Staff Geophysicist

ARA • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

ARA is seeking a staff geophysicist specializing in data analysis to join our
ground penetrating radar (GPR) group on-site in Austin, TX, supporting
transportation and infrastructure projects. This role focuses exclusively on
processing, interpretation, and reporting of GPR datasets, with minimal field
data collection responsibilities.

This position requires demonstrated experience in interpreting GPR signals,
translating raw data into defensible engineering insights, and producing
consistent, high-quality deliverables. To be successful in this position, you
must have:

Ability to interpret large datasets with consistency
Strong analytical reasoning and pattern recognition
High standards for QA/QC and reproducibility
Clear, concise technical communication
Ability to translate data into defensible conclusions

You will work closely with industry expert geophysicists and will receive
structured, hands-on training to further develop your skills and expand your
understanding of signal behavior in advanced GPR applications on highway and
airport projects across the US and around the world.

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company
recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and
challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in
Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and
continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a
broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and
simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies,
and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated
technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization,
and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that
employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher
performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools,
training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is
challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible
for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their
own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering
and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geophysics or related discipline, with emphasis on near surface geophysical methods
• 2+ years of relevant experience or advanced degree focusing on GPR data processing and interpretation
• Experience with GSSI GPR systems and 2D GPR data analysis
• Demonstrated experience working with large-scale GPR datasets
• Strong understanding of: Electromagnetic wave behavior in near-surface materials Ground properties and their impact on signal response Time-to-depth conversion and velocity estimation
• Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office products

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Geophysics or a related discipline
• Field experience working with 3D GPR systems and step-frequency arrays
• Background in transportation infrastructure (DOT or airport projects)
• Proficiency in Radan and Examiner for data processing and automation
• Experience developing and maintaining Python-based workflows for processing and analyzing geospatial or geophysical datasets

Responsibilities

• Process 2D and 3D GPR data using industry-standard and/or proprietary software
• Interpret pavement structures for: Layer thickness and structural changes Defects such as delamination, voids, and moisture-related issues
• Correlate GPR results with available ground truth information (cores, borings, plans) and other datasets (e.g., Falling Weight Deflectometer/Traffic-Speed Deflection Devices)
• Perform review and quality control on analyzed datasets
• Assist in preparation of technical reports, figures, and deliverables
• Ensure QA/QC of processed data and final outputs
• Maintain standardized formatting and documentation practices

Benefits

• Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees