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Physics Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Elve Inc

Internship: General Application

Davis, CA · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Physics or Applied Physics * Chemistry * Materials Science/Engineering * Supply Chain * Manufacturing Engineering * Industrial Design * Business * Startup go to market strategy * Product management

Elve Inc

Internship: General Application

Davis, CA

$25 - $50/hr

Physics or Applied Physics * Chemistry * Materials Science/Engineering * Supply Chain * Manufacturing Engineering * Industrial Design * Business * Startup go to market strategy * Product management

W3Global Inc.

Founding Process Engineer

Goleta, CA

$110K - $150K/yr

Overview We are a venture-backed deep tech startup commercializing novel InP-based high-power ... D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or equivalent hands-on experience.

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Physics Startup information

See California salary details

$5

$19

$25

How much do physics startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics startup in California is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics startup?

A physics startup is a company that leverages advancements in physics to develop new technologies, products, or services. These startups often focus on innovative solutions in areas like quantum computing, advanced materials, medical devices, or energy. Physics startups typically emerge from academic research or collaborations and aim to commercialize scientific breakthroughs. They play a crucial role in bringing cutting-edge physics research to market, driving technological progress and economic growth.

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

To thrive at a physics startup, you need a strong background in physics or engineering, problem-solving abilities, and preferably an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software, lab instrumentation, and data analysis tools—as well as experience with prototyping and product development—are often essential. Initiative, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills help individuals excel in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of a startup. These skills enable innovative solutions, efficient progress, and effective teamwork, which are crucial for the success and growth of a physics-focused startup.

What are some typical challenges faced when working at a physics startup, and how can I prepare for them?

Working at a physics startup often involves navigating rapid changes, limited resources, and a need for creative problem-solving. You'll likely be required to wear multiple hats, adapt quickly, and contribute outside your core area of expertise. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as teams are typically small and highly collaborative. Preparing by developing flexibility, strong project management skills, and a proactive attitude will help you thrive in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Physics Startup vs Physics Research Scientist?

AspectPhysics StartupPhysics Research Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Physics or related field; some roles may prefer PhDUsually requires a PhD in Physics or a closely related discipline
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, entrepreneurial, often in office or lab settings, with a focus on product development or innovationAcademic or institutional labs, research centers, with focus on experiments and theoretical work
Employer & Industry UsageStartups, tech companies, R&D firms focusing on new technologies or applicationsUniversities, government labs, research institutions

Physics startups focus on applying physics principles to develop new products or technologies in a dynamic environment, often requiring entrepreneurial skills. Physics research scientists primarily conduct experiments and theoretical research in academic or institutional settings. Both roles require strong physics backgrounds but differ in work environment and objectives.

What are popular job titles related to Physics Startup jobs in California?

For Physics Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physics Startup jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Startup jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Physics Startup jobs?

Cities in California with the most Physics Startup job openings:

Physics Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,184 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Internship: General Application

Elve Inc

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Who is Elve?
Elve, Inc is a dynamic deep-tech startup based in Davis, CA, transforming the landscape of wireless connectivity with our innovative approaches to millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers. Our patented technology facilitates wireless internet access that is 100x faster and lays the groundwork for next-generation applications beyond 5G. We are seeking an Applications Engineer interested in pushing the boundaries of RF technology. If you are passionate about engineering, product innovation, and driving successful project outcomes, we would love to connect with you!
Job Description
As an Intern at Elve, you will dive headfirst into a fast-paced, deep-tech startup environment where your work directly contributes to expanding the boundaries of wireless connectivity. We believe in high-impact, hands-on learning. You will work side-by-side with world-class experts to solve complex hardware engineering, business, and manufacturing challenges, helping to develop and scale our groundbreaking millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers that are shaping the future beyond 5G.
Depending on your focus area, your daily routine will involve working directly on critical business, technical, or manufacturing projects that move the needle for the company. You will have the opportunity to complete independent projects, build cross-functional skills, collaborate and learn from world class experts, and be part of a growing startup company unlocking scalable mmWave power. This internship is tailored for curious, driven students and recent graduates (BS, MS, PhD, or MBA) who are eager to bridge the gap between academic theory and disruptive, real-world hardware innovation.
We are growing and hiring many interns during summers and throughout the school year. Feel free to apply anytime.
Requirements
  • You are currently enrolled or a recent graduate from a BS, MS, PhD, or MBA program
  • You have technical expertise in one or more of the following:
    • Mechanical Engineering, including design, analysis, prototyping, and testing
    • Electrical Engineering
    • RF Engineering
    • High Voltage Engineering
    • Ultra High Vacuum Systems
    • Physics or Applied Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Materials Science/Engineering
    • Supply Chain
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Industrial Design
    • Business
    • Startup go to market strategy
    • Product management
    • Marketing
  • You love making an impact, being hands on, collaborating with experts, and learning
  • Strong analytical skills with a proactive mindset; comfortable tackling open-ended engineering challenges with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving deep-tech startup environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Academic Foundation: Solid understanding of core principles related to your field of study.
  • Availability: Able to commit to a full-time or part-time internship schedule for a minimum duration of 12 weeks.

Benefits
    • Salary:
      • BS level: $25/hour
      • MS, PhD, or MBA level: $25-50/hour
    • A taste of the start-up life
    • Exposure to a dynamic, disruptive startup and cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing.

Work Environment
May be a combination of the following but not limited to:
  • Manufacturing Environment
  • ISO 5 - ISO 8 Cleanroom
  • Laboratory
  • Machine shop
  • Warehouse
  • Office

What it's like to work at Elve
We are a small team (for now!) on a mission to bring the next generation of high-speed wireless connectivity to a billion people worldwide. That kind of impact is not going to be achieved with incremental improvements - we are enabling orders of magnitude advances in production capability, cost, size, and power in the mm-wave RF amplifier market. We ask "dumb" questions all the time because we always have something to learn. We work really hard, make sure to get good sleep, handle conflict intentionally, and expect great things from each other.

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