Principal Geologist

About the role

This role owns the end-to-end geological assessment of subsea geothermal prospects globally, setting the technical direction for site selection and validation. You will integrate marine geology, drilling engineering, and subsurface data to de-risk frontier thermal resources beneath the ocean. The position requires operating at the intersection of science and execution, making high-impact decisions with limited precedent and incomplete information. You will translate complex geological observations into clear strategies that allow engineering and operations teams to move rapidly. Success in this role depends on a rare blend of scholarly expertise and scrappy, founder-like accountability for energy resource potential. You will work closely with founders and operators to turn early-stage concepts into deployable field programs. Your analysis will directly influence where and how we drill, test, and validate subsea geothermal systems over multi-year timelines. This is a hands-on role where your expertise determines the viability of large-scale, baseload clean energy infrastructure under the sea.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Take ownership of geological and drilling decision-making with limited oversight and tight timelines.
• Lead geological site assessment and characterization for subsea geothermal installations along mid-ocean ridges and hydrothermal systems.
• Develop drilling strategies and wellbore designs optimized for subsea geothermal energy extraction.
• Analyze seafloor geology, heat flow patterns, and hydrothermal fluid characteristics to identify optimal drilling locations.
• Interpret geophysical surveys, bathymetric data, and subsurface imaging to map geological structures and thermal anomalies.
• Design and oversee geological sampling programs using ROVs, submersibles, and specialized drilling equipment.
• Collaborate with marine operations teams to plan and execute subsea drilling campaigns.
• Rapidly assess geological risks including seismic activity, seafloor stability, and thermal system variability.
• Create geological models to predict long-term reservoir performance and system sustainability.
• Support environmental impact assessments and regulatory permitting processes.
• Work across multiple disciplines - from geology to engineering to business development - as needed to move projects forward.
• Champion data-driven decision-making while navigating uncertainty and rapidly incorporating new field measurements.
• Represent geological perspectives in cross-functional discussions, ensuring subsurface constraints are reflected in project plans.
• Continuously update technical documentation and subsurface frameworks to reflect learning from deployments.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's or master's degree in Geology, or Petroleum Engineering or related discipline, with an MS or PhD preferred.
• Possess direct experience with drilling operations, including oil and gas, geothermal systems (including EGS), and/or deep water wells exceeding 2,000 ft.
• Demonstrate a track record managing drilling projects with cumulative budgets in the $10M-$100M+ range.
• Show familiarity with drilling techniques, wellbore design, and completion techniques relevant to subsurface resource extraction.
• Bring 4+ years of experience in the subsurface fluid resource sector, such as oil and gas, solution mining, or geothermal.
• Prefer prior operational experience as a subsurface professional or at an energy resource operator.
• Exhibit demonstrated ability to manage project budgets and control costs in complex technical environments.
• Have experience interpreting geophysical data, well logs, and other subsurface geological information to inform decisions.
• Possess a background in hydrothermal systems, volcanic geology, or geothermal resource assessment.
• Thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with minimal structure and maximum autonomy.
• Comfort making critical geological decisions with incomplete data and tight deadlines.
• Maintain a strong bias toward action and hands-on problem solving in technical and field settings.
• Show excellent adaptability and willingness to tackle challenges outside traditional geological scope.
• Commit to working in alignment with high standards for safety, environmental stewardship, and operational rigor.
• Be prepared to communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders, balancing technical depth with concise decision framing.

Nice to have

• Offshore geoscience operations experience, including field work on research vessels or offshore drilling platforms.
• Hands-on experience with ROV/AUV operations and subsea geological sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of reservoir engineering principles and geothermal fluid dynamics.
• Familiarity with seafloor drilling systems, including riserless drilling, seafloor templates, and subsea wellheads.
• Experience conducting geological risk assessment for offshore energy projects.
• Background in structural geology, tectonics, or volcanology applied to energy resources.

Practical notes

This role is full time based in Seattle, Washington. The position may require travel to coastal project sites, research vessels, and offshore platforms as deployment campaigns are executed. Travel expectations will be defined in coordination with team leads and project timelines. Employment eligibility to work in the United States is required, and sponsorship considerations will be addressed per internal policies and role requirements.