What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Geophysicist position at ARA Brand?
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.
What you will do as a staff geophysicist:
- 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
Staff geophysicist 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
Preferred qualifications:
- 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
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.