It's not at all unusual in the U.S. for physics Ph.D.s to get hired into programming jobs. I can think of several people I've met fitting this description. Consulting companies seem to like the physics degree for entry-level programming work, although that observation is based on a pretty small sample size. The physics Ph.D. signifies capacity for abstract thought, problem-solving ability, a moderate level of technical experience, and above all a willingness to put up with a lot of pain and suffering to complete a project.