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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Posting Number: F01382
Location: Contra Costa College
Salary:
Description of Position:
The Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science (APECS) Department at Contra Costa Community College is accepting applications for a Tenure-Track Faculty (full time and in-person). This assignment begins August 2027.Contra Costa College is seeking a full-time tenure track assistant professor in physics to begin in August 2027. The successful applicant will be well qualified to teach all lower division physics courses, including lectures and labs. Most of the courses are taught in-person. The range of classes the applicant may be required to teach include General Education (GE) physics, as well as the introductory Physics series for STEM majors. The ability to teach courses in astronomy, engineering, and/or computer science would be desirable, but not required.The student population of Contra Costa College (CCC) reflects its surrounding diverse communities. CCC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and serves predominantly historically disadvantaged and under-represented student groups including African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Latinx students. CCC is situated in a socioeconomically diverse, resilient, and culturally vibrant community. We seek candidates who embrace our community, our student population, and our central work: strengthening West County by meeting our students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.We seek candidates who operate with a growth mindset, a strength-based approach centered on students, and a commitment to equity, especially concerning the elimination of barriers to college access, success, and completion. The ideal candidate will be eager to help construct and maintain a culture of continuous improvement in instructional effectiveness.
Inquiries:
Amber Tu, Sr. Administrative Assistant, to VP of Equity and Instructionatu@contracosta.edu
Position Status: Tenure- Track
EEO Job Category: Faculty & Other Instructional Staff
Employee Group: Full-Time Faculty
Department: C7009-Physical Science
Duties and Responsibilities:
In addition to contractual duties, all full-time faculty are expected to participate actively in their disciplines, department activities, and the general intellectual life and governance of the college. Part of the teaching assignment may be in the evening and/or online. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. advancing equitable student learning through dedicated, exemplary instruction in accordance with established course outlines;
2. participating in the assessment of student learning outcomes for courses and programs; developing and implementing student learning outcomes assessment processes for courses and programs;
3. collaborating in the development and revision of curriculum and in program review;
4. engaging in department program improvement initiatives;
5. participating in department, division, and college committees;
6. participating in professional development activities, both departmental and college-wide;
7. maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter area and effective teaching/ learning strategies;
8. maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics;
9. informing students of course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance requirements;
10. preparing and grading class assignments and examinations and informing students of their academic progress;
11. maintaining attendance, scholastic, and personnel records and submitting them according to published deadlines;
12. posting and holding sufficient and regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy;
13. participating in College's shared governance processes.
Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience:
Understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and faculty.EDUCATIONNote: Degrees must be from an accredited college/university. Transcripts must show degree(s) conferred.
Master's in physics, astronomy or astrophysics OR
Bachelor's in physics or astronomy AND Master's in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics
OR
the equivalent
EQUIVALENCYIf you are applying for equivalency, please attach the Master's Degree Discipline Equivalency form contained in the application packet and explain how your background is the equivalent.
Desirable Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will possess extraordinary interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, a passion for teaching, and the ability to effectively communicate with students to help them achieve their educational goals.
The ability to teach courses in astronomy, engineering, and/or computer science would be desirable, but not required.A willingness to participate in student clubs, MESA, star parties, planetarium shows, and outreach events would be desirable.Our department occasionally often seeks out grant opportunities and partnerships. For example, our department has partnered with NASA STEM Education programs involving student and faculty teams. A willingness to take on a leadership role in these efforts would be desirable.
Job Open Date: 10/30/2026
Job Close Date: 01/17/2027
Open Until Filled: No
Employment Begins: August 2027
# of Months: 10
Posting Number: F01382
Location: Contra Costa College
Salary:
Description of Position:
The Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science (APECS) Department at Contra Costa Community College is accepting applications for a Tenure-Track Faculty (full time and in-person). This assignment begins August 2027.Contra Costa College is seeking a full-time tenure track assistant professor in physics to begin in August 2027. The successful applicant will be well qualified to teach all lower division physics courses, including lectures and labs. Most of the courses are taught in-person. The range of classes the applicant may be required to teach include General Education (GE) physics, as well as the introductory Physics series for STEM majors. The ability to teach courses in astronomy, engineering, and/or computer science would be desirable, but not required.The student population of Contra Costa College (CCC) reflects its surrounding diverse communities. CCC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and serves predominantly historically disadvantaged and under-represented student groups including African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Latinx students. CCC is situated in a socioeconomically diverse, resilient, and culturally vibrant community. We seek candidates who embrace our community, our student population, and our central work: strengthening West County by meeting our students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.We seek candidates who operate with a growth mindset, a strength-based approach centered on students, and a commitment to equity, especially concerning the elimination of barriers to college access, success, and completion. The ideal candidate will be eager to help construct and maintain a culture of continuous improvement in instructional effectiveness.
Inquiries:
Amber Tu, Sr. Administrative Assistant, to VP of Equity and Instructionatu@contracosta.edu
Position Status: Tenure- Track
EEO Job Category: Faculty & Other Instructional Staff
Employee Group: Full-Time Faculty
Department: C7009-Physical Science
Duties and Responsibilities:
In addition to contractual duties, all full-time faculty are expected to participate actively in their disciplines, department activities, and the general intellectual life and governance of the college. Part of the teaching assignment may be in the evening and/or online. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. advancing equitable student learning through dedicated, exemplary instruction in accordance with established course outlines;
2. participating in the assessment of student learning outcomes for courses and programs; developing and implementing student learning outcomes assessment processes for courses and programs;
3. collaborating in the development and revision of curriculum and in program review;
4. engaging in department program improvement initiatives;
5. participating in department, division, and college committees;
6. participating in professional development activities, both departmental and college-wide;
7. maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter area and effective teaching/ learning strategies;
8. maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics;
9. informing students of course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance requirements;
10. preparing and grading class assignments and examinations and informing students of their academic progress;
11. maintaining attendance, scholastic, and personnel records and submitting them according to published deadlines;
12. posting and holding sufficient and regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy;
13. participating in College's shared governance processes.
Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience:
Understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and faculty.EDUCATIONNote: Degrees must be from an accredited college/university. Transcripts must show degree(s) conferred.
Master's in physics, astronomy or astrophysics OR
Bachelor's in physics or astronomy AND Master's in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics
OR
the equivalent
EQUIVALENCYIf you are applying for equivalency, please attach the Master's Degree Discipline Equivalency form contained in the application packet and explain how your background is the equivalent.
Desirable Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will possess extraordinary interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, a passion for teaching, and the ability to effectively communicate with students to help them achieve their educational goals.
The ability to teach courses in astronomy, engineering, and/or computer science would be desirable, but not required.A willingness to participate in student clubs, MESA, star parties, planetarium shows, and outreach events would be desirable.Our department occasionally often seeks out grant opportunities and partnerships. For example, our department has partnered with NASA STEM Education programs involving student and faculty teams. A willingness to take on a leadership role in these efforts would be desirable.
Job Open Date: 10/30/2026
Job Close Date: 01/17/2027
Open Until Filled: No
Employment Begins: August 2027
# of Months: 10
See All 72 Physics Jobs in California
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Find Physics JobsPhysics Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physics Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Electronics & Hardware
- 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 Tesla, UC San Diego, and University of California Berkeley, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 Los Angeles, San Diego, and Berkeley. 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 38% of physics openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 72 Physics Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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