12 Jobs You Can Get in the Military With a Physics Degree

The career paths for graduates of physics degree programs often lead to engineering work, academia, or working as a high school physics teacher. These career options aren't the only ones available to physics majors. There are multiple positions in the military for psychics majors, whether you earned a bachelor's degree or a master's degree.

Physics degree programs cover many skills that will apply to nuclear and mechanical engineering careers. However, soft skills like problem-solving and research can be used in non-physics-related roles.

Top Military Careers for Physics Degree Holders

Earning a bachelor's degree in physics entitles you to two things: to apply for specialized positions in each military branch and attend Officer Training School (OTS) to achieve commissioned officer status. Some positions might require you to attend graduate school to apply for the position.

1. Nuclear Physicist

Nuclear engineering in the military has two main capacities. Nuclear power is a power source for some bases and equipment, like submarines. The Navy uses nuclear physicists to develop new technologies around this power to improve efficiency and capabilities.

The military also uses nuclear physicists in both developing new weapons and researching the weapon capabilities of foreign powers in association with intelligence agencies.

2. Weapons Systems Engineer

Weapons system engineers help design new weapons, such as missiles. These weapons systems require knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering. These engineers work in larger teams, sometimes across branches or with private-sector contractors. Communication skills and the ability to use physics to solve complex problems are a must.

3. Defense Scientist

Defense scientists are responsible for researching homeland security projects and identifying threats. These scientists work with agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to design new technologies to secure American assets. Defense scientists need to understand computer programming, and applied physics, and be eligible for an advanced security clearance.

4. Electromagnetic Systems Specialist

Electronic systems and networks have created new vulnerabilities that foreign threats can target. Electromagnetic systems specialists work to identify and eliminate weaknesses in domestic systems while being able to exploit weaknesses in foreign systems. This role balances defense and offense, depending on a given project.

5. Systems Engineer

Systems engineers are ultimately problem solvers. These engineers coordinate people, services, and processes to achieve different tasks. This often involves using computer science and applied physics to develop new technologies for national security and counter-terrorism efforts.

6. Aerospace Engineer

For decades NASA was the preeminent destination for astrophysics majors. Space Force and the Air Force have begun to develop divisions that involve aerospace technology. This is a highly specialized field of engineering that combines:

• astrophysics
• mechanical engineering
• electrical engineering

Aerospace engineers design spacecraft, satellites, and related technologies.

7. Materials Scientist

Materials scientists work with different materials to understand how they can be applied in various situations. These materials are studied at an atomic level to understand density, structure, and possible applications. These scientists work closely with other military engineers and the private sector to develop new technologies, weapons, and protective measures like body armor.

8. Data Scientist

Data science is a form of computer science that collects and analyzes advanced data for decision-making and problem-solving. Modern data science uses data and algorithms for machine learning and artificial intelligence programs. Military data scientists use their skills to analyze the performance of service members and technology to help senior leaders strategize accordingly.

9. Experimental Physicist

Military scientists engage in experiments and research projects to develop new technologies. These projects involve experimental physicists testing theories and collecting data. Physicists and engineers use the data to complete weapons and technology design initiatives. This work is often highly classified and requires applicants to be eligible for high-level security clearances.

10. Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts gather and collect data on foreign threats that can be used to develop security measures. These analysts don't often do physics-based work, but many physics skills can be applied to this role. Intelligence work relies heavily on data collection and analysis, both are hallmarks of a physics major. Additional skills like writing reports explaining findings are similar to the reports physicists write to explain their research projects.

11. Signal Processing Engineer

Signal processors create and monitor digital signal systems. These signals are used in various technologies to help display data as analog values. This advanced form of engineering involves data science and computer science and often works with civilian contractors.

12. Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts work to review processes and various operation processes to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. This is another role that isn't inherently physics-based, but physicists have many skills that will prepare them to do this work well.

This role uses data science to review and analyze these systems. An operations research analyst also needs problem-solving and communication skills to look at systems, find solutions, and convey them to decision-makers for approval.

FAQs About Military Careers for Physics Degree Holders

Most physics majors don't know about the career paths available to them in the military. It's common for physics degree holders to have questions about their career opportunities using their degrees directly and in related roles.

Does the Air Force Hire Physicists?

Yes, the Air Force hires physicists. The Air Force uses physicists to develop new technologies for their aircraft and weaponry systems, like guided missiles. The Air Force isn't the only military branch with career paths for physicists. All of the major branches of the military will have positions available for qualified physics degree holders.

What Are the Benefits of a Physics Degree in the Military?

Physics degrees have multiple benefits for military members. The first is that many specialized roles within the military are only available to physics majors. These roles usually only require a bachelor's degree, while some might require a graduate degree.

A secondary benefit is that all military branches require a bachelor's degree to earn commissioned officer status, and a physics degree qualifies.

The final benefit of a physics degree is that these degree programs teach many skills that can apply to roles and positions in the military, even outside of physics-based roles, like problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.

How Does a Physics Degree Impact Career Advancement in the Military?

A physics degree has a twofold impact on military career advancement. First, a bachelor's degree is required to become a commissioned officer. Having a degree can lead to a higher rank and pay grade. Additionally, having specialized training will allow you to pursue different roles that can increase your pay and lead to command positions of advanced teams.