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, focusing on earth model building in complex geological settings.
  • Proven experience delivering Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) and depth imaging on Gulf of Alaska or similar salt basins.
  • Strong background in Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) and streamer imaging techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence into geophysical applications.
  • Extensive project management experience with large, multi-stakeholder engagements.
  • Established client-interface skills including executive communication and workshop facilitation.
  • Proficient in Python, and comfortable working in Linux/HPC environments and ML frameworks.

Responsibilities

  • Execute large-scale programs, managing scope, schedule, budget, and risk.
  • Define key performance indicators, milestones, and report progress to leadership.
  • Lead multi-disciplinary teams, integrating specialties like imaging, processing, and data engineering.
  • Serve as the primary client contact, aligning strategy and overseeing technical reviews.
  • Set technical direction for complex imaging and earth model building strategies.
  • Oversee model building decisions including parameterization and convergence criteria.
  • Drive the adoption of ML/AI methods within production workflows.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to mentor and develop both junior and senior geophysicists.
  • Engagement with strategic programs that have significant impact in the geophysics industry.
  • Participation in industry technical forums and workshops (SEG, EAGE).
  • Involvement in cutting-edge projects integrating technology and geoscience.
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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