Staff Geophysicist
Terra AI
Redwood City, CA, USA
Location
Redwood City Office
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Geosciences
Terra AI is building a new category at the intersection of artificial intelligence, geoscience, and critical resource development.
As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge: traditional exploration methods remain slow, expensive, and highly uncertain. Terra AI was founded to help solve this problem by redefining how critical resources are discovered, evaluated, and developed.
By combining advanced machine learning, probabilistic modeling, and deep geoscience expertise, Terra AI helps exploration and mining companies make faster, more informed subsurface decisions with greater confidence and capital efficiency. The company’s platform integrates geological, geophysical, and drilling data into intelligent systems designed to improve targeting accuracy, accelerate discovery timelines, and reduce exploration risk.
Backed by leading investors including Khosla Ventures and working alongside strategic industry partners including Rio Tinto, Ero Copper, and Ramaco Resources, Terra AI is emerging as one of the more closely watched AI-native companies operating within the mining and critical minerals sector.
Terra AI’s mission is to define the new global standard for data-driven critical resource development — breaking the cost and time curve required to support electrification, energy security, and the global energy transition.
The company operates with a strong partnership mentality, combining technical rigor, candid communication, continual learning, and environmental stewardship to help modern exploration teams solve some of the world’s most important resource challenges.
Role
We are seeking a broadly capable applied geophysicist with exposure across multiple geophysical methods to help run and deliver geophysical modeling programs supporting mineral exploration initiatives. This role will work closely with Terra AI’s technical teams to integrate geophysical modeling, probabilistic workflows, and geological interpretation into modern exploration decision-making.
QA/QC and process geophysical datasets acquired through external exploration programs
Build forward models and support geophysical interpretation workflows
Compare modeled and observed datasets to refine subsurface interpretations
Produce technical reports, visualizations, and exploration recommendations
Work within Python-based geophysical modeling environments and reproducible workflows
Collaborate closely with geologists and technical stakeholders across exploration programs
Support the continued development of scalable geophysical modeling workflows
Qualifications
Experience in applied or exploration geophysics
Strong experience with electromagnetic and/or potential field methods
Experience contributing to or leading geophysical modeling programs
Strong analytical or programming capabilities within Python-based environments
Familiarity with geophysical modeling tools such as SimPEG or similar platforms
Experience with geophysical data QA/QC and technical reporting
Exposure to inversion workflows, probabilistic modeling, or collaborative software development practices is considered beneficial
We recognize that exceptional geophysicists may come from a variety of technical, academic, and industry backgrounds. If your experience aligns strongly with the role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification.
Compensation & Benefits
$185,000 - $250,000 usd. + Equity
In accordance with California law, Terra AI provides a good faith base salary range for roles that may be performed in California. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and market considerations. In addition to base salary, total compensation may include performance bonus opportunities, equity participation, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Terra AI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.