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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM PHYSICAL SCIENCES →

Optical Physicist

Optical physicists study light and use it to invent new technology. Their work goes into things like fibre optic cables that carry internet data, lasers for surgery, and telescopes that see into space.

Optical Physicist

28

Physical Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY28
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST73%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.

Organisations in this field

Organisations known to employ people in this area of work. This is not a list of current vacancies.

Thales GroupA global leader in advanced technologies, Thales offers exciting opportunities for Optical Physicists in defence and aerospace sectors.
BAE SystemsA major player in defence and aerospace, BAE Systems provides innovative roles for Optical Physicists focused on cutting-edge technologies.
RenishawRenishaw is a pioneer in measurement and healthcare technologies, offering Optical Physicists the chance to work on groundbreaking projects.
University College London (UCL)As a leading research institution, UCL provides opportunities for Optical Physicists to engage in cutting-edge research and education.