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Plasma Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TAE

Experimental Plasma Physicist

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The successful candidate will join the Radiation and Energetic Particle Physics Team in the Applied Plasma Physics Division under the guidance of the Lead Scientist. * Develop and refine diagnostic ...

Thea Energy

Computational Plasma Physicist

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... We are seeking highly motivated Computational Plasma Physicists to join our team, focusing on ...

Thea Energy

Computational Plasma Physicist

Kearny, NJ

$120K - $140K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... We are seeking highly motivated Computational Plasma Physicists to join our team, focusing on ...

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How much do plasma physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for plasma physics in the United States is $30.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $38.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plasma Physics vs Nuclear Physics?

AspectPlasma PhysicsNuclear Physics
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, specialized training in plasma phenomenaPhysics or nuclear engineering degree, nuclear safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, fusion reactors, space plasma studiesNuclear power plants, research reactors, nuclear laboratories
Industry UsageFusion energy, space science, plasma technologyNuclear energy, medical imaging, nuclear safety

Plasma Physics focuses on the behavior of ionized gases in various environments, often related to fusion energy and space science. Nuclear Physics studies atomic nuclei and nuclear reactions, primarily in energy production and medical applications. While both fields involve advanced physics and laboratory work, their applications and certifications differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Plasma Physicist, you need a solid background in physics and mathematics, typically supported by an advanced degree (PhD) in physics or a related discipline. Expertise with simulation software, diagnostic instruments, and familiarity with laboratory safety protocols are standard technical requirements. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative communication are vital soft skills for contributing to interdisciplinary research teams. These capabilities are essential for advancing plasma research, solving complex problems, and driving innovations in energy, space, and technology applications.

What are plasma physicists?

Plasma physicists are scientists who study plasma, which is often referred to as the fourth state of matter. They research the behavior, properties, and applications of plasma in a variety of settings, from controlled fusion reactors to space and astrophysical environments. Their work helps advance technologies such as fusion energy, space propulsion, and materials processing. Plasma physicists often collaborate with engineers and other scientists to solve complex scientific and technical problems.

What are some common challenges faced by plasma physicists when working in multidisciplinary teams?

Plasma physicists often collaborate with engineers, computational scientists, and material scientists on complex research projects or large-scale experiments. A common challenge is effectively communicating highly specialized plasma concepts to team members from different backgrounds, ensuring everyone understands the scientific goals and technical constraints. Navigating differing priorities and integrating diverse expertise can require strong communication and project management skills. However, overcoming these challenges leads to innovative solutions and a richer research environment.

What Are Plasma Physics Jobs?

Plasma physics jobs focus on the study and practical applications of plasma. In this field, you may use plasma diagnostic techniques, help gather data through experiments, or engineer products to make use of the unique properties of plasma. Some plasma physics jobs are indirect, such as when companies manage and maintain superconducting magnetic coils to support plasma experiments. You can find many plasma physics jobs at research institutions and industrial facilities, particularly in the aerospace and electronics industries. Plasma is also a major feature of space travel, so companies that operate either in the upper atmosphere or beyond the atmosphere often offer plasma physics jobs as well.

More about Plasma Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for Plasma Physics jobs? Cities with the most Plasma Physics job openings:
What states have the most Plasma Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Plasma Physics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plasma Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plasma Physics jobs are:
Plasma Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plasma Physics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,559 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Research Assistant / Plasma Physics

AMPERA INC

Palm Beach Gardens, FL • On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Research Assistant Plasma Physics

Position Summary
Ampera is seeking a motivated full-time Research Assistant to support work in plasma physics, computational modeling, and related areas within the Department of Nuclear Engineering. This role is well suited for an early-career researcher with a math, physics, engineering, or other hard science background who is comfortable working with technical material, learning new tools, and contributing carefully to ongoing research projects.
Candidates who have not yet graduated are welcome to apply, provided they are able to commit to full-time work during the school year. Students should be prepared to arrange their academic schedule accordingly, such as by taking time away from coursework or otherwise ensuring full-time availability.
The Research Assistant will help with literature review, data collection and analysis, model setup, simulation workflows, technical documentation, and preparation of research outputs. The specific project assignment will depend on the candidates background and departmental research needs.
Key Responsibilities
Support research activities in plasma physics, fusion energy, low-temperature plasmas, plasma-material interactions, computational plasma modeling, diagnostics, or related technical areas.
Conduct literature reviews and summarize findings for faculty, staff, and research teams.
Assist with computational modeling, simulation setup, data processing, and results analysis.
Help prepare figures, tables, technical notes, presentations, and draft sections of reports or manuscripts.
Maintain organized research records, including assumptions, inputs, scripts, results, and references.
Participate in regular research meetings and communicate progress, blockers, and findings clearly.
Follow all applicable laboratory, computational, export control, and data handling procedures.
Required Qualifications
Current enrollment in, or recent completion of, a degree program in engineering physics, nuclear engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, applied mathematics, computer science, or another math, physics, engineering, or hard science field.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
Demonstrated first-principles thinking: the ability to break problems down to fundamental physics and reason up from there, rather than relying on convention or analogy.
Ability to read and synthesize technical papers, reports, and documentation.
Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Careful attention to detail and willingness to document work thoroughly.
Ability to work independently while staying aligned with faculty and project guidance.
Preferred Qualifications
Coursework or research experience in plasma physics, fusion energy, electromagnetics, fluid dynamics, kinetic theory, numerical methods, scientific computing, or computational science.
Experience with one or more programming or scripting languages, such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Fortran, Julia, or similar.
Familiarity with scientific computing workflows, version control, Linux command-line tools, or high-performance computing environments.
Experience with plasma simulation tools, particle-in-cell methods, magnetohydrodynamics, fluid plasma models, kinetic modeling, Multiphysics simulation, uncertainty quantification, diagnostics, or data analysis.
Prior research experience, including undergraduate research, internship experience, capstone projects, or publication/presentation contributions.
Appointment Details
This is a full-time, ongoing research assistant position during the school year.
Application Materials
Applicants should submit:
Resume or CV
Brief statement of interest describing relevant background and research interests
Unofficial transcript, if applicable
Names and contact information for one to two references, if requested
Optional: writing sample, code sample, poster, publication, or project portfolio