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Senior Physicist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Air Force

PHYSICIST

Aurora, CO

$49K/yr

Physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. You may qualify if ... to senior physicists. 3. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 4. ...

Atom Computing

Senior Systems Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

As Senior System Engineer you will serve as a technical integrator and architect across Atom ... Required Qualifications * BS or higher in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering ...

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Senior Physicist information

See Colorado salary details

$41.5K

$99.7K

$238.2K

How much do senior physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior physicist in Colorado is $99,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $117,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior physicist?

Senior Physicists are highly experienced scientists who conduct advanced research in physics, often leading teams and projects in academic, government, or industrial settings. They apply complex theories, design experiments, and analyze data to make discoveries or solve practical problems. In addition to research, they may mentor junior staff, publish findings, and contribute to strategic planning. Senior Physicists typically hold a Ph.D. in physics or a related field and have several years of research experience. Their expertise is crucial in driving innovation and advancing knowledge in physical sciences.

How does a senior physicist typically collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on research projects?

Senior Physicists often work closely with professionals from engineering, computer science, and materials science to address complex research questions. Collaboration usually involves coordinating experimental design, sharing data analysis methodologies, and integrating diverse expertise to interpret results. This teamwork enhances the depth and impact of research findings, and strong communication skills are essential for aligning project goals and timelines. Senior Physicists may also mentor junior researchers and facilitate knowledge transfer between team members, contributing to a productive and innovative research environment.

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

To thrive as a Senior Physicist, you need deep expertise in physics, advanced mathematical skills, and typically a Ph.D. in physics or a related field. Familiarity with specialized software for simulations and data analysis, such as MATLAB or Python, and experience with laboratory instrumentation are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for driving scientific innovation, managing research projects, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Senior Physicist vs Physicist?

AspectSenior Physicist
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Physics, extensive experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, industry, academia
ResponsibilitiesLeading projects, advanced research, mentoring
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, government agencies

The main difference between a Senior Physicist and a Physicist is experience level and responsibility. Senior Physicists typically have more years of experience, lead projects, and mentor junior staff, whereas Physicists are often entry- to mid-level professionals conducting research and experiments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Senior Physicists are expected to take on leadership roles within their organizations.

Is being a senior physicist a high paying job?

Senior physicists typically earn high salaries due to their advanced expertise, experience, and specialized skills in research, development, or industry applications. Compensation varies by industry, location, and sector, but senior roles generally offer above-average pay compared to entry-level positions in physics-related fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physicist jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Physicist jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Physicist jobs in Colorado?

For Senior Physicist jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Physicist jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Physicist jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Senior Physicist jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Senior Physicist job openings:

Senior Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Physicist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,689 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Applied Physicist - Quantum RF Sensing (QRF)

