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Senior Physics Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer R&D

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

NIRSense is seeking an experienced senior electrical engineer to own early-stage hardware ... Derive performance requirements from the underlying physiology, physics, and intended use, and ...

Senior Electrical Engineer R&D

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

NIRSense is seeking an experienced senior electrical engineer to own early-stage hardware ... Derive performance requirements from the underlying physiology, physics, and intended use, and ...

Senior Electrical Engineer R&D

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

NIRSense is seeking an experienced senior electrical engineer to own early-stage hardware ... Derive performance requirements from the underlying physiology, physics, and intended use, and ...

Senior Electrical Engineer R&D

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

NIRSense is seeking an experienced senior electrical engineer to own early-stage hardware ... Derive performance requirements from the underlying physiology, physics, and intended use, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Physics Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$57.8K

$123K

$178.4K

How much do senior physics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior physics engineer in Raleigh, NC is $123,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,600.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior physics engineer do?

A Senior Physics Engineer applies advanced principles of physics and engineering to design, analyze, and improve products and systems. They often lead projects, conduct simulations, and solve complex technical problems related to mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, or other physical phenomena. Their work can span multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy. In addition to technical tasks, they may mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure that solutions meet safety and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior physics engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Physics Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of physics principles, strong mathematical modeling skills, and a relevant degree such as a Master's or PhD in physics or engineering. Expertise with simulation tools (like MATLAB, COMSOL, or ANSYS), programming languages (such as Python or C++), and sometimes industry-specific certifications are typical requirements. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, project management, and effective communication make candidates excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing innovative solutions, leading complex projects, and collaborating efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.

How does a senior physics engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development of new products or simulations?

A Senior Physics Engineer frequently works alongside software developers, designers, and project managers to ensure that physical systems and simulations are both accurate and feasible within project constraints. Collaboration often involves translating complex physical principles into actionable requirements, reviewing technical designs, and iterating on prototypes based on feedback from various stakeholders. Regular meetings and clear documentation are essential to align priorities and address interdisciplinary challenges, ensuring that the final product meets both scientific standards and project goals.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Physics Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Senior Physics Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Physics Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Physics Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Senior Physics Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Senior Physics Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Physics Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,024 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics

Cary, NC • On-site

Garmin International, Inc.
Electronics and Appliance Stores • 10K+ employees

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and develop custom non-imaging optical systems for consumer electronics applications.

  • Conduct optical simulation and analysis to support concept development and design verification.

  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and manage mechanical designs, including complex modeling and manufacturability considerations.


Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time experienced Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics on our Explorations Team at our Headquarters location in the Kansas City area, or at our site in Cary, NC. While other engineering product development teams at Garmin primarily focus on designing products, our team focuses on the product enabling technologies that will be essential to those products and will expedite their development. In this role, you will explore various lighting applications involving signal, conspicuity, and forward illumination systems across many of Garmin's business segments.
Essential Functions
  • Design and develop custom non-imaging optical systems for various consumer electronics applications
  • Conduct optical simulation and analysis for concept development and design change verification
  • Transform optical surfaces into mechanical component models that are manufacturable
  • Collaborate with ID, ME, EE, Optical and Illumination engineers throughout development
  • Define boundary constraints for the optics due to ID goals, electromechanical integration, thermal limitations, power budgets, and design for manufacturing
  • Develop optical and photometric requirements to meet product goals
  • Own development of optical design standards and specifications to support evaluation of optical system performance
  • Quickly ideate to conceptualize creative illumination solutions to a maturity necessary to conduct tradeoff analyses and inform risk vs reward
  • Perform benchmark testing and competitive analysis
  • Explore innovative mechanical concepts and complete complex mechanical designs
  • Technology investigations, design, testing/validation, prototyping and supporting technology transfer to product development teams
  • Ability to complete the most difficult tasks as a Master CAD-user including the completion of complex mechanical designs (Solidworks/Onshape preferred )
  • Good knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis
  • Good knowledge of injection molding, die casting, sheet metal stamping, machining, etc
  • Negotiate processes, materials, and design feasibility with factory and vendors
  • Manage basic tradeoffs, determine risk mitigation plans, determine project goal/objective feasibility, provide technical input to product development plans/concept documents, and drive process vendors to evaluate complex mechanical designs and understand risk
  • Lead explorations of new technologies and make estimates on moderately complex mechanical designs including: tooling, part cost, and design time
  • Mentor level 1 and 2 engineers
  • Overseas travel as required

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Master CAD-user (Solidworks/Onshape preferred) - able to complete the most difficult tasks
  • Demonstrated knowledge and capability to use CAD software for completing complex mechanical designs
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Optics, or Physics
  • 5+ years in illumination systems development of automotive exterior or interior lighting or related application
  • Proficient in the use of optical software (LucidShape preferred, LightTools, Zemax, Speos)
  • Experience designing custom reflector and solid optics using optics software and manual raytracing methods in Mechanical CAD
  • Understanding of test methodologies for optical systems
  • Understanding of thermal management of LEDs and associated drivers
  • Experience with dynamic, digital, and software-controlled lighting systems
  • Understanding of CAE/Simulation methods
  • Experience conducting CFD or FEA simulation for early thermal verification of lighting systems
  • Electronic packaging design experience

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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