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Remote Optical Physicist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Physics Expert - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80 - $160/hr

Remote Job Overview We are seeking established Physics Professors and Principal Investigators to ... AMO / Quantum Optics * Gravitation * Cosmology * Astrophysics * Quantum Information * Optical ...

New

Physics Expert - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80 - $160/hr

Remote Job Overview We are seeking established Physics Professors and Principal Investigators to ... AMO / Quantum Optics * Gravitation * Cosmology * Astrophysics * Quantum Information * Optical ...

New

NUCLEAR ENGINEER

Bremerton, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $149K/yr

... remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for ... science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B.

Remote Optical Physicist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$45K

$107.9K

$257.8K

How much do remote optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote optical physicist in Seattle, WA is $107,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $127,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote optical physicist?

A Remote Optical Physicist is a scientist who specializes in the study and application of light (optics) and its interactions with matter, while performing their job duties from a remote location. They typically work on designing, analyzing, and optimizing optical systems and devices such as lasers, lenses, and sensors. Remote Optical Physicists collaborate with teams, conduct simulations, and analyze data using specialized software, all while communicating through digital platforms. This role is common in industries like telecommunications, medical imaging, defense, and research organizations that support remote work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote optical physicist?

To thrive as a Remote Optical Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant advanced degree (MSc or PhD). Familiarity with simulation software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laboratory data analysis tools, and remote collaboration platforms is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective virtual communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills enable precise research, innovative optical design, and effective teamwork in a remote environment, ensuring successful project outcomes.

How does a remote optical physicist typically collaborate with engineers and other scientists on complex projects?

As a Remote Optical Physicist, you’ll frequently work alongside multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, software developers, and other scientists. Collaboration often takes place through virtual meetings, shared simulation tools, and collaborative platforms like Git or cloud-based document editors. Clear communication and thorough documentation are essential, as you may need to explain experimental results, propose design improvements, or troubleshoot issues remotely. Building strong relationships and leveraging digital tools help ensure project goals are aligned and progress smoothly, despite the distance.

What is the difference between Remote Optical Physicist vs Remote Optical Engineer?

AspectRemote Optical PhysicistRemote Optical Engineer
Required credentialsAdvanced degrees in physics or optics, research experienceBachelor's or master's in optical engineering or related field
Work environmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsProduct development, design, manufacturing settings
Employer & industry usageUniversities, research institutions, tech companiesOptical product companies, telecommunications, consumer electronics
Common search & comparison intentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, job scopeDesigning optical systems, practical applications

Remote Optical Physicists focus on fundamental research, theoretical modeling, and experimental physics related to optics. In contrast, Remote Optical Engineers apply practical engineering principles to design, develop, and optimize optical systems and devices. While both roles require a strong background in optics, physicists typically work in research settings, whereas engineers are more involved in product development and implementation.

Infographic showing various Remote Optical Physicist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,890 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Physics Expert - Remote

Seattle, WA • Remote

$80 - $160/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Physics Expert – Professor / Principal Investigator

Role Type: Contractor
Location: Remote

Job Overview

We are seeking established Physics Professors and Principal Investigators to provide high-level scientific expertise for a project focused on advancing next-generation AI systems. In this role, you will apply deep subject-matter expertise to evaluate competing physics arguments, assess technical reasoning, and provide authoritative judgments on complex or ambiguous scientific questions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong record of independent research, scholarly impact, and scientific leadership. No prior AI experience is required—your physics expertise, research judgment, and ability to evaluate complex scientific reasoning are what matter most.

Scope of Work
  • Adjudicate contested or competing physics arguments, solutions, and interpretations within your area of expertise.
  • Compare alternative approaches to complex physics problems and explain which approach is stronger, under what assumptions, and within which applicable regimes.
  • Identify and articulate meta-level criteria for evaluating the robustness, validity, and scientific soundness of competing solutions.
  • Assess key assumptions, approximations, limitations, failure modes, and breaking points within technical arguments.
  • Provide calibrated expert judgments, distinguishing established conclusions from genuine uncertainty, unresolved questions, or active areas of research.
  • Draft rigorous, defensible written evaluations suitable for review by senior physicists and research professionals.
  • Use technical tools such as LaTeX, SymPy, Python, and Jupyter to verify calculations, test assumptions, or compare technical claims where appropriate.
  • Clearly explain when a question remains unresolved within the field and identify the relevant scientific considerations.
  • Contribute expert feedback and domain-level reasoning to support AI model training, evaluation, and improvement.
Required Skills
  • Physics Mastery
  • Expert Judgment in Ambiguous Cases
  • Meta-Level Reasoning
  • Research Leadership
  • Defensible Written Articulation
  • Scientific Analysis
  • Technical Evaluation
  • Research Communication
  • Critical Thinking
Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics with demonstrated expertise and scholarly impact in a specific physics subfield.
  • Current or former Associate Professor, Full Professor, Chair Professor, Principal Investigator, or Research Group Leader with a strong record of independent research leadership.
  • Active or recent research experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • High Energy Physics
    • Mathematical Physics
    • Biophysics
    • Statistical Physics
    • Condensed Matter Physics
    • AMO / Quantum Optics
    • Gravitation
    • Cosmology
    • Astrophysics
    • Quantum Information
    • Optical Properties of Materials
  • 3–5 recent representative publications in the target research area, with arXiv or DOI references available.
  • Experience supervising PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, or equivalent research leadership in an industry setting.
  • Proficiency with LaTeX, SymPy, Python, and Jupyter; candidates should be prepared to indicate any gaps in experience with these tools.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate nuanced scientific judgments clearly and rigorously.
  • Demonstrated ability to distinguish between established scientific knowledge, reasonable interpretations, and genuinely unresolved questions.