Senior Geologist

About the role

This Senior Geologist position at Terraai is centered on transforming complex subsurface information into strategic decisions that de-risk exploration and define project value. You will own the interpretation of geological, geochemical, and geophysical datasets, integrating evidence across scales to clarify the architecture of the subsurface and the location of potential mineralization. The role requires you to build robust mineral systems and exploration models that support probabilistic targeting workflows, directly improving the accuracy of resource potential assessments and guiding capital allocation. You will perform geological feature engineering, converting raw field observations into structured model inputs that feed modern computational exploration workflows and enhance model fidelity. A core part of the role involves conducting QA/QC on historical and modern exploration datasets to strengthen modeling confidence and reduce uncertainty in downstream investment and operational decisions. You will be responsible for producing technical reports, visualizations, and exploration recommendations for global projects, ensuring that stakeholders have the clarity needed to make informed choices. The position demands close collaboration with cross-functional teams, aligning geological insights with data science and exploration objectives to support the discovery of critical minerals. By synthesizing diverse evidence into defensible geological narratives, you will enable the company to prioritize high-potential targets and mitigate exploration risk.

Key facts

What you'll do

Interpret and integrate geological, geochemical, and geophysical datasets across multiple scales to clarify subsurface characteristics and inform targeting decisions.

Build robust mineral systems and exploration models that support probabilistic targeting workflows and improve assessments of resource potential.

Perform geological feature engineering to transform raw observations into structured inputs for modern computational exploration workflows.

Conduct QA/QC on historical and modern exploration datasets to strengthen modeling confidence and reduce uncertainty in downstream decisions.

Produce technical reports, visualizations, and exploration recommendations for global projects to guide investment and operational choices.

Leverage spatial analysis and subsurface visualization tools to communicate complex geological concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Synthesize evidence from diverse data sources to support consistent, defensible, and transparent targeting frameworks.

Collaborate with geophysics, geochemistry, and data science teams to integrate multi-disciplinary datasets into cohesive exploration models.

Apply understanding of mineralization systems and geochemical processes to clarify the mechanisms that concentrate valuable elements in the subsurface.

Engage with emerging computational tools, including geostatistics, remote sensing, and AI-enabled exploration workflows, to leverage modern analytical capabilities.

Requirements

The posting states a bachelor's degree requirement; please Demonstrated experience in economic geology, mineral exploration, or mine development that demonstrates applied understanding of resource projects.

Strong experience in critical minerals and base metals geology to ensure familiarity with target commodities and relevant deposit types.

Proficiency with GIS platforms and 3D geological modeling software to enable effective spatial analysis and subsurface visualization.

Ability to integrate geological and exploration datasets into cohesive exploration models that support consistent and defensible targeting.

A strong understanding of geochemistry and mineralization systems to clarify the processes that concentrate valuable elements in the Earth's crust.

Capacity to communicate technical findings clearly and to translate complex geological concepts into actionable recommendations for decision-makers.

willingness to align closely with the role's intent, as Terra AI recognizes that exceptional candidates may not meet every listed qualification.

Nice to have

Exposure to computational geology, geostatistics, remote sensing, or AI-enabled exploration workflows is beneficial for leveraging modern toolsets and enhancing analytical efficiency.

Practical notes

Terra AI recognizes that exceptional candidates may not meet every listed qualification, and they welcome applications that align closely with the role's intent. Typical interview steps

Data interviews commonly include a SQL or coding exercise, a statistics question, and a case study. Candidates may be asked to design a metric, interpret an experiment, or build a small model. Some companies give a take-home analysis. Expect questions about past projects and the business impact of your work. Interviewers often evaluate how you communicate uncertainty and business impact, not only the math. Bringing a clean write-up of a past analysis to the interview is well received.

Good to know

The role focuses on geology and modeling within data-driven exploration workflows. Common tools include GIS platforms and 3D geological modeling software. Professionals often collaborate across geology, geophysics, and machine learning disciplines. The work supports critical minerals discovery relevant to electrification and energy security. The position emphasizes rigorous analysis and clear communication of subsurface uncertainty.

Questions to ask

Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.

Career growth

Data careers grow toward senior analyst, staff data scientist, or data engineering lead. Many professionals specialize in machine learning, analytics, or infrastructure. Cross-functional work with product and engineering teams becomes more important at senior levels. The field changes quickly, so continuous learning is part of the job. Professionals who can translate numbers into decisions tend to advance fastest.

About the company

Terraai is hiring for Senior Geologist. Redwood City Office.