Physics Jobs in Virginia
Physics jobs in Virginia are concentrated in defense research, national laboratories, and federal contractor work, with strong demand across Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond corridor. Major employers with deep Virginia roots include Leidos, Northrop Grumman, and the Naval Research Laboratory, all of which maintain substantial physics and applied science workforces in the state. The most sought-after specialties are nuclear physics, optics and photonics, and computational modeling tied to defense and intelligence applications. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 38+ Physics jobs
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under direction of the school principal, plan and provide for appropriate learning experiences for students. Provide an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of individuals to ensure success for every student. Supervise students in a variety of school related settings. Monitor and evaluate student outcomes. Communicate and interact with students, parents, staff, and community. Develop, select, and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of all students. Maintain appropriate records and follows required procedures and practices. Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Plan a program of study that, as much as possible, meet the needs, interests, and abilities of students.
- On a regular and consistent basis, meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
- Create a classroom environment that provides for student involvement in the learning process and enable each student to achieve learning objectives.
- Provide an instructional program to meet the needs of all students.
- Prepare for classes assigned and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate superior.
- Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with the goals, establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects and the like to communicate these objectives to students.
- Establish learning objectives consistent with appraisal of student needs, requirements of VBCPS curriculum framework and knowledge of human growth and development.
- Plan for and utilize instructional methods, resources and evaluation techniques which motivate and enable each student to achieve learning objectives.
- Take all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, VBCPS policy and administrative regulation.
- Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
- Make provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
- Establish relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual.
- Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
- Appraise his/her own effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness. Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Participate in school management and share responsibility for the total school program.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
- Perform other duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of VBCPS curriculum and techniques for integrating curriculum, VBCPS policies and effective instructional practices; thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process; ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education; ability to infuse technology into curriculum; ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school based staff, students, parents and community; excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required: Bachelor's Degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university. Must have or be eligible for a teacher license from the Virginia Department of Education.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Frequent sitting, walking, standing, bending, grasping, fingering, repetitive motion, and reaching. Occasional stooping and kneeling. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds rarely. Requires timely and regular adherence to established work schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid driver's license. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Please see "Job Posting Link" below for a complete job description.
External Applicants: If you are interested in applying for this position, you must create an account. Please select "Login and Apply" from the bottom of this posting. After creating an account, please login, complete the online application, and apply for this job.
Eligible Internal Applicants: Follow these instructions to complete a transfer application. After creating an account, please complete the application and apply for this job.
Salary Range: $57,801-$90,347
Salary will be based on job-related creditable years of full-time, verified work experience. Entry-level salary will be awarded at the time of hire. Upon the return of employment verification forms from the candidate's current and previous employers, the salary will be adjusted if creditable full-time experience is confirmed.
VBCPS offers a full range of benefits including health insurance, paid life insurance, paid sick/personal reasons leave, tuition reimbursement, professional development and membership in the Virginia Retirement System.
Instructional Experience-Based Step Pay Scale (Standard Teaching)
Virginia Beach City Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, disability, marital status, age, genetic information or veteran status in its programs and activities. (Reference: School Board Policies 2-33,4-4,4-6)
To seek resolution of grievances resulting from alleged discrimination or to report violations of these policies, please contact the Chief Human Resources Officer at (757) 263-1133,2512 George Mason Drive, Municipal Center, Building 6, Virginia Beach, VA, 23456.
Alternative formats of this application which may include taped, Braille, or large print materials are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Call or write the Department of Human Resources, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, 2512 George Mason Drive, P.O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. Telephone: (757) 263-1133 (voice); (757) 263-1240 (TDD) or email at: vbcpshr@vbschools.com.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under direction of the school principal, plan and provide for appropriate learning experiences for students. Provide an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of individuals to ensure success for every student. Supervise students in a variety of school related settings. Monitor and evaluate student outcomes. Communicate and interact with students, parents, staff, and community. Develop, select, and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of all students. Maintain appropriate records and follows required procedures and practices. Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Plan a program of study that, as much as possible, meet the needs, interests, and abilities of students.
- On a regular and consistent basis, meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
- Create a classroom environment that provides for student involvement in the learning process and enable each student to achieve learning objectives.
- Provide an instructional program to meet the needs of all students.
- Prepare for classes assigned and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate superior.
- Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with the goals, establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects and the like to communicate these objectives to students.
- Establish learning objectives consistent with appraisal of student needs, requirements of VBCPS curriculum framework and knowledge of human growth and development.
- Plan for and utilize instructional methods, resources and evaluation techniques which motivate and enable each student to achieve learning objectives.
- Take all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, VBCPS policy and administrative regulation.
- Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
- Make provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
- Establish relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual.
- Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
- Appraise his/her own effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness. Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Participate in school management and share responsibility for the total school program.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
- Perform other duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of VBCPS curriculum and techniques for integrating curriculum, VBCPS policies and effective instructional practices; thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process; ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education; ability to infuse technology into curriculum; ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school based staff, students, parents and community; excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required: Bachelor's Degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university. Must have or be eligible for a teacher license from the Virginia Department of Education.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Frequent sitting, walking, standing, bending, grasping, fingering, repetitive motion, and reaching. Occasional stooping and kneeling. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds rarely. Requires timely and regular adherence to established work schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid driver's license. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Please see "Job Posting Link" below for a complete job description.
External Applicants: If you are interested in applying for this position, you must create an account. Please select "Login and Apply" from the bottom of this posting. After creating an account, please login, complete the online application, and apply for this job.
Eligible Internal Applicants: Follow these instructions to complete a transfer application. After creating an account, please complete the application and apply for this job.
Salary Range: $57,801-$90,347
Salary will be based on job-related creditable years of full-time, verified work experience. Entry-level salary will be awarded at the time of hire. Upon the return of employment verification forms from the candidate's current and previous employers, the salary will be adjusted if creditable full-time experience is confirmed.
VBCPS offers a full range of benefits including health insurance, paid life insurance, paid sick/personal reasons leave, tuition reimbursement, professional development and membership in the Virginia Retirement System.
Instructional Experience-Based Step Pay Scale (Standard Teaching)
Virginia Beach City Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, disability, marital status, age, genetic information or veteran status in its programs and activities. (Reference: School Board Policies 2-33,4-4,4-6)
To seek resolution of grievances resulting from alleged discrimination or to report violations of these policies, please contact the Chief Human Resources Officer at (757) 263-1133,2512 George Mason Drive, Municipal Center, Building 6, Virginia Beach, VA, 23456.
Alternative formats of this application which may include taped, Braille, or large print materials are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Call or write the Department of Human Resources, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, 2512 George Mason Drive, P.O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. Telephone: (757) 263-1133 (voice); (757) 263-1240 (TDD) or email at: vbcpshr@vbschools.com.
See All 38 Physics Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Physics JobsPhysics Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physics Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physics jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in physics or a closely related scientific field
- Active U.S. security clearance or demonstrated eligibility to obtain one
- Experience with experimental laboratory methods or high-performance computational modeling
- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW
- Familiarity with defense, aerospace, or government research program environments
- Strong technical writing ability for proposals, reports, and peer review documentation
Physics Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a physicist in Virginia?
Most physics positions in Virginia require at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related field, with research or government roles typically requiring a master's or doctorate. Virginia does not issue a state license for physicists, so hiring is credential-driven rather than board-regulated. Candidates pursuing federal contractor or national laboratory roles should plan for security clearance vetting early, as that process is a de facto gate for the majority of Virginia physics positions.
Which companies hire physicists in Virginia?
Virginia physics roles are posted by William & Mary, Northern VA Community College, and Virginia Community College System and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense contractors and federal agency satellite offices means large systems integrators and government-sponsored research institutions account for the bulk of consistent openings.
Which Virginia cities have the most physics jobs?
Virginia, Manassas, and Lexington are the cities with the most physics openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia dominates because of its density of defense contractors and federal agency offices, while Hampton Roads draws heavily from Naval Station Norfolk and adjacent research commands, making both regions strong markets even though they serve very different mission areas.
Are there remote physics jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 67% of physics openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on and security-clearance requirements that come with most defense and laboratory roles. Computational physics, data analysis, and modeling work are the sub-areas where remote arrangements appear most often.
How can I get hired as a physicist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through internships or cooperative education programs at Virginia-based national laboratories and federal contractors such as Leidos, SAIC, or the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. New graduates with strong coursework in optics, nuclear physics, or computational modeling and an ability to begin the security clearance process are competitive for junior research associate and systems analyst roles. Building a portfolio of research projects or publications, even from undergraduate thesis work, meaningfully strengthens applications in this market.
Where can I find and apply to physics jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to physics jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense contractors, research institutions, and government-adjacent employers. Search the listings, identify the roles that fit your background and clearance level, and apply directly through each posting.
See All 38 Physics Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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