Infleqtion

Louisville, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving some of the world's most challenging problems. We build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading-edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables "quantum everywhere" through an ecosystem of devices and platforms.
Quantum Spectrum, also known as QRF, develops fieldable radio-frequency sensing systems based on Rydberg atoms. The team combines atomic physics, lasers and photonics, RF electronics, embedded controls, software, and precision hardware to turn laboratory prototypes into repeatable, integrated sensing systems.
Position Summary
Infleqtion is seeking an Applied Physicist to build, operate, and improve experimental platforms for Rydberg-atom radio-frequency sensing. Reporting to the Director of R&D, Quantum RF, this physicist will independently own defined experiments and testbeds under senior technical direction, translate atomic, optical, and RF behavior into measurable sensor improvements, and carry validated improvements into integrated QRF systems. The role is centered on hands-on laboratory work; modeling supports experiment design and interpretation rather than serving as the principal output.
Job Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities below describe the essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, the position may perform some or all these duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
  • Own defined experimental campaigns addressing QRF sensitivity, noise, stability, bandwidth, dynamic range, and repeatability.
  • Build, align, commission, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot persistent testbeds that integrate lasers and optics, atomic-sensing hardware, RF and electronic instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition.
  • Design and execute controlled experiments that isolate performance limitations and convert results into specific hardware, operating-point, calibration, or control-system improvements.
  • Integrate validated experimental improvements into sensor heads, subsystems, and complete QRF systems; verify performance against quantitative requirements and documented test methods.
  • Characterize vapor cells and RF resonators, including thermal, optical, geometric, material, field-delivery, and repeatability effects that influence sensor performance.
  • Establish and maintain laser-frequency locks, optical-power stability, photodetection, and associated noise-characterization methods.
  • Calibrate and characterize RF delivery through electrodes, resonators, antennas, TEM or GTEM cells, and related test configurations using appropriate RF and microwave instrumentation.
  • Develop automated instrument-control, parameter-sweep, optimization, calibration, and data-analysis workflows using Python or comparable scientific tools.
  • Analyze experimental data with appropriate uncertainty, noise, and repeatability treatment; use atomic, optical, or electromagnetic models to guide experiments, interpret results, and investigate discrepancies among predicted, benchtop, subsystem, and integrated-system performance.
  • Translate findings into design recommendations, configuration records, test procedures, technical reports, and verification evidence that engineers and technicians can reproduce.
  • Work with RF, optical-mechanical, electrical, embedded-software, systems, and technician personnel to make experimental configurations stable, maintainable, and transferable.
  • Provide occasional support for laboratory or field demonstrations and customer-program testing as assigned, following applicable safety, export-control, configuration-control, and documentation requirements.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, applied physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field plus at least four years of relevant hands-on experimental experience; a master's degree plus at least two years; or a PhD with directly relevant experimental research. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience personally building, aligning, operating, and troubleshooting complex experimental apparatus that integrates two or more of the following: lasers or optics, electronics, RF or microwave hardware, thermal or mechanical hardware, and software or controls.
  • Practical experience with laser and optical alignment, photodetection, electronic instrumentation, and diagnosis of noise, stability, or performance limitations.
  • Working knowledge of RF measurements and experience using equipment such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, or vector network analyzers.
  • Ability to design controlled experiments, analyze noisy data, assess measurement uncertainty and repeatability, and draw defensible conclusions from incomplete or conflicting results.
  • Experience automating experiments and analyzing data using Python or a comparable scientific programming environment.
  • Ability to independently plan and execute defined laboratory work, document results clearly, and collaborate across physics, engineering, and product disciplines while seeking senior direction for broader architecture and scientific strategy.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-moving environment where designs, schedules, and supplier constraints evolve quickly.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with Rydberg atoms, electromagnetically induced transparency, Autler-Townes spectroscopy, atomic RF electrometry, or closely related vapor-cell sensing is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with rubidium or cesium vapor cells, multi-laser spectroscopy, acousto-optic or electro-optic modulators, optical-frequency locking, optical-power stabilization, or low-noise photodetection.
  • Experience characterizing RF resonators, calibrated RF-field delivery, antennas, electrodes, TEM or GTEM cells, or microwave measurement systems.
  • Experience integrating precision laboratory instruments into stable, repeatable, transportable, or field-capable systems.
  • Familiarity with requirements-based verification, configuration-controlled hardware, and test evidence for aerospace, defense, scientific-instrumentation, or U.S. government programs; a current or previously held U.S. government security clearance is preferred but not required.
  • Experience using Ansys HFSS, COMSOL, Zemax, Rydiqule, or related modeling tools to design or interpret experiments.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Work is performed primarily on site in laboratory, office, and integration/test environments and involves work around laser systems, RF and microwave equipment, electronic test equipment, heated vapor-cell hardware, optical tables, tools, and precision instrumentation. Required personal protective equipment will be provided and must be used in accordance with company requirements. With or without reasonable accommodation, the role requires the ability to work at laboratory benches for extended periods, perform fine optical and electronic alignment and adjustment tasks, and occasionally lift and carry laboratory equipment or components weighing up to forty pounds. Up to 10% of travel may be required.
Benefits
  • Salary Range: per year 145000-170000
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
  • Employer-funded Health Savings Account
  • Unlimited PTO
  • 401(k) match
  • Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Savings Account
  • Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Equity Program

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:
Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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