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Plasma Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TAE

Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Scientist (Experimental Plasma Physicist) who will develop in-situ boundary plasma diagnostics for the C-2W fusion device. In this role, you will design, deploy, and troubleshoot ...

Thea Energy

Plasma-Materials Scientist

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

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

Thea Energy

Plasma-Materials Scientist

Kearny, NJ

$100K - $160K/yr

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

Thea Energy

Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... Thea Energy is looking for a driven scientist in fusion plasma diagnostics to join our core team.

Thea Energy

Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Kearny, NJ

$110K - $160K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... Thea Energy is looking for a driven scientist in fusion plasma diagnostics to join our core team.

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How much do plasma physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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.

Where do plasma physicists work?

Plasma physicists work in research laboratories, universities, government agencies, and industries such as aerospace, energy, and defense. They often conduct experiments using specialized equipment like vacuum chambers and particle accelerators and may collaborate on projects related to fusion energy, space science, or plasma technology.

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.

How much does a plasma physicist make?

A plasma physicist's salary varies based on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $130,000 annually. Those working in research, academia, or industry with advanced skills in experimental or computational methods tend to earn higher salaries.

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 is the highest paying job in physics?

In physics, roles such as research physicist, nuclear physicist, or applied physicist working in industries like aerospace, defense, or energy tend to have the highest salaries. Senior positions, especially those requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills in areas like plasma physics or quantum mechanics, often offer the highest compensation, sometimes exceeding six figures annually.

How to get into plasma physics?

To pursue a career in plasma physics, a bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or a related field is essential, followed by a master's or Ph.D. specializing in plasma physics or a related area. Gaining experience through research projects, internships, and developing skills in experimental and computational methods, as well as familiarity with plasma diagnostics and simulation tools, can improve job prospects.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,559 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Laser Plasma Interaction Computational Physicist

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO • On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.
As a Laser Plasma Interaction (LPI) Computational Physicist, you will develop and extend Xcimer's laser plasma interaction (LPI) modeling capabilities through both community simulation tools and next-generation in-house code development. You will support the development of computational frameworks that model collisional plasma kinetics, paraxial laser propagation, and coupled LPI phenomena critical to Xcimer's fusion systems. We are looking for physicists to apply their expertise in plasma physics, scientific computing, and high-performance simulation to positively impact the future of energy!
Responsibilities
  • Deploy, configure, and extend existing simulation tools such as WarpX and LPSE to model laser plasma interaction phenomena relevant to Xcimer's laser architecture.
  • Develop workflows, simulation setups, post-processing pipelines, and benchmarking methodologies for efficient and repeatable simulation execution.
  • Lead the design and development of in-house LPI simulation software focused on collisional kinetics and paraxial laser propagation models.
  • Architect simulation software using modular, extensible, and maintainable scientific software frameworks with strong emphasis on composability and long-term scalability.
  • Implement and validate core physics models including collisional plasma kinetics, paraxial laser propagation, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), filamentation, and cross-beam energy transfer (CBET).
  • Perform verification, convergence studies, and benchmarking against existing tools, published results, and experimental data to ensure numerical robustness and model credibility.
  • Optimize simulation software for high-performance computing environments, including parallelization and scalability across modern compute architectures.
  • Maintain rigorous software engineering practices including version control, automated testing infrastructure, documentation, and reproducibility standards.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with laser architecture, gas optics, radiation hydrodynamics, experimental physics, and other engineering teams to prioritize simulation efforts and integrate modeling outputs into broader system development activities.
  • Contribute to Xcimer's long-term computational modeling strategy by identifying opportunities to integrate new physics capabilities and couple simulation domains through shared modular architectures.

Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in Computational Physics, Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related technical field.
  • Strong software development skills in scientific computing using modern C++ and Python.
  • Experience developing physics simulation codes with emphasis on modular software architecture, maintainability, and software quality.
  • Strong understanding of laser plasma interaction physics, collisional plasma kinetics, and laser propagation models.
  • Familiarity with numerical methods for partial differential equations, kinetic plasma simulations, and/or paraxial wave equations.
  • Experience using, extending, or validating community simulation tools such as particle-in-cell (PIC) or fluid plasma codes.
  • Experience working independently and leading technically complex software development efforts.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Desired
  • Experience with WarpX, LPSE, pF3D, or similar laser plasma interaction simulation tools.
  • Experience with high-performance computing, including MPI/OpenMP parallelization and/or GPU acceleration.
  • Familiarity with modern scientific software architectures including plugin systems, composable frameworks, or modular physics engines.
  • Experience within inertial confinement fusion (ICF), high-energy-density physics, or advanced plasma modeling environments.
  • Demonstrated experience building extensible scientific software platforms that support long-term collaboration and multi-user development.

$170,000 - $210,000 a year
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on "EEO Is the Law," please see here and here.
Benefits
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company's long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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