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Physics Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Required : • PhD in Physics, Engineering, Applied Math, Computational Science, Machine Learning, or related field with emphasis on physics‑grounded modeling • 10+ years of industry or ...

Required : • PhD in Physics, Engineering, Applied Math, Computational Science, Machine Learning, or related field with emphasis on physics‑grounded modeling • 3+ years of industry or ...

PhD in Physics, Engineering, Applied Math, Computational Science, Machine Learning, or related field with emphasis on physics‑grounded modeling * 3+ years of industry or research‑lab experience ...

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Physics Programmer information

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$19

$35

$51

How much do physics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics programmer in Seattle, WA is $35.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.99 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics programmer?

Physics Programmers are specialized software developers who design and implement the systems that simulate real-world physics in video games and other interactive applications. They work on creating realistic movement, collision detection, fluid dynamics, and other physical interactions within a digital environment. Their work ensures that objects in a game or simulation behave in ways that are believable and consistent with the laws of physics. Physics Programmers often collaborate closely with game designers, animators, and other programmers to create immersive and responsive experiences.

What are the typical challenges a physics programmer faces when integrating physics systems into a game engine?

Physics Programmers often encounter challenges when ensuring that physics systems interact seamlessly with other game engine components, such as animation, rendering, and AI. Balancing performance and accuracy is key, as realistic physics can be computationally expensive and impact frame rates. Debugging complex interactions and edge cases—like collision detection or character ragdoll behavior—requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with designers and gameplay programmers. Effective communication within a multidisciplinary team is crucial to align physics features with the overall game vision.

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

To thrive as a Physics Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics (especially linear algebra and physics), and proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or Python. Familiarity with physics engines (like Havok or PhysX), game development platforms (such as Unreal Engine or Unity), and optimization tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the creation of realistic, efficient, and engaging physical simulations that enhance the overall user experience in interactive applications.

How do you become a physics programmer?

To become a physics programmer, you typically need a strong background in physics and computer science, often demonstrated through a bachelor's degree in a related field. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or Python, experience with physics simulation tools, and understanding of algorithms are essential. Gaining practical experience through projects, internships, or contributing to open-source physics engines can also help build relevant skills.

Is computational physics in demand?

Computational physics is in demand across industries such as aerospace, defense, and research institutions, where simulation and modeling skills are essential. Physics programmers with expertise in programming languages like C++ and Python, as well as experience with high-performance computing, are sought after for developing complex models and simulations.

What job categories do people searching Physics Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Physics Programmer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,275 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Industrial Hygienist / Chemical Engineer (Interdisciplinary)

US Department of the Navy

Bremerton, WA • On-site

$45K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with conducting surveys or interviews to evaluate health hazards in industrial shops or similar work areas.

  • Follow the directions in the 'How to Apply' section to submit applications.

  • Notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies through a public notice flyer.


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
SALARY RANGES:
GS-05: $45,331 - $58,925
GS-07: $56,153 - $73,003Qualifications:For GS-0893/0690-07:
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: as a professional Industrial Hygienist or professional Chemical Engineer, assisting with conducting surveys or interviews to evaluate health hazards in industrial shops or similar work areas.
For GS-07 Only
In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify for the GS-07 Grade Level with the following education or combination of both education and experience:
Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
OR
Successful completion of a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement.
OR
A combination of experience and education that equates to one year of experience.
For GS-0690-05:
A. A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health sciences, occupational and environmental health, toxicology, safety sciences, or related science
OR
B. A bachelor's degree in a branch of engineering, physical science, or life science that included 12 semester hours in chemistry, including organic chemistry, and 18 additional semester hours of courses in any combination of chemistry, physics, engineering, health physics, environmental health, biostatistics, biology, physiology, toxicology, epidemiology, or industrial hygiene.
OR
C. Certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene(external link) (ABIH).
Additional qualification information for Industrial Hygienist can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0600/industrial-hygiene-series-0690/
For GS-0893-05:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
  1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1 , or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
  2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
  4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

Additional qualification information for Chemical Engineer can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:
Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual.
Applicants must possess for the GS-0690, Industrial Hygiene Series:
A. A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health sciences, occupational and environmental health, toxicology, safety sciences, or related science.
OR
B. A bachelor's degree in a branch of engineering, physical science, or life science that included 12 semester hours in chemistry, including organic chemistry, and 18 additional semester hours of courses in any combination of chemistry, physics, engineering, health physics, environmental health, biostatistics, biology, physiology, toxicology, epidemiology, or industrial hygiene
OR
C. Certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene(external link) (ABIH).
Applicants must possess for the GS-0893, Chemical Engineer Series:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
  1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1 , or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
  2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
  4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)
Employment Type: OTHER

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