Physicist

Leidos; Wharton (TX); On-site; USD 58,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Defense Sector of Leidos is seeking a Physicist at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ. You will design and execute experiments involving lasers, plasmonics, high-voltage pulsed power supplies and energetic materials, and model results with Python.

Qualifications include a BS in Physics with 0-2 years of experience, extensive lab work, proficiency with oscilloscopes, and a strong background in plasma physics and thermoplasmonic effects. U.S. citizenship required.

Qualifications

• BS in Physics or related field with 0-2 years experience.
• Extensive hands-on laboratory experience with experimental design and data collection.
• Proficiency with diagnostic instrumentation (oscilloscopes; high‑voltage pulsed power).
• Experience with thermodynamic modeling, numerical simulations and predictive analysis.
• Strong foundation in plasma physics and advanced electrodynamics.
• Academic or research background in plasmonic/thermoplasmonic effects.
• Knowledge of semiconductor physics, fabrication or device characterization.
• Hands-on experience with Class 4 high‑power lasers and laser safety

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments involving lasers, plasmonics, HV pulsed power and energetic materials.
• Model experiment results using Python or similar codebase.
• Prepare technical reports and briefings; brief audiences with varying technical knowledge.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions for new proposals.

Skills

Laser physics

Experimental design

Oscilloscopes

Pulsed power

Thermodynamics modeling

Plasma physics

Semiconductor physics

Python

Education

BS in Physics

Job description

The Defense Sector of Leidos is looking for a Physicist at its Picatinny Arsenal, NJ location.

• Primary Responsibilities.
  • Design and execute experiments involving, but not limited to, lasers, plasmonics, high-voltage pulsed power supplies and energetic materials.
• Model experiment results using Python or other code.
• Prepare technical reports and briefings; brief audiences with varying technical knowledge.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions for new proposal ideas.
• Perform literature searches to maintain awareness of latest advancements in plasmonics, electrodynamics, laser technology, diagnostic instrumentation, and safety protocols.
• Basic Qualifications.
  • BS in Physics or related field with 0-2 years relevant experience.
• Extensive hands-on laboratory experience, including experimental design and structured data collection.
• Proficiency with diagnostic instrumentation, specifically oscilloscopes and high-voltage pulsed power supplies.
• Proven experience in thermodynamic modeling, numerical simulations, and predictive analysis.
• Solid theoretical foundation in plasma physics and advanced electrodynamics.
• Demonstrated academic or research background in plasmonic and thermoplasmonic effects.
• Strong working knowledge of semiconductor physics, fabrication technology, or device characterization.
• Hands-on operational experience with Class 4 high-power lasers, including a strong commitment to established laser safety protocols.
• Extensive hands-on laboratory experience, including experimental design and structured data collection.
• Proficiency with diagnostic instrumentation, specifically oscilloscopes and high-voltage pulsed power supplies.
• Proven experience in thermodynamic modeling, numerical simulations, and predictive analysis.
• Solid theoretical foundation in plasma physics and advanced electrodynamics.
• Demonstrated academic or research background in plasmonic and thermoplasmonic effects.
• Strong working knowledge of semiconductor physics, fabrication technology, or device characterization.
• Hands-on operational experience with Class 4 high-power lasers, including a strong commitment to established laser safety protocols.
• US Citizenship required.

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 24, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.