CPT Physics Jobs

Physics CPT roles span research labs, national laboratories, instrumentation firms, and semiconductor companies, all qualifying as integral curriculum experience when your DSO authorizes the position. Your CPT authorization must name the specific employer and start date, so confirm your program's credit or thesis requirements before accepting an offer.

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Overview

Open Jobs2+
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationSanta Clara, CA
Most JobsApplied Materials

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Applied Materials
Summer Intern - Physics & AI modeling Engineering
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Applied Materials
Added 1mo ago
Summer Intern - Physics & AI modeling Engineering
Applied Materials
Santa Clara, California
Specialized Engineering
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Engineering (Non-Software)
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Science
On-Site
Master's
10,000+

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Applied Materials, Inc
2026 Summer Intern - Physics & AI modeling Engineering
We won't show you this job again
Applied Materials, Inc
Added 3mo ago
2026 Summer Intern - Physics & AI modeling Engineering
Applied Materials, Inc
Santa Clara, California
Specialized Engineering
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Engineering (Non-Software)
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Science
On-Site
Master's

Have you applied for this role?

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Physics CPT: Frequently Asked Questions

What types of physics jobs qualify for CPT authorization?

CPT covers any physics-related role that's an integral part of your curriculum, not just lab work. Qualifying roles include experimental research assistant, instrumentation engineer, data scientist at a physics-adjacent firm, semiconductor process engineer, and computational modeling analyst. Your DSO determines qualification based on how the position connects to your specific degree program and whether it carries academic credit or fulfills a thesis requirement.

Can I work at a national laboratory on CPT?

Yes. DOE national laboratories regularly host F-1 students under CPT for physics research roles. These institutions are experienced with CPT documentation requirements and often coordinate directly with university DSO offices. Your offer letter must specify start and end dates, hours per week, and your supervisor's contact information. Confirm that your school has an existing relationship or cooperative agreement with the laboratory, as some institutions require this for CPT approval.

Does CPT affect my eligibility for OPT after graduation?

It depends on how much full-time CPT you accumulate. Full-time CPT totaling 12 or more months across your entire F-1 program eliminates OPT eligibility. Part-time CPT, regardless of duration, has no impact on OPT. If you're planning to use OPT and then pursue an H-1B visa, structuring your physics internships as part-time CPT protects your post-graduation work authorization. Track your cumulative full-time CPT hours with your DSO throughout your program.

How do I find physics employers who are familiar with CPT?

Migrate Mate lets you search employers with verified LCA filing history in physical sciences and engineering occupations, which signals prior experience working with F-1 visa holders. Beyond that, national laboratories, semiconductor manufacturers, and defense contractors typically have established processes for F-1 CPT students. The O*NET occupation profile for physicists and physics technicians also identifies the industry sectors most active in hiring for these roles.

What documents does my physics employer need for CPT?

Your employer doesn't file anything with USCIS for CPT. The authorization is entirely between you and your school's DSO. You'll need to give your employer your updated I-20 showing CPT authorization before your start date. The employer needs your I-20, your visa, and your passport for I-9 verification. If the employer uses E-Verify, they'll run your documents through that system. Keep a copy of your CPT-authorized I-20 throughout the position in case of any employment eligibility reverification.