Geophysicist
Work Location: Waterloo, ON
About Canadian Strategic Missions Corp. (CSMC)
Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation is building the capabilities that will shape Canada's future in space, defence, and energy. We focus on developing dual use systems that address critical challenges here on Earth while enabling sustained human activity beyond it.
In a short time, CSMC has established real momentum. WE have secured significant government investment to advance next generation micro nuclear reactors in partnership with leading institutions, alongside expanding a portfolio of technologies designed for remote environments, national defence, and future space missions. These efforts reflect a broader ambition to deliver reliable power and critical infrastructure where it matters most.
Our work is grounded in close collaboration with government and guided by a clear sense of purpose: to build sovereign capability at a time when it has never been more important. We care deeply about execution, long term impact and earning the trust required to deliver systems that will service Canada and its allies for decades.
CSMC is a company for builders. We are a group of people drawn to hard problems, meaningful impact and the opportunity to shape systems that matter at a national and global scale. We are building a team that thrives in ambiguity, values execution, and is motivated by mission and impact.
Position Overview
CSMC is seeking a Geophysicist with experience in geophysics software development to join our engineering team. In this role, you'll play a pivotal part in enhancing our quantum remote sensor technology by developing sophisticated inversion algorithms and processing diverse geophysical datasets. This is an opportunity to contribute to real-world impact in resource exploration, working in a collaborative environment that blends geophysics, AI, and quantum innovation.
The selected candidate will work closely with a broad array of engineers, scientists, and several of the most experienced space professionals in Canada.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate on the development of a joint gravity inversion algorithm, ideally incorporating AI/ML techniques, to integrate and interpret multi-sensor data for subsurface modeling.
- Clean, process, and feed in geophysical datasets including gravity, LiDAR, magnetics, seismics, and other relevant sources to generate high-resolution 3D subsurface density maps.
- Identify and characterize minerals and resources of interest (e.g., ores) through data analysis and algorithm outputs, supporting mining exploration applications.
- Work closely with quantum sensor engineers and data scientists to refine algorithms, validate models against field data, and optimize for real-time or near-real-time processing.
- Conduct simulations, testing, and iterative improvements to ensure algorithm robustness and accuracy in diverse geological environments.
- Contribute to research papers, patents, or presentations on geophysical inversion methods and quantum sensing applications.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends in AI/ML for geophysics and subsurface imaging to inform ongoing development.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Physics, or related field.
- Proven experience in geophysical data processing and inversion techniques, particularly gravity and multi-sensor joint inversions.
- Strong software development skills, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar, and experience in GIS platforms and geophysical software tools (e.g., Geosoft, Oasis Montaj, or open-source alternatives like SimPEG).
- Hands-on experience with data cleaning, integration, and visualization of geophysical datasets (e.g., gravity, magnetics, seismics, LiDAR).
- Familiarity with 3D subsurface modeling and density mapping for resource identification in mining contexts.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and collaborative environment.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) applied to geophysical problems, such as inversion algorithms or predictive modeling.
- Experience with quantum sensing and/or remote sensing technologies.
- Background in mining geophysics, including mineral exploration or resource assessment, or field experience.
- Proficiency in handling large datasets and using cloud-based computing for geophysical simulations.
- Strong communication skills for presenting technical findings to non-experts.
Why Join CSMC
CSMC is building technologies that will shape Canada’s future in energy, space, and national security. You’ll join a team of engineers, scientists, and mission‑driven builders who care deeply about solving hard problems that matter. We move quickly, support each other, and take pride in doing work that has real impact. Along the way, you’ll have access to competitive compensation, benefits, and equity, and the chance to grow with a company that values ownership, curiosity, and technical excellence.
Employment Eligibility
CSMC works with highly sensitive nuclear, defence, and aerospace technologies, and all roles require eligibility for federal security screening and compliance with controlled goods and export regulations. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, able to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance, and eligible to meet foreign affiliation and export control requirements. These conditions are mandatory Bona Fide Occupational Requirements and reflect the need to securely develop and protect nationally significant capabilities.
