Principal Geophysicist

TGS; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

TGS is seeking a Principal Geophysicist to lead seismic imaging and earth model building initiatives in Houston, TX. You will own end-to-end delivery of large programs, setting the technical vision, and guiding cross-disciplinary teams.

The role requires 20+ years in seismic processing, expertise in FWI and depth imaging, and a proven record of client-facing leadership. You will mentor geophysicists and advance ML/AI integration into production workflows.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Geophysics, Geology, Physics or Computer Science.
• 20+ years in seismic processing and imaging with deep earth model building experience.
• Proven delivery of FWI and depth imaging (RTM/LS-RTM, tomography) on GoA or comparable 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.
• Established client-facing leadership: trusted advisor role, executive communication, and workshop/proposal experience.
• Python proficiency; comfort with Linux/HPC environments and ML frameworks

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Python proficiency

ML/AI in geophysics

Leadership

Geophysics expertise

Education

MS or PhD in Geophysics/Geology/Physics/CS

Tools

Python

Job description

TGS provides scientific data and intelligence to the global energy sector, enabling energy for all by unlocking vital, data‑driven solutions and knowledge. Through an extensive and diverse energy data library, advanced analytics, cloud‑based applications, and specialized services, we work in a way that is Passionate, Results‑Driven, Collaborative, and Responsible.

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.