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Physics Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Staff / Senior Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$55.25 - $71.25/hr

The Role As a Staff or Senior Flight Physics Engineer, you will support the design, development, analysis, and certification of Electra's hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting mathematical formulations to physical intuition and applies physics to engineering, medical, and technology contexts. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting mathematical formulations to physical intuition and applies physics to engineering, medical, and technology contexts. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting mathematical formulations to physical intuition and applies physics to engineering, medical, and technology contexts. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting mathematical formulations to physical intuition and applies physics to engineering, medical, and technology contexts. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes connecting mathematical formulations to physical intuition and applies physics to engineering, medical, and technology contexts. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

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All JobsPhysics Engineer JobsPhysics Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Physics Engineer information

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How much do physics engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics engineer in Washington, DC is $60.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.99 and $70.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a physics engineer do?

A Physics Engineer applies principles of physics and engineering to design, develop, and improve products, processes, or technologies. They often work in industries such as aerospace, electronics, energy, and manufacturing, using their expertise to solve complex technical problems. Their responsibilities can include conducting experiments, modeling physical systems, analyzing data, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to bring innovative solutions from concept to reality. Physics Engineers bridge the gap between theoretical science and practical engineering applications.

How does a physics engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during project development?

Physics Engineers often work alongside electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, as well as researchers and project managers, to develop innovative solutions. Collaboration usually involves sharing experimental data, integrating physics-based models with engineering designs, and participating in regular team meetings to align goals and troubleshoot challenges. Effective communication and a willingness to translate complex physical concepts into practical applications are key to ensuring project success and fostering a productive team environment.

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, mathematics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as COMSOL or ANSYS), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is commonly required in this role. Problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for Physics Engineers. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and implementing innovative solutions to complex technical challenges in research and industry.

What is the difference between Physics Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPhysics EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, technology firmsManufacturing, design firms, automotive, aerospace
Industry UsageHigh-tech industries, research institutions, defenseManufacturing, product design, energy sectors

Physics Engineers focus on applying physics principles to develop new technologies and conduct research, often working in labs or R&D settings. Mechanical Engineers design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems, working in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Physics Engineers tend to emphasize research and theoretical applications, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on practical design and production.

Are physics engineers highly paid?

Physics engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialized knowledge in applying physics principles to engineering problems. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but they are generally above the average for engineering roles and often include opportunities for advancement and skill development in areas like simulation and research.

What can a physics engineer do?

A physics engineer applies principles of physics to develop and improve technologies, conduct research, and solve technical problems in industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, and electronics. They design experiments, analyze data, and use tools like simulation software and laboratory equipment to innovate and optimize systems. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of physics, mathematics, and engineering are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Physics Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Physics Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physics Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Physics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,344 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

Senior / Principal Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA • Hybrid

Electra
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Electraexternal

$125K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

As a Senior/Principal Flight Physics Engineer, you will lead the development, analysis, and validation of aerodynamic and flight physics models that support the design, performance, stability, control, and certification of Electra's hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft.

This role is highly multidisciplinary, requiring deep expertise in aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), aircraft performance, and flight vehicle dynamics. You will work closely with structures, controls, systems, propulsion, flight test, and certification teams to drive data-informed design decisions and mature the aircraft through development, testing, and certification.

The ideal candidate is a technically strong aerospace engineer who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, is comfortable taking ownership of complex technical challenges, and enjoys collaborating across disciplines to develop innovative aircraft solutions.

