ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Physicist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Xcimer Energy

Senior Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO

$170K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Pulsed Power Physicist , you will work on the science and engineering of electron-beam cathode systems for Xcimer's pulsed power driven inertial fusion energy program. The core goal is ...

Xcimer Energy

Senior Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO

$170K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Pulsed Power Physicist , you will work on the science and engineering of electron-beam cathode systems for Xcimer's pulsed power driven inertial fusion energy program. The core goal is ...

Quantinuum

Atomic Source Physicist - 869

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

We are seeking an Atomic Source Physicist in our Broomfield, CO Location. Our team is leading the development, integration, and operation of atomic sources for trapped ion quantum computing systems ...

Medpace, Inc.

PhD Medical Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Job Summary Our imaging services are growing rapidly, and we are currently seeking a full-time, office-based Medical Physicist to join our team. If you want an exciting career where you will use your ...

Xcimer Energy

Senior Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Pulsed Power Physicist , you will work on the science and engineering of electron-beam cathode systems for Xcimer's pulsed power driven inertial fusion energy program. The core goal is ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

As a Laser Physicist, you will apply your expertise to design, build, modify, and operate both new and existing pulsed laser systems. You will enhance and optimize these systems, such as improving ...

Medpace, Inc.

PhD Medical Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$90K - $150K/yr

Or PhD degree in physics or in other relevant field with at least 2 years' experience in dosimetry calculation for internal radiotherapy (PRRT) * Expertise in quantitative image reconstruction ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

As a Laser Physicist, you will apply your expertise to design, build, modify, and operate both new and existing pulsed laser systems. You will enhance and optimize these systems, such as improving ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO

$140K - $190K/yr

As a Laser Physicist, you will apply your expertise to design, build, modify, and operate both new and existing pulsed laser systems. You will enhance and optimize these systems, such as improving ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

As a Laser Physicist, you will apply your expertise to design, build, modify, and operate both new and existing pulsed laser systems. You will enhance and optimize these systems, such as improving ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsPhysicist JobsPhysicist Jobs in Colorado

Physicist information

See Colorado salary details

$41.5K

$99.7K

$238.2K

How much do physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist in Colorado is $99,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $117,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical collaborative projects that physicists work on within research institutions?

Physicists frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams that may include engineers, computer scientists, and chemists, depending on the nature of the research. Common projects include designing and conducting experiments, developing and testing new theories, or creating advanced technologies such as medical imaging devices or particle accelerators. These collaborations often involve regular meetings, shared data analysis, and joint publication of research findings. Working effectively in such teams is essential for advancing both individual and institutional research goals.

What jobs can I do with physics?

Physicists can work in research and development, academia, engineering, data analysis, and technology sectors. They often apply their skills in laboratories, government agencies, or private industry, utilizing tools like mathematical modeling and scientific software. Many roles require strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of scientific principles.

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

To thrive as a Physicist, you need a strong background in mathematics, analytical problem-solving, and a relevant degree in physics or a related field, often up to a Ph.D. level for research roles. Familiarity with scientific computing languages (such as Python or MATLAB), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis software is typically required. Critical thinking, perseverance, and effective communication skills help physicists excel in collaborative research and complex problem-solving environments. These abilities are essential for advancing scientific knowledge, publishing findings, and driving innovation in technology and industry.

What does a physicist do?

A physicist is a scientist who studies the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of the universe, such as matter, energy, space, and time. They conduct experiments, develop theories, and use mathematical models to understand natural phenomena. Physicists may specialize in areas like theoretical physics, experimental physics, astrophysics, or applied physics, and their work often leads to technological advances and new scientific discoveries.

Are physicists highly paid?

Physicists often earn competitive salaries, especially those with advanced degrees and specialized skills in research, data analysis, or engineering. Salaries vary by industry, experience, and location, with physicists in academia typically earning less than those in private sector roles such as technology or aerospace companies.

What is the difference between Physicist vs Engineer?

AspectPhysicistEngineer
Required credentialsTypically a Ph.D. in Physics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or related field
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesDesign, development, and testing in industrial or corporate settings
Industry usageResearch, academia, government research projectsManufacturing, technology, construction, and product development

Physicists focus on understanding fundamental principles of matter and energy, often working in research or academia. Engineers apply scientific principles to develop practical solutions, products, and systems. While both roles require strong analytical skills, physicists typically pursue advanced degrees and work in research environments, whereas engineers often have bachelor's or master's degrees and work on applied projects in industry.

More about Physicist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Physicist jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Physicist jobs in Colorado? For Physicist jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physicist jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Physicist jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Physicist jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Physicist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Physicist jobs in CO? For Physicist jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physicist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,689 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Laser Plasma Interaction Computational Physicist

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!
 
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.
 
As a Laser Plasma Interaction (LPI) Computational Physicist, you will develop and extend Xcimer’s laser plasma interaction (LPI) modeling capabilities through both community simulation tools and next-generation in-house code development. You will support the development of computational frameworks that model collisional plasma kinetics, paraxial laser propagation, and coupled LPI phenomena critical to Xcimer’s fusion systems. We are looking for physicists to apply their expertise in plasma physics, scientific computing, and high-performance simulation to positively impact the future of energy! 
Responsibilities
  • Deploy, configure, and extend existing simulation tools such as WarpX and LPSE to model laser plasma interaction phenomena relevant to Xcimer’s laser architecture.
  • Develop workflows, simulation setups, post-processing pipelines, and benchmarking methodologies for efficient and repeatable simulation execution.
  • Lead the design and development of in-house LPI simulation software focused on collisional kinetics and paraxial laser propagation models.
  • Architect simulation software using modular, extensible, and maintainable scientific software frameworks with strong emphasis on composability and long-term scalability.
  • Implement and validate core physics models including collisional plasma kinetics, paraxial laser propagation, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), filamentation, and cross-beam energy transfer (CBET).
  • Perform verification, convergence studies, and benchmarking against existing tools, published results, and experimental data to ensure numerical robustness and model credibility.
  • Optimize simulation software for high-performance computing environments, including parallelization and scalability across modern compute architectures.
  • Maintain rigorous software engineering practices including version control, automated testing infrastructure, documentation, and reproducibility standards.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with laser architecture, gas optics, radiation hydrodynamics, experimental physics, and other engineering teams to prioritize simulation efforts and integrate modeling outputs into broader system development activities.
  • Contribute to Xcimer’s long-term computational modeling strategy by identifying opportunities to integrate new physics capabilities and couple simulation domains through shared modular architectures.
Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in Computational Physics, Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related technical field.
  • Strong software development skills in scientific computing using modern C++ and Python.
  • Experience developing physics simulation codes with emphasis on modular software architecture, maintainability, and software quality.
  • Strong understanding of laser plasma interaction physics, collisional plasma kinetics, and laser propagation models.
  • Familiarity with numerical methods for partial differential equations, kinetic plasma simulations, and/or paraxial wave equations.
  • Experience using, extending, or validating community simulation tools such as particle-in-cell (PIC) or fluid plasma codes.
  • Experience working independently and leading technically complex software development efforts.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Desired
  • Experience with WarpX, LPSE, pF3D, or similar laser plasma interaction simulation tools.
  • Experience with high-performance computing, including MPI/OpenMP parallelization and/or GPU acceleration.
  • Familiarity with modern scientific software architectures including plugin systems, composable frameworks, or modular physics engines.
  • Experience within inertial confinement fusion (ICF), high-energy-density physics, or advanced plasma modeling environments.
  • Demonstrated experience building extensible scientific software platforms that support long-term collaboration and multi-user development.
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here and here.
 
Benefits
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company’s long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.