Rock Physics Lab Engineer

Search for a Rock Physics Lab Engineer

The Rock Mechanics and Rock Physics (RMRP) Team

at

Chevron

is an experimental group dedicated to laboratory testing of geomaterials. Its focus is on elastic, inelastic, and mechanical rock physics properties for 3D and 4D reflection seismic, well logging, and geomechanics analysis in the context of exploration and production of energy resources.

The RMRP Team currently includes 6 researchers/engineers with 4 support staff. They regularly lead and aid a diverse suite of projects including Conventional, Unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, and New Energies (CCUS, Geothermal) partnering with other Chevron teams, Universities, and National Labs.

The Team is now accepting applications for the position of

Rock Physics Laboratory Engineer

located in Richmond, California. This is a

fully lab-based role

and

hands-on laboratory position

with the primary goal to learn and apply existing techniques in the rock physics lab while generating new methods and capabilities.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will ultimately:

- perform laboratory measurements of elastic, inelastic, and mechanical properties of rock samples (velocities, anisotropy, elastic moduli under small and large strain conditions, as well as attenuation and dispersion), working with other lab engineers, and in collaboration with research scientists

- consolidate full operational knowledge of all devices in the rock physics lab, including safety and operational limits, accuracy and precision, calibration of multiple systems, essential troubleshooting of each device, and ability to customize system components for routine and research projects

- prepare samples, design and set up laboratory experiments, acquire laboratory data, assure data quality, perform data analysis, and summarize data into reports

- develop a fundamental understanding of elastic rock properties variation with respect to stress, temperature, strain magnitude, frequency, porosity, saturating fluids, and degree of saturation

- bring elastic and mechanical deformations to the microscopic scale through X-ray microtomography in its multiple forms

- perform light programming changes to existing programs using some of the major programming languages (BASIC, C++, MATLAB, Python, Visual Basic)

- operate safely and within established guidelines

Foundational Requirements

Chevron recognizes that the skill set above is complex and likely the result of years of accumulated and dedicated work rather than direct academic background. A successful candidate will receive progressive training spanning over several years, including overlapping with existing engineers, to complement an initial strong level of knowledge, which can be summarized as:

- academic background at the level of a B.Sc. as a minimum, M.Sc. as preferred, or above in a STEM field specializing in laboratory environment such as geophysics, material science, mechanical engineering, physics, acoustics, and comparable disciplines

- 2+ years of hands-on experience in an environment comparable to a rock physics laboratory

- reasonable understanding of elastic wave propagation and digital signal processing

- reasonable understanding of boundary conditions in rock mechanics-physics experiments, including the mechanics of pressure vessels, fluid pressure, and axial stresses

- working knowledge of displacement and strain sensors to detect rock deformations

- strong interest in troubleshooting and developing diagnostic skills for mechanical and electronic devices, electronic circuits, and other laboratory hardware

- express and demonstrate dedication to the laboratory workplace leading to a focused lab-oriented career

Additional Qualifications

The following skills are beneficial but not required for this position:

- demonstrated ability to design and build new equipment, starting from 3D CAD representation, proof of concept through 3D printing using a variety of materials, and progression to a full-scale new device

- knowledge of CNC machining to the extent necessary for completing potentially new rock physics laboratory hardware

- demonstrated ability in the design and construction of ultrasonic sensors, from single component, to multicomponent, phase arrays of variable shapes, and into ultrasonic tomography

- expanded programming skills including integrating new hardware in existing experimental workflows, use of multiple programming languages and operating systems that support data acquisition and hardware control

How to Apply

To obtain information on this exciting position, please contact

Luca Duranti (Team Leader RMRP)

Email: lduranti@chevron.com

Phone: +1 (415) 706 7408