Position: Geophysicist

Location: Waterloo and/or Toronto, ON (on-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Company: Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC)

About CSMC

The Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC) is a space and defense company focused on developing technologies to address humanity's key needs. Led by a team with a mix of entrepreneurial and institutional experience at the highest level, we are a bleeding-edge company working at the intersection of nuclear energy, quantum technology, space systems, and imagineering.

The Role

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?

• The chance to help shape the future of energy, space, and defence in Canada
• A collaborative, mission-driven culture with a flat hierarchy and room for rapid growth
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and equity participation in a high-growth startup

Employment Eligibility

CSMC works with highly sensitive nuclear, defence, and aerospace‑related technologies. As a result, all CSMC positions require eligibility for federal security screening and export‑control compliance. These requirements are Bona Fide Occupational Requirements (BFORs) under applicable human‑rights legislation.

To be eligible for employment at CSMC, candidates must meet ALL of the following:

1. Legal Authorization to Work in Canada

• Legally authorized to work in Canada
• Able to maintain valid work authorization throughout employment

2. Government of Canada Security Screening

• Able to obtain and maintain Reliability Status or higher
• Able to provide 5+ years of continuous, verifiable background history
• Willing to undergo identity, employment, education, and criminal checks

3. Foreign Influence & Foreign Affiliation Risk Assessment (FIRA)

Candidates must be eligible to undergo a FIRA, which may include review of:

• Foreign citizenship(s)
• Recent foreign residence
• Immediate family ties abroad
• Foreign financial, business, or government affiliations

4. Controlled Goods & Export‑Control Eligibility

• Eligible to access Controlled Goods
• Eligible to access export‑controlled technical data
• Willing to undergo additional screening if required

5. On‑Site Requirement

• Able to work on‑site in Waterloo, Ontario, as required for access to secure and controlled workspaces

These requirements are regulatory in nature and ensure compliance with federal law and the secure handling of sensitive technologies.