experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance through simulation and validating simulation models.
  • Expertise in state estimation, particularly in attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation.
  • Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and Hall.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft flight disciplines, including structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration.
  • Exceptional problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, startup environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Compensation and Benefits:

Annual salary: 

L1: $120,000 - $155,000

L2: $145,000 - $195,000

Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

  • Stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long-term incentives.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
  • Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

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