Physics Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Physics visa sponsorship jobs in California span national laboratories, aerospace contractors, and research universities. Employers like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Caltech, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory regularly hire international physicists. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Bay Area are the primary hiring hubs, with demand concentrated in research, semiconductor technology, and defense sectors.
Find Physics JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 20+ Physics Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
See all Physics Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Physics Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The EUV Source team in San Diego operates in a fast-paced, innovative, and highly technical environment to deliver next-generation products that support the commercialization of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology.
As a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer within the EUV Source Performance team, you will play a critical role in validating and optimizing EUV source performance to ensure products meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations.
You will contribute throughout the product development lifecycle by participating in technology development, system validation, performance improvement initiatives, and customer support activities. This role combines advanced physics, data analysis, experimental design, and hands-on engineering to solve complex technical challenges and enable world-class system performance.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer, you will:
- Develop system-level expertise on EUV light source performance, including laser generation and amplification, laser-plasma interactions, debris mitigation, and control systems.
- Apply theoretical models, scientific methods, and experimental techniques to analyze source performance across multiple technical disciplines.
- Design, execute, and document scientific experiments to validate and optimize prototype hardware and software performance.
- Develop and execute system and subsystem test plans, ensuring traceability of system requirements.
- Collect, process, and analyze large datasets using MATLAB, Python, and automated diagnostic tools.
- Troubleshoot complex performance issues, perform root-cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions and design improvements.
- Use advanced diagnostic equipment and analytical tools to characterize and validate system performance.
- Create clear technical documentation, communicate findings, and align recommendations with cross-functional stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with system architects, design engineers, scientists, manufacturing teams, customer support engineers, and senior leadership.
- Support customer escalations through remote and on-site troubleshooting, data analysis, and system recovery activities.
- Provide technical training and knowledge transfer to factory and field engineering teams.
- Travel as needed to support customer-site troubleshooting and performance recovery efforts.
- Ensure safe operation of equipment and adherence to ASML safety procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
To help us solve some of the semiconductor industry's most challenging technical problems, you'll need a strong background in plasma physics, optics, and complex system development. You'll need:
- Bachelor's degree in Plasma Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field. Master's or PhD preferred.
- Must possess 5 years of related experience.
- Experience with optics, laser-induced plasma, optical metrology, and/or control systems.
- Experience working with complex system integration and multidisciplinary engineering environments.
- Experience designing and executing scientific experiments for product development and validation.
- Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar data analysis and modeling tools.
- Experience with semiconductor equipment development is preferred.
- Hands-on experience operating optical, electrical, or plasma-related laboratory instrumentation is a plus.
SKILLS
Working at the forefront of semiconductor technology means solving complex challenges alongside a diverse team of scientists and engineers. Success in this role requires a combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and strong collaboration skills.
To thrive in this job, you'll need the following skills:
- Strong understanding of optics, lasers, plasma generation, and control systems.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis capabilities.
- Ability to translate technical requirements into comprehensive test plans and procedures.
- Ability to interpret and summarize large datasets and effectively communicate results through reports and visualizations.
- Strong laboratory and experimental skills, including operation of test and analytical equipment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams.
- Ability to create clear technical documentation, procedures, and work instructions.
- Self-directed with the ability to execute technical tasks with minimal supervision.
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to support high-priority field escalations and technical recovery efforts.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment.
OTHER INFORMATION
This position is located on-site in San Diego, CA. It requires onsite presence to attend in-person work-related events, trainings and meetings and to further ensure teamwork, collaboration and innovation.
A flexible workplace arrangement may be available to employees working in roles conducive to remote work (up to two days a week).
Routinely required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch. Occasionally required to move around the campus.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Must be willing to work in a clean room environment, wearing coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses and gloves for entire duration of shift.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch.
The current base annual salary range for this role is currently:
$117,750-176,625
Pay scales are determined by role, level, location and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members.
The Company offers employees and their families, medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to participate in the Company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive eight (8) hours of vacation leave every month and (13) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more information, please contact the Recruiter or click on this link Compensation & Benefits in the US.
All new ASML jobs have a minimum application deadline of 10 days.
This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.
REQUEST AN ACCOMMODATION
ASML provides reasonable accommodations to applicants for ASML employment and ASML employees with disabilities. An accommodation is a change in work rules, facilities, or conditions which enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of a job, and/or enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise participate in the employee pre-selection process, please send an email to USHR_Accommodation@asml.com to initiate the company’s reasonable accommodation process.
Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASML’s process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.
INTRODUCTION
The EUV Source team in San Diego operates in a fast-paced, innovative, and highly technical environment to deliver next-generation products that support the commercialization of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology.
As a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer within the EUV Source Performance team, you will play a critical role in validating and optimizing EUV source performance to ensure products meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations.
You will contribute throughout the product development lifecycle by participating in technology development, system validation, performance improvement initiatives, and customer support activities. This role combines advanced physics, data analysis, experimental design, and hands-on engineering to solve complex technical challenges and enable world-class system performance.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer, you will:
- Develop system-level expertise on EUV light source performance, including laser generation and amplification, laser-plasma interactions, debris mitigation, and control systems.
- Apply theoretical models, scientific methods, and experimental techniques to analyze source performance across multiple technical disciplines.
- Design, execute, and document scientific experiments to validate and optimize prototype hardware and software performance.
- Develop and execute system and subsystem test plans, ensuring traceability of system requirements.
- Collect, process, and analyze large datasets using MATLAB, Python, and automated diagnostic tools.
- Troubleshoot complex performance issues, perform root-cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions and design improvements.
- Use advanced diagnostic equipment and analytical tools to characterize and validate system performance.
- Create clear technical documentation, communicate findings, and align recommendations with cross-functional stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with system architects, design engineers, scientists, manufacturing teams, customer support engineers, and senior leadership.
- Support customer escalations through remote and on-site troubleshooting, data analysis, and system recovery activities.
- Provide technical training and knowledge transfer to factory and field engineering teams.
- Travel as needed to support customer-site troubleshooting and performance recovery efforts.
- Ensure safe operation of equipment and adherence to ASML safety procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
To help us solve some of the semiconductor industry's most challenging technical problems, you'll need a strong background in plasma physics, optics, and complex system development. You'll need:
- Bachelor's degree in Plasma Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field. Master's or PhD preferred.
- Must possess 5 years of related experience.
- Experience with optics, laser-induced plasma, optical metrology, and/or control systems.
- Experience working with complex system integration and multidisciplinary engineering environments.
- Experience designing and executing scientific experiments for product development and validation.
- Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar data analysis and modeling tools.
- Experience with semiconductor equipment development is preferred.
- Hands-on experience operating optical, electrical, or plasma-related laboratory instrumentation is a plus.
SKILLS
Working at the forefront of semiconductor technology means solving complex challenges alongside a diverse team of scientists and engineers. Success in this role requires a combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and strong collaboration skills.
To thrive in this job, you'll need the following skills:
- Strong understanding of optics, lasers, plasma generation, and control systems.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis capabilities.
- Ability to translate technical requirements into comprehensive test plans and procedures.
- Ability to interpret and summarize large datasets and effectively communicate results through reports and visualizations.
- Strong laboratory and experimental skills, including operation of test and analytical equipment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams.
- Ability to create clear technical documentation, procedures, and work instructions.
- Self-directed with the ability to execute technical tasks with minimal supervision.
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to support high-priority field escalations and technical recovery efforts.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment.
OTHER INFORMATION
This position is located on-site in San Diego, CA. It requires onsite presence to attend in-person work-related events, trainings and meetings and to further ensure teamwork, collaboration and innovation.
A flexible workplace arrangement may be available to employees working in roles conducive to remote work (up to two days a week).
Routinely required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch. Occasionally required to move around the campus.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Must be willing to work in a clean room environment, wearing coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses and gloves for entire duration of shift.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch.
The current base annual salary range for this role is currently:
$117,750-176,625
Pay scales are determined by role, level, location and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members.
The Company offers employees and their families, medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to participate in the Company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive eight (8) hours of vacation leave every month and (13) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more information, please contact the Recruiter or click on this link Compensation & Benefits in the US.
All new ASML jobs have a minimum application deadline of 10 days.
This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.
REQUEST AN ACCOMMODATION
ASML provides reasonable accommodations to applicants for ASML employment and ASML employees with disabilities. An accommodation is a change in work rules, facilities, or conditions which enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of a job, and/or enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise participate in the employee pre-selection process, please send an email to USHR_Accommodation@asml.com to initiate the company’s reasonable accommodation process.
Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASML’s process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.
Physics Job Roles in California
See all Physics Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Physics Jobs in CaliforniaPhysics Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for physicists in California?
California's national laboratories are among the most active sponsors, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Aerospace and defense employers such as Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Boeing also sponsor physics roles, particularly in Southern California. Semiconductor companies including Applied Materials and KLA sponsor physicists for materials and process research positions.
Which visa types are most common for physics roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for physics roles in California, as most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related field, satisfying the specialty occupation requirement. Postdoctoral researchers at universities frequently use J-1 visa exchange visitor status. Physicists with exceptional records of research achievement may qualify for the O-1A visa or employment-based green card categories such as EB-1A or EB-2 NIW.
Which cities in California have the most physics sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area leads, driven by national laboratories in Berkeley and Menlo Park, university research at UC Berkeley and Stanford, and semiconductor employers throughout Silicon Valley. Los Angeles and the surrounding region support significant demand through JPL in Pasadena, defense contractors in El Segundo and Torrance, and research institutions at UCLA and Caltech. San Diego also has a notable concentration in biophysics and photonics.
How to find physics visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters physics job listings to show only employers who sponsor visas, saving time spent researching individual company policies. You can search specifically for California-based physics roles spanning national laboratories, universities, and private sector employers. Because physics positions vary widely by specialization, filtering by subfield or employer type on Migrate Mate helps narrow results to roles that match your research background.
Are there state-specific considerations for physicists seeking visa sponsorship in California?
California's concentration of federally funded national laboratories means many physics positions are subject to security clearance requirements, which can restrict eligibility for some international candidates. Department of Energy facilities in particular often limit certain roles to U.S. persons. University postdoc positions offer more open access for international physicists. Prevailing wage determinations for physics roles in the Bay Area are among the highest in the country given regional cost of living, which employers must certify when filing H-1B Labor Condition Applications.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored physics jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.