Senior Geophysicist

SYSTRA; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SYSTRA Canada is seeking a senior geophysicist to lead geophysical studies in support of transport infrastructure design. You will supervise an internal team and manage subcontractors, with a strong emphasis on GIS/BIM integration and design reviews.

The role requires deep technical expertise in multi-method geophysics, project leadership, and the ability to communicate across FR/EN and to diverse clients while maintaining field presence on site across Canada.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Geophysics, Geosciences, Geological Engineering or related field.
• Registration with a professional order (P.Geo. preferred).
• 12–15+ years in applied geophysics leading field campaigns.
• 8–12+ years with Ph.D. in multiparameter modelling/inversion and design translation.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-method geophysical campaigns (GPR, seismic, ERT/IP, EM, gravity, magnetics).
• Integrate data into GIS/BIM with traceability, metadata and reproducibility.
• Deliver design value: processing and 2D/3D inversions; produce maps and hazard zoning.
• Manage 1–3 technicians/engineers and oversee subcontractors end-to-end.
• Ensure regulatory compliance; communicate with FR/EN stakeholders; 30–40% field presence.

Skills

Geophysics expertise

Leadership

Multimethod field campaigns

Bilingual French/English

Project management

Education

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Geophysics/Geosciences/Geological Engineering

Professional registration (OIQ/OGQ/APGO/PEGNL) or P.Geo. preferred

Tools

GIS

BIM

Job description

SYSTRA Canada is part of the SYSTRA group, an international consulting and engineering group, a world leader in the design of transport infrastructures. SYSTRA Canada is an engineering and consulting firm whose primary focus is to offer transportation solutions, whether for passengers or goods: feasibility studies of building a new railway line, increasing the capacity of the existing infrastructure, privatization of a railway.

Context

SYSTRA Canada is seeking a senior geophysicist to lead geophysical studies in support of transport infrastructure design, supervise an internal team, and manage subcontractors. This is a high-value engineering role with deep integration into GIS/BIM models and design reviews.

Missions/Main Duties

• Lead multi-method geophysical campaigns (GPR, seismic refraction/MASW, ERT/IP, EM, gravity, magnetics; crosshole/downhole) aligned with engineering/environmental objectives, balancing risk–cost–schedule.
• Integrate data and models into GIS/BIM deliverables with full traceability, metadata, and reproducibility.
• Deliver design value: tailor acquisition schemes, execute processing and 2D/3D inversions (Vs/Vp, resistivity, density, permittivity), and produce maps/anomalies, isopachs, hazard zoning, and actionable recommendations.
• Manage 1–3 technicians/engineers and oversee subcontractors end‑to‑end (specs, HSE, QA/QC, permits/coactivity, field audits, validation and acceptance against KPIs).
• Ensure regulatory compliance and proactive FR/EN stakeholder communication; present at design reviews; maintain 30–40% field presence.

Profile/Skills

Education: M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Geophysics, Geosciences, Geological Engineering, or a related discipline. Registration or eligibility with a professional order (OIQ/OGQ/APGO/PEGNL); P.Geo. preferred. Years of Experience: M.Sc. track: 12–15+ years in applied geophysics (civil/mining/geotechnical), leading complex field campaigns, GIS/BIM integration, and subcontractor oversight. Ph.D. track: 8–12+ years with proven expertise in 2D/3D multiparameter modelling/inversion and translating results into design decisions.

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency in methods: GPR, seismic refraction/MASW, ERT/IP, EM, gravity, magnetics; crosshole/downhole testing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in French and English.
• Reason for bilingual requirement: You will collaborate with a diverse client base, including French- and English-speaking organizations. Bilingualism is essential to build strong client relationships, understand specific needs, and communicate effectively in their preferred language.

Personal And Soft Skills

• Leadership and mentorship.
• Autonomy and organization.
• Rigor and innovation mindset.
• Multi-project and priority management.

Practical Requirements

Mobility across Ontario and Quebec initially, with potential assignments on other corridors in Canada.

Valid driver’s license. Familiarity with railway safety and work within active rail rights-of-way (an asset).

SYSTRA Canada is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values applications from all and offers employment equity based on the merits and abilities of candidates and personnel.

Note: In this description, the masculine gender is used for easy reading purposes and includes the feminine.

We use AI-enabled tools in our recruitment platform (iCIMS) for tasks like resume parsing and candidate matching. These tools do not make hiring decisions; all applications are reviewed by a human recruiter, and final decisions are made by our hiring team.

For questions about our hiring process or AI tools, please contact [e-mail].