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Physics Engineer Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Draper

Senior Condensed Matter Physicist

Cambridge, MA

$82K - $220K/yr

A Senior Hardware Physics Engineer is a physicist, applied physicist, optical engineer, electrical ... Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time ...

Draper

Senior Condensed Matter Physicist

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

A Senior Hardware Physics Engineer is a physicist, applied physicist, optical engineer, electrical ... Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time ...

Roblox

Principal Software Engineer, Physics

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$295K - $345K/yr

You will report to the Physics Environment Engineering Manager. You Will: * Innovate and implement ... Annual Salary Range $295,250-$345,040 USD Roles that are based in an office are onsite Tuesday ...

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Physics Engineer Salary information

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$149K

How much do physics engineer salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics engineer salary in the United States is $96,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Physics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, CAD tools, and laboratory instrumentation is commonly required, along with relevant certifications depending on the industry. Critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing innovative solutions, interpreting complex data, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Physics engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually, as their salaries are generally lower than those in some other engineering fields. High salaries in engineering usually require extensive experience, advanced specialization, or leadership roles, and reaching such a high income is uncommon without significant seniority or working in specialized industries. Civil engineers, for example, tend to have lower average salaries compared to some other engineering disciplines.

What does a physics engineer do?

A physics engineer applies principles of physics to develop and improve technologies, products, or systems. They often work in research and development, using tools like simulations and laboratory experiments to solve technical problems and innovate in fields such as aerospace, electronics, or energy.

What is the difference between Physics Engineer Salary vs Mechanical Engineer Salary?

AspectPhysics Engineer SalaryMechanical Engineer Salary
Average Annual Salary$85,000 - $110,000$70,000 - $100,000
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Physics or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, consulting
Industry UsageResearch, development, technical consultingDesign, manufacturing, product development

Physics engineers and mechanical engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work in technical environments. However, physics engineers often focus on research and development in advanced technology sectors, while mechanical engineers are more involved in designing and manufacturing physical systems. Salary ranges reflect these differences, with physics engineers typically earning slightly higher due to specialized skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Engineers such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain senior software engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries or leadership roles. These positions often require specialized knowledge, advanced degrees, and sometimes certifications or security clearances.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in technology companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or stock options.

What is the average salary of a physics engineer?

The average salary for a physics engineer varies depending on experience, education, industry, and location. In the United States, entry-level physics engineers can expect to earn between $65,000 and $80,000 per year, while those with several years of experience or advanced degrees may earn upwards of $100,000 annually. Salaries are typically higher in industries such as aerospace, defense, and technology, and in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living.

What are some common challenges faced by Physics Engineers in their daily work?

Physics Engineers often encounter complex technical problems that require innovative solutions and a deep understanding of both theoretical and applied physics. They may need to balance multiple projects simultaneously, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Staying updated with rapid advancements in technology and industry standards is also essential, as is ensuring that their work meets strict safety and quality regulations. Successfully navigating these challenges helps Physics Engineers deliver impactful results and advance in their careers.
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Physics Engineer Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Engineer Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,000 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Nanoelectronics & Device-Physics Engineer

Nanoelectronics & Device-Physics Engineer

Astera

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Astera
Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.
Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.
Position Summary
The Astera Institute is seeking a Nanoelectronics & Device-Physics Engineer to design the electrostatic drive and the field-effect position sensor for a nanoscale actuator, and own its fabrication process and electrical characterization. This position reports to Dr. Jeremy Barton (Astera Institute Resident, Project Lead). This is a full-time position.
Responsibilities
  • Design the electrostatic drive stack - the patterned electrode, insulating (high-k) dielectric, and compliant polymer that deflect the charged DNA-origami plate - to targets of roughly 10 nm of plate displacement and about 100 pN of force at low drive voltage, and validate the dielectric's long-term reliability.
  • Design a field-effect (FET) sensor that reads the mechanism's position electrically, including the low-noise readout needed to resolve nanometer-scale motion for closed-loop control.
  • Define the full device stack - patterned electrode, high-k dielectric, compliant polymer, and the DNA-origami actuator - and direct its fabrication (including electron-beam lithography) at cleanroom partners.
  • Characterize the finished device on the bench: voltage-displacement response, reversibility and hysteresis over many actuation cycles, and force/displacement by single-molecule AFM.
  • Ensure the measurement toolchain can actually resolve the quantities being measured.

Qualifications and Experience
  • PhD or MS in electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a related field, grounded in semiconductor device physics.
  • Experience with high-k dielectrics and thin-film stacks, FET or biosensor charge sensing, and low-noise electrical measurement.
  • Cleanroom process design and working familiarity with electron-beam lithography (running or directing fabrication).
  • Comfort at the bench with nanoscale electromechanical characterization; AFM experience is a plus.
  • Ability to partner closely with molecular-design and controls colleagues on a tightly integrated device.

Location
This position is on site at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.
Compensation
The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.
  • See the Benefits Summary.

Cultural Alignment
  • Surprising problem-solver - you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.
  • Bias to action - you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.
  • High standards, internally driven - you hold yourself to the bar of building world-class public goods without benchmarking against others.
  • Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship - you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.
  • Embrace the tools that define great work today - Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly; we see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras.

Apply