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Propulsion Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Research

Physicist

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

... propulsion for small satellites. The ideal candidate has a strong background involving laboratory ... PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field

Front Door Defense

$100K - $160K/yr

Propulsion Engineer, Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis Develop predictive models of Raptor ... Develop a detailed understanding of the physics underlying rocket engine performance, sources of ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$115K - $160K/yr

Propulsion Engineer, Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis Hawthorne, CA SpaceX was founded under ... Develop a detailed understanding of the physics underlying rocket engine performance, sources of ...

The Aerospace Corporation

The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting‑edge propulsion technologies ... Physics, or a related technical field * Four years or more of applicable professional or academic ...

SpaceWorks Enterprises

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

$102K - $140K/yr

The successful candidate brings strong fundamentals in propulsion physics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, and is comfortable moving fluidly between high-fidelity modeling at their desk and ...

SpaceWorks Enterprises

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

The successful candidate brings strong fundamentals in propulsion physics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, and is comfortable moving fluidly between high-fidelity modeling at their desk and ...

ApplyMint

Propulsion Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

Propulsion engineers are essential to the development, safety and success of our products and ... Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement * 2+ ...

SpaceWorks Enterprises

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

The successful candidate brings strong fundamentals in propulsion physics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, and is comfortable moving fluidly between high‑fidelity modeling at their desk and ...

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How much do propulsion physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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Infographic showing various Propulsion Physicist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Physicist

Beavercreek, OH • On-site

Riverside Research
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Riverside Researchexternal

$110K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research's Applied Mathematics and Physics Solutions (AMPS) group is seeking a Physicist or Engineer to conduct experimental physics research on a variety of topics. Our current research interest includes plasma material interactions, electromagnetic properties of materials subjected to high temperatures, rf and microwave plasma source development, and electric propulsion for small satellites. The ideal candidate has a strong background involving laboratory plasma systems and electromagnetics. This position will include work on independent research and development (IRAD) and U.S. government contracts.

Responsibilities

  • Plan, design, and conduct experimental testing and validation of theoretical models and numerical simulations
  • Carry out both independent and collaborative research
  • Author and coauthor technical proposals, peer-reviewed journal articles, and internal and external technical reports

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field
  • Experience with one or more of the following:
    • plasma material interactions
    • plasma based electric propulsion for satellites
    • microwave or RF plasma sources
    • microwave or infrared material characterization
  • Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment as well as work independently

Desired Qualifications:

  • PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field with 2+ years of post-grad experience in plasma physics related work
  • Familiarity with commercial software packages such as VSIM, COMSOL, HFSS, CST, etc.
  • Experience with various types of plasma modeling (fluid, kinetic, etc.)
  • Able to obtain a security clearance in the future

Global Comp

$110,000 - $160,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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