TGSNOPEC

Principal Geophysicist

TGSNOPEC$130K — $180K *
Energy & Utilities
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Geophysics, Geology, Physics, or Computer Science
  • 20+ years of experience in seismic processing and imaging
  • Proven delivery of FWI and depth imaging techniques
  • Strong background in both OBN and streamer imaging
  • Demonstrated application of ML/AI in seismic problems
  • Proven track record in project management for large engagements
  • Excellent client-facing skills with a leadership presence
  • Mentoring experience in technical team settings
  • Proficient in Python, comfortable with Linux/HPC environments

Responsibilities

  • Lead execution of large, multi-workstream geophysics programs
  • Define and report on key performance indicators and milestones
  • Direct multi-disciplinary teams across various domains
  • Interface with clients to align on technical strategy and lead reviews
  • Establish technical strategy for imaging and earth model building
  • Guide decision-making on modeling parameters and strategies
  • Drive integration of machine learning methods into workflows

Benefits

  • Mentorship opportunities and team development
  • Participation in industry forums and workshops
  • Exposure to cutting-edge technologies in geophysics
  • Collaboration with a diverse range of disciplines
  • Involvement in high-impact projects with significant visibility
Full Job Description
10451 Clay Road
Houston, United States

Posting Start Date: 6/25/26

Field of Work: Geoscience / Geophysics

Req Id: 721

Job Summary

Provide principal level technical leadership across complex seismic imaging and earth model building, while owning end-to-end delivery of large, strategic programs. The Principal Geophysicist sets the technical vision spanning depth imaging, EMB and ML/AI workflows, leads multi-disciplinary teams, and serves as a senior client-facing authority for technical strategy and program execution.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Delivery
  • Own execution of large, multi-workstream programs: scope, schedule, budget, risk, and governance.
  • Define KPIs, milestones, and decision gates; report progress to TGS and client leadership.
  • Lead multi-disciplinary teams across imaging, processing, R&T, data engineering, and commercial.
  • Serve as senior client interface, align on strategy, lead technical reviews, and translate tradeoffs into business decisions.


Technical Direction
  • Set technical strategy for complex imaging and FWI-driven earth model building across OBN (sparse/dense) and streamer data.
  • Guide model building decisions: parameterization, anisotropy strategy, multi-scale design, convergence criteria, and uncertainty framing.
  • Drive integration of ML/AI methods into production workflows (denoising, interpolation, velocity estimation, imaging enhancement).


Collaboration & Capability Building
  • Partner with R&T to mature new methods from prototype to production.
  • Mentor senior and junior geophysicists; raise team capability in FWI, OBN, subsalt imaging, and ML workflows.
  • Represent TGS in technical forums, client workshops, and industry venues (SEG, EAGE).


Required Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Geophysics, Geology, Physics, Computer Science.
  • 20+ years in seismic processing and imaging, with deep expertise in earth model building in complex geology.
  • Proven delivery of FWI and depth imaging (RTM/LS-RTM, tomography) on GoA or comparable salt basins.
  • Strong experience with OBN (sparse and dense) and streamer imaging.
  • Demonstrated application of ML/AI to seismic or geophysical problems.
  • Proven program/project management track record on large, multi-stakeholder engagements: scope, schedule, budget, and risk.
  • Established client-facing leadership: trusted advisor role, executive communication, and workshop/proposal experience.
  • Track record of mentoring and leading technical teams.
  • Python proficiency; comfort with Linux/HPC environments and ML frameworks


Preferred Qualifications
  • PMP or equivalent program management credential.
  • Publications, patents, or recognized internal technology leadership in imaging, inversion, or ML for geophysics.
  • Experience leading multi-year, multi-stakeholder programs.


If you meet the qualifications and are passionate contributing to our team, we encourage you to submit your application by 07/31/2026.

About TGSNOPEC

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA is a Norwegian geoscience company that provides a range of services to the oil and gas industry. The company specializes in the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of seismic data, and offers a range of products and services to help oil and gas companies make informed decisions about exploration and production. TGS-NOPEC has a global presence, with operations in over 50 countries, and has been recognized for its innovative approach to geoscience and its commitment to sustainability.
Learn more about TGSNOPEC
Size
4,500 employees
Industry

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