Senior SME - Fault and Fracture Mapping
Zanskar
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Posted on Apr 16, 2025
Title: Senior Subject Matter Expert – Fault and Fracture Mapping
Hours: Full Time; Salaried
Location: Salt Lake City, UT (hybrid)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Manager: Head of Exploration
Mission – Why we need you
Geothermal energy is a massive untapped renewable resource, but unlocking it requires knowing where to drill and why. At Zanskar, we’re modernizing geothermal exploration by combining world-class field science with advanced R&D and machine learning to build a smarter, faster, and cheaper way to find and develop geothermal resources.
We’re seeking a Senior Subject Matter Expert in Fault and Fracture Mapping to lead structural interpretation and field-based analysis across our growing geothermal exploration portfolio. Your work will directly shape where and how we drill by identifying and characterizing the structural controls on permeability that make geothermal systems viable. You’ll be a bridge between field geoscience and cutting-edge machine learning tools, helping us turn data into decisions that drive real megawatts onto the grid.
Outcomes – Problems you’ll solve
You will own the structural framework for Zanskar’s geothermal prospects. Your insights into fault kinematics, fracture networks, and stress regimes will reduce uncertainty, improve drilling outcomes, and accelerate project timelines. You’ll guide field programs to collect meaningful data, translate those findings into 3D geologic models, and work closely with both our Exploration Geologists and R&D team to continuously improve how we identify and characterize geothermal targets.
Responsibilities – What you’ll do
- Serve as Zanskar’s technical lead for fault and fracture systems analysis across geothermal projects
- Conduct and lead field-based structural mapping campaigns to characterize fault geometries, surface expressions, and fracture attributes
- Guide the acquisition and interpretation of structural data sets (e.g., LiDAR, drone imagery, field mapping, oriented core, structural logs)
- Build and refine 3D structural models (Leapfrog, Move, or equivalent) to support conceptual reservoir models and drill planning
- Evaluate fault-related permeability potential and fracture connectivity using both field and subsurface datasets
- Work closely with Exploration Geologists to synthesize geologic, geophysical, and geochemical inputs into robust conceptual models
- Collaborate with R&D to support the development and training of predictive models using structural and fault datasets
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior geoscientists on structural geology methods and field techniques
- Contribute to generative exploration strategy by identifying high-potential structural settings for new prospect development
- Travel regularly to field sites across the western U.S. (30–40%) to lead structural mapping and support active drilling programs
Competencies – What we’re looking for
- Expert-level knowledge in structural geology, with a focus on fault systems, fracture mechanics, and hydrothermal permeability
- M.S. or Ph.D. in structural geology, tectonics, geomechanics, or a related field
- 7–10+ years of applied field and subsurface experience in structurally complex terrains (geothermal, mineral exploration, petroleum, or related industries)
- Advanced proficiency with 3D structural modeling tools (Leapfrog, Move, Petrel, or similar)
- Demonstrated excellence in field mapping and structural interpretation from multiple data sources
- Strong cross-disciplinary collaboration skills — able to communicate and integrate effectively with geologists, engineers, and data scientists
- Experience designing and executing field programs, managing logistics, and synthesizing results into exploration decisions
- Familiarity with geostatistics, geomechanical modeling, or ML/AI integration into geological workflows is a plus
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment with evolving goals and high-impact work
Benefits
- Paid holidays
- 15 days PTO + PTO accrual increase based on tenure
- Medical and dental coverage
- 401k
- Stock options
- Leadership opportunities in a mission-driven company transforming geothermal energy through technology and science
Equal Opportunity Employer
Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practice laws.