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Physics Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

VTG

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics * 3+ years working with a variety of programming ...

VTG

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics * 3+ years working with a variety of programming ...

Metron

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, applied math, or related field * At ...

Metron

Software Engineer

Reston, VA

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, applied math, or related field * At ...

Uw

Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has an outstanding opportunity for a Software Engineer to join the Electronic and Photonic Systems (EPS) Department. This is a full-time Maryland-based position ...

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All JobsPhysics Software Engineer JobsPhysics Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Physics Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do physics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics software engineer in Washington, DC is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Physics Software Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectPhysics Software EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Computer Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, aerospace, or defense industriesTech firms, finance, healthcare, or consulting companies
Industry UsagePhysics research, simulation, modeling, and software developmentData analysis, machine learning, predictive modeling, and data visualization

Physics Software Engineers focus on developing software for physics applications, simulations, and research, often working in research or engineering environments. Data Scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and build predictive models. While both roles require strong programming skills, Physics Software Engineers emphasize physics principles, whereas Data Scientists focus on data analysis and statistical methods.

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

To thrive as a Physics Software Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computer science, typically supported by a degree in physics, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or MATLAB, and experience with simulation software or scientific computing libraries are essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and interpreting complex data. These skills are vital for developing accurate, efficient software solutions that model physical systems and drive innovation in scientific and engineering projects.

What is a Physics Software Engineer?

A Physics Software Engineer is a professional who develops, maintains, and optimizes software that simulates or models physical systems and phenomena. They often work at the intersection of physics, computer science, and engineering, creating tools for scientific research, simulations, or real-time physics engines used in industries like gaming, aerospace, or research institutions. These engineers typically have a strong background in both physics and programming, enabling them to translate complex physical formulas and concepts into efficient and accurate code. Their work is crucial for advancing technology in areas such as computational physics, virtual reality, and engineering design.

How does a Physics Software Engineer typically collaborate with scientists and other engineering teams during a project?

Physics Software Engineers often work closely with physicists, data scientists, and hardware engineers to translate complex physical models into reliable software solutions. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to clarify requirements, iterative development cycles to test and validate simulation accuracy, and ongoing feedback to refine algorithms. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as engineers must bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation while ensuring that software integrates smoothly with other systems. This collaborative environment fosters continuous learning and problem-solving, making the role both challenging and rewarding.
What are popular job titles related to Physics Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Physics Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physics Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Physics Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 72 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you a skilled software developer with a passion for crafting highly-quality, innovative software products? Do you love solving sophisticated, algorithmically intensive problems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a talented software engineer to help us expand our internal high fidelity, physics simulation capability. Join a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who provide invaluable data across the lab and to our sponsors. We are passionate about crafting fast, reliable software that push the boundaries of existing solutions. Our team is committed to developing quality software by embracing agile methodologies and fostering an environment of learning, and collaboration.
As a Software Engineer you will...
  • Optimize software to take full advantage of powerful, modern computer hardware.
  • Collaborate with a small, dynamic software team to development sophisticated simulation software to improve modeling capabilities.
  • Guide software architecture and design decisions, while mentoring junior members of the team.
  • Work closely with the user community and analysts to rapidly develop features through constant feedback and iteration.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Have at least 3 years of professional experience as a software engineer.
  • Are a skilled and efficient programmer in systems or scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, Rust, Julia, etc.) with a desire to expand into new areas of coding languages and processes.
  • Are proficient in standard software engineering practices (documenting, testing, CI/CD, logging, etc.).
  • Are familiar with programming for and in a Linux environment.
  • Can effectively collaborate with colleagues of varying experience levels.
  • Have the verbal and writing skills vital for detailing and presenting work to APL colleagues and government sponsors.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Final Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Have 5 years of experience as a full time software engineer.
  • Have modern C++ experience.
  • Have CUDA (or other GPGPU) programming experience.
  • Have experience with GPU accelerated ray tracing libraries like OptiX
  • Have HPC experience using SLURM (or equivalent grid engine).
  • Have experience working professionally in an agile development environment.
  • Have familiarity with numerical methods, partial differential equations, and/or physics simulations.
  • Understand common CEM methods such as physical optics, geometric optics, finite difference time domain, method of moments, etc.

#LI-KW1
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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