Physics Jobs in California

Physics jobs in California are in strong demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, national laboratories, semiconductor and quantum computing research, and higher education, with openings at every level from research assistant to principal scientist. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Qualcomm maintain deep, ongoing physics workforces. The most sought-after specializations right now are computational physics, optics and photonics, and applied nuclear and plasma physics. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

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Overview

Open roles49
Top employerBright Star Schools
Top citySan Diego, CA
Cities hiring27
Work type72% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 49+ Physics jobs

S
High School Teacher (AP Calculus & AP Physics)
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S
Added 2d ago
High School Teacher (AP Calculus & AP Physics)
Southlands Christian Schools
Rowland Heights, California
Business Strategy
Program Management
Project Management
$47k - $87k/yr
On-Site
CPR Certification

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MITRE
Internships in Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or Physics
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MITRE
Added 2d ago
Internships in Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or Physics
MITRE
San Diego, California
Laboratory Research
Physics & Space Science
Research & Academia
Hybrid
5,001-10,000

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South Orange County Community College District
Physics Instructor
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South Orange County Community College District
Added 2d ago
Physics Instructor
South Orange County Community College District
Mission Viejo, California
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Public Health
Master's degree in physics
1,001-5,000

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California State University
Instructional Student Assistants for Physics and Engineering
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California State University
Added 2d ago
Instructional Student Assistants for Physics and Engineering
California State University
Bakersfield, California
Community & Nonprofit Services
Healthcare Administration
Social Work & Counseling
5,001-10,000

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ASML
Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer
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ASML
Added 3d ago
Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer
ASML
San Diego, California
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Specialized Engineering
$118k - $177k/yr
Remote (US)
Bachelor's degree in Physics
10,000+

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See All 49 Physics Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Physics Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Diego
6 jobs
Los Angeles
5 jobs
Livermore
3 jobs
Goleta
2 jobs
Irvine
2 jobs
Berkeley
2 jobs
La Verne
2 jobs
Hawthorne
2 jobs
San Mateo
2 jobs

Physics Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Bright Star Schools
Bright Star Schools3 open roles
ASML
ASML2 open roles
Thinkom Solutions
Thinkom Solutions2 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • Technology & Software
  • Energy
  • Manufacturing
  • Law & Legal Services

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in physics jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree in physics or closely related physical science required
  • Graduate degree preferred for research, laboratory, or senior engineering roles
  • Experience with computational modeling, simulation software, or data analysis tools
  • Hands-on laboratory skills including instrumentation, optics, or vacuum systems
  • Ability to obtain or hold a U.S. security clearance for defense and national lab positions
  • Strong written communication skills for technical reports and peer collaboration

Physics Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a physics in California?

Most physics roles in California require at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related field, with research and national laboratory positions typically requiring a master's or doctoral degree. California does not issue a general state license for physicists, but roles in radiation safety or medical physics may require registration with the California Department of Public Health's Radiologic Health Branch. Building applied experience through university research programs, internships at California national laboratories, or industry co-ops is the most direct path to employment.

Which companies hire physicss in California?

Companies currently hiring physicss in California include Bright Star Schools, ASML, and Thinkom Solutions, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, national laboratories, and semiconductor firms means physics hiring here tends to skew toward applied and experimental roles rather than purely academic ones.

Which California cities have the most physics jobs?

The California cities with the most physics openings are San Diego, Los Angeles, and Livermore. Los Angeles dominates due to its aerospace and defense industry anchored by major contractors, the Bay Area draws heavily from semiconductor, quantum, and tech research sectors, and San Diego benefits from a dense cluster of biotech, defense, and naval research institutions that sustain consistent physics demand.

Are there remote physics jobs in California?

Yes, but they're relatively limited. About 28% of physics openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that much of the work involves laboratory equipment, classified facilities, or on-site instrumentation. Computational physics, data analysis, and theoretical modeling roles are the most likely to appear in remote or hybrid formats.

How can I get hired as a physics in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is through a university research assistantship or a paid internship at one of California's national laboratories, such as those affiliated with the University of California system, which run formal programs for early-career candidates. Large aerospace employers in Southern California and defense contractors in San Diego regularly post associate scientist and junior physicist titles designed for new graduates. A strong academic research portfolio, demonstrated proficiency with simulation or data tools, and any progress toward security clearance eligibility will give applicants a competitive edge over candidates without those foundations.

Where can I find and apply to physics jobs in California?

You can find and apply to physics jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly through each listing.

See All 49 Physics Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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