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Private Sector Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$57K/yr

... physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR A combination of ... private sector. To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized ...

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$57K/yr

... physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR A combination of ... private sector. To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized ...

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General Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA ยท On-site

$70K/yr

... physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR A combination of ... private sector. To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized ...

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How much do private sector physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for private sector physics in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Private Sector Physics vs Academic Physics?

AspectPrivate Sector PhysicsAcademic Physics
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD in Physics or related fieldRequires a PhD, often with postdoctoral experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate labs, research and development departments, industry settingsUniversities, research institutes, academic labs
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate companies, tech firms, manufacturing, defenseUniversities, government research agencies, academic institutions
Work FocusApplied research, product development, commercial solutionsFundamental research, teaching, theoretical studies

Private Sector Physics professionals focus on applied research and product development within industry settings, often working for corporations or tech firms. In contrast, Academic Physics involves fundamental research, teaching, and publishing within universities or research institutions. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physicist in the private sector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a physicist in the private sector, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and problem-solving, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, computational modeling tools (such as MATLAB or Python), and, in some industries, specific laboratory or engineering systems is often required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills help you convey complex ideas and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for innovating, driving research and development, and solving real-world problems in competitive business environments.

What are private sector physics jobs?

Private sector physics jobs refer to roles where physicists apply their knowledge and skills in companies and industries outside of academic or government research. These positions can be found in sectors like technology, engineering, aerospace, finance, energy, and healthcare, among others. Physicists in the private sector might work on product development, data analysis, research and development, or technical consulting. These jobs often focus on solving practical problems and developing innovative solutions that can be commercialized. The private sector offers physicists opportunities for career advancement, teamwork, and working on real-world applications of scientific principles.

What types of projects do physicists typically work on in the private sector, and how do these differ from academic research?

Physicists in the private sector often work on applied research and development projects, such as designing new technologies, improving manufacturing processes, or developing advanced materials for industries like aerospace, energy, or telecommunications. Unlike academic research, which may focus on theoretical studies or long-term exploration, private sector projects are typically driven by practical applications, commercial goals, and tight deadlines. Team collaboration is common, as physicists work closely with engineers, product managers, and other specialists to bring innovations to market. This environment provides opportunities to see the direct impact of your work and to advance into roles in project management or technical leadership.
More about Private Sector Physics jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Private Sector Physics jobs? The most popular types of Private Sector Physics jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Private Sector Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Private Sector Physics jobs are:
Private Sector Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Sector Physics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Health Physics / Radiation Control Technician

Health Physics / Radiation Control Technician

Strategic Management Solutions LLC

Oak Ridge, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI) provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to government and private-sector clients. SMSI has grown and evolved by building an outstanding reputation for client-focused performance and for delivering results that enable clients to meet commitments and milestones.
SMSI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran
Job Summary
The Health Physics / Radiation Control Technician monitors, collects results and records data to formulate recommendations on radioactive contaminants in the workplace environment. Understands and applies the appropriate meter and technique to use for radiological surveys for the uranium fuel cycle of various enrichments, types of feed sources, and binary metal. This includes expected daughter products, background radiation interference, isotopes that concentrate as a result of centrifuge processing, transuranic radionuclides, other hard to detect nuclides, chemicals, physical and biological agents in the environment and internal workplace.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Performs and documents radiation surveys, contamination surveys, airborne radioactivity, and chemical hazard surveys to characterize radiological conditions, support job-planning, job- coverage, post-job surveys, detect changes in conditions, release from radiological control areas, unrestricted off-site material removal, and radiological shipping surveys.
  • Performs, understands and applies technical activities in support of the Health Physics programs.
  • Collects and records data using Health Physics equipment to monitor personnel and work areas for existence of and extent of hazard.
  • Using math and tools such as spreadsheets, converts the raw readings from radiological surveys to meaningful units for radiation protection purposes. This includes but is not limited to beta dose rates, contamination levels in dpm/100cm2, airborne concentration in ฮผCi/ml and percent DAC.
  • Recognizes and takes the appropriate action when radiological conditions are outside the pre-defined safety envelope as may be described in a radiation work permit, per radiological postings, safety or other unanticipated situations.
  • May be required to work shift work or extended hours.
  • Conducts Health Physics Hygiene related training for peers as well as site personnel.
  • Implement radiological program procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Control and maintain HP instruments including but not limited to inventory, performing or shipping offsite for periodic calibrations and maintenance, and performing daily use calibrations.
  • Review and provide guidance on work documents (e.g., work packages, test plans/instructions, procedures) pertaining work that has radiological hygiene hazards.

Required Skills & Abilities
  • Accredited Health Physics or Industrial Hygiene, Safety, and Health training or certification (i.e. DOE core or INPO program) or maintain active registration through the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT); or 4+ years of Health Physics and Safety and / or Industrial Hygiene experience at a uranium facility (uranium enrichment, fuel fabrication, etc.).
  • The candidate must be able to work onsite in Oak Ridge, TN.
  • Must possess and maintain a DOE "Q" level security clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

Educational Requirements
  • Associates degree in Industrial Hygiene, Safety and Health, Biological or Physical Science fields OR combined equivalent of related education and experience such as DOE core, INPO program, or maintain active registration through the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT).

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