What You'll Do

  • Analyze and synthesize aerodynamic data from flight testing, wind tunnel testing, CFD simulations, and analytical models to support aircraft design and performance evaluations
  • Lead or support the design and development of prototype systems, test articles, and validation efforts related to aircraft aerodynamics and flight physics
  • Perform end-to-end CFD analyses, including:
    • Geometry preparation
    • Mesh generation
    • Solver setup and execution
    • Solution convergence assessment
    • Post-processing and interpretation of results
  • Conduct sensitivity studies related to aircraft performance, stability, control, and aerodynamic characteristics
  • Develop, validate, and improve aerodynamic and performance prediction methods across all phases of flight
  • Present technical analyses and recommendations at gated program reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and certification reviews
  • Develop program-level objectives, requirements, architectures, and interface definitions to support aircraft development activities
  • Support aircraft design trades by providing technical assessments of performance, aerodynamic efficiency, mass impact, risk, and certification considerations
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including structures, propulsion, controls, systems, and certification engineering
  • Develop automated analysis tools, workflows, and post-processing capabilities using Python or similar tools
  • Support correlation and validation of aerodynamic models against test data and flight test results
  • Create and maintain high-quality engineering documentation, reports, and technical presentations

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • Experience in aerodynamics, CFD, flight sciences, aircraft performance, or related aerospace engineering disciplines
  • Demonstrated capability generating high-quality aerodynamic meshes in Pointwise for external aerodynamic analyses and complex aircraft configurations
  • Hands-on experience running and interpreting results from aerospace-focused CFD solvers such as Flow360, FUN3D, or comparable high-fidelity CFD tools
  • Strong Python programming skills for analysis, automation, workflow integration, and CFD post-processing
  • Experience using ParaView or similar visualization tools for aerodynamic flow field analysis
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Aerodynamics
    • Flight vehicle dynamics
    • Aircraft stability and control
    • Aircraft performance
  • Experience with lower-order aerodynamic analysis tools such as AVL, xRotor, or other VLM-based methods
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to multidisciplinary audiences
  • Experience working within collaborative aircraft development teams
  • Strong documentation, organization, and technical communication skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly integrated startup environment

Bonus Points

  • Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with emphasis in aerodynamics, CFD, flight physics, or flight sciences
  • Experience using Flow360 CFD for external aerodynamic simulations and validating results against experimental or flight test data
  • Advanced software development capabilities in Python (preferred) or MATLAB
  • Experience developing:
    • Automated post-processing workflows
    • Custom analysis tools
    • Engineering software pipelines
  • Experience supporting aircraft development programs from conceptual design through certification
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems and multidisciplinary aircraft design processes
  • Working knowledge of FAR Part 23 certification requirements
  • Experience supporting advanced air mobility, eSTOL, eVTOL, or hybrid-electric aircraft programs
  • U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) preferred

Leveling Expectations

Level (Senior or Principal) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, technical depth, demonstrated leadership, and degree of influence across the organization.

Both levels require strong expertise in aerodynamics, flight physics, CFD analysis, and aircraft development. Differentiation between levels is based on technical leadership, strategic influence, ownership of critical programs, and ability to shape engineering direction.

Senior Flight Physics Engineer (8+ Years)

  • Demonstrates broad expertise in aerodynamics, CFD, aircraft performance, and flight vehicle dynamics
  • Independently executes complex analyses and develops solutions to challenging technical problems
  • Leads aerodynamic studies, CFD campaigns, and aircraft performance assessments
  • Supports major design reviews, certification activities, and multidisciplinary trade studies
  • Develops and validates analysis methodologies and engineering tools
  • Provides technical guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional teams
  • Drives issue resolution and technical decision-making with limited oversight
  • Contributes significantly to aircraft architecture and design decisions

Principal Flight Physics Engineer (10+ Years)

  • Recognized subject matter expert in aerodynamics, flight physics, and aircraft design
  • Establishes technical vision, methodologies, and best practices for aerodynamic and flight physics disciplines
  • Leads the most critical aircraft performance, stability, control, and aerodynamic development efforts
  • Serves as a key technical authority influencing aircraft architecture, certification strategy, and program direction
  • Develops novel analytical approaches and validation methods for advanced aircraft configurations
  • Mentors senior engineers and helps shape organizational technical capability
  • Directly influences program-level decisions through deep technical expertise and strategic insight
  • Represents Electra in discussions with regulators, external partners, suppliers, and industry stakeholders
  • Drives cross-functional alignment on highly complex technical challenges impacting aircraft performance and certification

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$130,000—$180,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.

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