Are You Interested in Physics?
Physics is a natural science whose goal is to understand how everything in the universe behaves. It is the study of the relationships of objects, both big and small, and helps us understand energy, gravity and the way things move. Physics provides the foundation for other sciences and has led to great discoveries and technological feats like computers, lasers and sustainable energy solutions.
“We don’t have to be in the Navy to work for NAVAIR. There are a lot of civilian employees who are doing great work for the Navy.”
Harris Tanveer
Systems Engineer
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
Types of Careers in Physics
Accelerator Operator
Acoustic Physicist
Aerospace Systems Engineer
Astronomer
Astrophysicist
Atomic Physicist
Biophysicist
Chemical Physicist
Computational Scientist
Cosmologist
Data Analyst
Data Scientist
Design Engineer
Electro-Optic Engineer
High-Density Research Physicist
Infrared Sensor Engineer
Laser Engineer
Materials Scientist
Mathematical Physicist
Medical Physicist
Meteorologist
Molecular Physicist
Nanotechnology Research Physicist
National Science Manager
Nuclear Physicist
Optical Engineer or Physicist
Particle Physicist
Plasma Physicist
Process Engineer
Quantitative Research Analyst
Quantum Scientist
Software Developer
Solar Physicist
Space Operations Specialist
Systems Analyst
Technical Specialist
Technical Writer
Plus Many More!
Physics Jobs in Action at the DoD
“I’ve been able to work on a lot of different projects and contribute in a lot of different areas. DoD cares about you as an employee.”
Dr. Turhan Carroll
Turhan Carroll, Ph.D.
Research PhysicistAir Force Research Laboratory
What he likes most about working for the AFRL and the DoD are the opportunities for professional growth and the autonomy he has over his research projects.
His advice for students and new professionals is to be flexible and to communicate career desires and intentions to the boss and management.
Learn More about Physics through these Opportunities
Premier College Internship Program
The Premier College Internship Program provides undergraduate juniors and seniors with an opportunity to intern with the Air Force and enter into a path that could lead to a career as a scientist or engineer with the Air Force.
Students
Griffiss Institute Summer Internship Program
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate offers paid summer internships for students to work on-site with AFRL researchers on a wide variety of research projects in technical fields, including electrical and computer engineering, mathematics and physics.
Students
Early-career professionals