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Solar Physicist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Solar Physicist information

See Virginia salary details

$39.2K

$94K

$224.6K

How much do solar physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar physicist in Virginia is $93,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical research projects or collaborations that a Solar Physicist might be involved in?

Solar Physicists often work on projects studying solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, using data from space-based observatories and ground telescopes. Collaboration is common, both within interdisciplinary research teams and with international space agencies like NASA or ESA. Many roles involve coordinating with engineers, data scientists, and other physicists to analyze large datasets and develop models that predict solar activity. These projects contribute to our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth, making teamwork and communication skills essential in this field.

What is the difference between Solar Physicist vs Solar Engineer?

AspectSolar PhysicistSolar Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, often PhD, specialized in solar phenomenaEngineering degree, often Bachelor's or Master's, focused on solar technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, observatories, academic institutionsSolar power plants, manufacturing facilities, project sites
Industry UsageStudying solar activity, solar physics researchDesigning and implementing solar energy systems

Solar Physicists focus on understanding the sun's physical properties and solar phenomena through research, often working in labs or academic settings. Solar Engineers, on the other hand, design and develop solar energy systems for practical use in renewable energy projects. While both roles require knowledge of solar science, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What is a Solar Physicist?

A Solar Physicist is a scientist who studies the Sun, including its structure, behavior, and impact on the solar system. They use both ground-based and space-based observatories to analyze solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and the solar wind. Solar Physicists contribute to our understanding of how solar activity affects space weather, which can impact satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth. Their research is crucial for predicting solar storms and mitigating their effects on technology and human activities.

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

To thrive as a Solar Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, typically supported by a Ph.D. in astrophysics or a related field. Proficiency with data analysis software, programming languages like Python or IDL, and familiarity with solar observation instruments is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear scientific communication set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies enable effective research, accurate data interpretation, and the advancement of our understanding of solar phenomena.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Solar Physicist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Solar Physicist job openings:
Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineering Analyst - Level 5

Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineering Analyst - Level 5

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a senior Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineering Analyst - Level 5 located in Dulles, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

The GNC team designs, builds, and tests spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the rapidly growing/evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques

  • Design and analyze relative guidance solutions for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)

  • Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters (e.g. Kalman filters) for attitude determination and relative navigation

  • Analyze and test the spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and other analytic tools

  • Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, attitude and position guidance, rendezvous, proximity operations and docking analyses, and predicted performance assessments

  • Develop simulation models for sensors (e.g. star tracker, rate gyro, accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, sun sensors), actuators (e.g. reaction wheel, torque bar, thruster, CMG), system dynamics (e.g. rigid body, multi-body, orbit mechanics, flexible models, propellant slosh), and the space environment (e.g. atmospheric, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravity, geopotential)

  • Communication is a key element of your role and all GNC engineers are expected to:

  • Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advanced program/project goals

  • Document designs, analysis, and test results and create presentation materials

  • Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers

  • Work well within small- to medium-sized groups

  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

Basic Qualifications for Level 5:

  • Bachelor's degree with 12 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 10 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 8 years of professional experience.Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access

  • Experience developing software in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++

  • Experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) subsystem design, analysis, and testing; can include Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current/Active SCI and/or SAP

  • MS or PhD in engineering, physics, or math

  • Experience with version control tools such as SVN or Git

  • Experience implementing spacecraft GNC algorithms on embedded systems

  • Strong technical fundamentals in the areas of spacecraft attitude and orbit dynamics, navigation filtering and/or control systems design

  • Experience with on-orbit space vehicle operations, commanding, debugging, and use of flight telemetry to track performance metrics

  • Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) algorithms, practices and planning strategies

  • Experience with performing spacecraft GNC design, analysis, Hardware (HW) and Integration & Test (I&T), or flight operations.

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

  • Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities are desired

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939