1

Geoscience Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Geoscience Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.4K

$152K

$211.7K

How much do geoscience software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for geoscience software engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Geoscience Software Engineers face when integrating geological data into software solutions?

Geoscience Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to the complexity and variety of geological data formats, as well as the need to accurately model subsurface structures. Translating real-world geoscience concepts into computational algorithms requires close collaboration with geologists and domain experts to ensure accuracy. Additionally, maintaining performance and scalability when processing large datasets can be demanding, especially when working with real-time or high-resolution data. These challenges make cross-disciplinary communication and continuous learning essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geoscience Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geoscience Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, geology or geophysics, and experience with programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java. Familiarity with industry-specific tools like Petrel, ArcGIS, and seismic interpretation software, as well as version control systems (e.g., Git), is typically expected, along with relevant certifications or advanced degrees. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and translating complex geoscientific data into reliable software solutions. These skills ensure the development of robust, user-friendly applications that support critical decision-making in energy, environmental, and research sectors.

What is a Geoscience Software Engineer?

A Geoscience Software Engineer is a professional who develops, maintains, and optimizes software applications used in the geosciences, such as geology, geophysics, and environmental science. They work closely with geoscientists and data analysts to create tools that help interpret and visualize subsurface data, model geological processes, and support exploration or environmental projects. This role typically requires strong programming skills, knowledge of geoscience concepts, and experience with specialized software or data formats used in the field.

What is the difference between Geoscience Software Engineer vs Geoscientist?

AspectGeoscience Software EngineerGeoscientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geoscience, Computer Science, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Geoscience or Earth Sciences
Work EnvironmentDevelops software tools for geoscience applications, often in tech or research firmsConducts fieldwork, data analysis, and research in labs or on-site
Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, oil & gas, environmental consultingUsed in academia, research institutions, and environmental agencies

While Geoscience Software Engineers focus on developing software solutions for geoscience problems, Geoscientists primarily conduct fieldwork and research to understand Earth's processes. Both roles require a strong foundation in geoscience, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Characterizing high pressure melts using coherence and nano-beams at HPCAT

Postdoctoral Appointee - Characterizing high pressure melts using coherence and nano-beams at HPCAT

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The overarching focus of the postdoc position and effort is on advancing the understanding of materials at high pressure-temperature conditions, and in particularly across the solid-melt transition and melt-liquid structure.

With the recent APS-Upgrade project completed and new high coherence and brightness x-ray beam, HPCAT has concurrently made over $20M HPCAT investments in upgrading key infrastructure to advance x-ray platforms for studying matter under extreme conditions. The selected postdoc will have ample opportunities for career growth and cutting-edge scientific research with new platforms at HPCAT and across various featured beamlines of APS, as well as playing a critical role in growth of HPCAT long term.

The selected postdoc will be responsible for continuing to push the boundaries of high pressure-temperature measurements with advanced x-ray platforms. This includes working in optimizing applicaton of APS-Upgraded high brightness and high coherence beam across APS and at HPCAT and implementing BCDI, XPCS, nano-beam and time resolved microscopy, PDF, 3D imaging techniques, PCI, and other techniques for advanced characterization of materials across solid-liquid and into melt.

Measurements will be performed on various transition metals, but it is expected that the Postdoc would also drive scientific efforts and expand the capability to other materials, such as high entropy alloys, advanced manufactured materials, superconductors, and other materials proposed by the candidate.

Likewise, the Postdoc is expected to continue driving scientific advancements and contribute to long term vision of HPCAT. Working with staff and extensive partner members (including LANL, LLNL, SNL, and numerous national and international academic and other institutions) The Postdoc will have long term career growth and future opportunities at HPCAT, APS, and beyond.

Last, it is also expected that the position will continue to grow and/or implement various AI/ML capabilities coupled to advancing the overall research efforts. As such, we encourage applicants to consider how their data processing and software development capability fits into the proposed work and future direction. The Postdocs will be working directly with assigned HPCAT staff mentor and interacting on regular basis with HPCAT principal scientist and management.

This is a two year term position (with expected impactful progress) and may be considered for extension and/or conversion to full time position.

Position Requirements

Candidates with either significant background in high pressure platforms and/or x-ray measurements are encouraged to apply, and candidates from various scientific backgrounds (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience, and Engineering, etc.) will be considered.

  • Recent or soon-to-be completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Geosciences or Engineering.

  • Demonstrated experience with synchrotron x-ray techniques such as Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging (BCDI), X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS), Phase-Contrast Imaging (PCI), nano-beam and time resolved diffraction microscopy.

  • High-pressure background is not mandated for this position, but it is expected that PD would drive scientific efforts to expand the capability to the high-pressure research.

  • Able to implement various AI/ML applications.

**Please include your CVand a summary of relevant experience and proposed scientific ideas within the scope of position posting (3 page max).**Application review will commence on June 08 latest and resume until position is filled.

Inquiries regarding scientific scope of the position can be directed to HPCAT Director Nenad Velisavljevic (HPCAT-Director@anl.gov) and HPCAT Group Leader Maddury Somayazulu (zulu@anl.gov).

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.