Operations Geologist Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Introduction

Headquartered in Reno, NV, Ormat designs, develops, builds, owns and operates geothermal and recovered energy-based power plants in the US and worldwide. With a spotless international reputation, we’re on track to become a leading global provider of renewable energy. 

We take pride in our family-oriented business building practical green energy solutions from the ground up. 

Join a team that’s giving new life to the future of our planet. 

OverviewThe Data Engineer is part of the Resource Projects team within the Resource, Drilling, and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) department. The Data Engineer will serve as the central architect and steward of data systems supporting the RDE teams. This role is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining scalable data infrastructure that enables high-quality data collection, storage, integration, and analysis across all geothermal development and management lifecycles. The individual will develop and manage modern data platforms including SQL databases, Power Apps, and web-based tools while ensuring seamless integration with enterprise systems such as Power BI, SAP, and GIS platforms. Working at the intersection of engineering, geoscience, and information technology, this role transforms complex subsurface and operational data into actionable insights that directly support project execution and strategic decision-making.
This position requires a unique combination of advanced technical expertise and data leadership. The Data Engineer will not only build sophisticated data systems and analytics tools, but also establish and enforce data governance, workflows, and quality control standards across multiple disciplines. Partnering closely with subject matter experts, corporate IT, and project managers, this role ensures that data is structured and accessible to support machine learning and AI applications. These capabilities will ultimately enhance Ormat’s ability to bring new megawatts online, optimize reservoir performance, improve drilling efficiency, reduce development costs, and accelerate the discovery of new geothermal resources.

Responsibilities

• Work within the Project Management Office (PMO) to support governance, data systems, and standards, enabling consistent and scalable workflows across the RDE department.
• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data architectures (SQL databases, cloud-based systems, and data pipelines) for Resource, Drilling, and EGS teams.
• Build and deploy user-facing tools such as Power Apps, web applications, and dashboards to enable efficient data access, document management, visualization, and analysis.
• Serve as the primary owner and administrator of subsurface data systems, including RIMBASE (or future drilling databases), enterprise platforms, SharePoint, and SQL environments.
• Establish and manage data governance and quality frameworks, including workflows for data entry, validation, auditing, storage, and maintenance.
• Integrate subsurface data systems with corporate platforms (Power BI, SAP, GIS) in coordination with Corporate IT.
• Develop automated data pipelines and reporting systems to support real-time and near-real-time decision-making.
• Enable reservoir management, geothermal field development, and drilling optimization by delivering high-quality data platforms, pipelines, and analytics workflows, including benchmarking and predictive modeling.
• Enable advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI applications by structuring and preparing high-quality datasets.
• Partner with geoscientists, drilling engineers, and reservoir engineers to define data requirements and optimize data models.
• Support exploration efforts by organizing and integrating geological, geophysical, and drilling datasets for prospect evaluation.
• Act as both a hands-on technical contributor (coding, database development, system design) and a strategic data manager for the subsurface organization.
• Lead continuous improvement of data systems, tools, and workflows to align with evolving project and business needs.
• Provide training and support to end users on data systems, tools, and best practices.
• Ensure data security, integrity, and compliance with company standards and IT policies.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Corporate IT for larger projects and enterprise initiatives, ensuring alignment and effective implementation of corporate-led business systems within the RDE department.
• Manage third-party contractors and consultants supporting data system initiatives, extending team capabilities and ensuring successful delivery of specialized projects.

• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities for RDE software and data projects.
• Represent the Resource Projects team in cross-functional initiatives, audits, and internal reviews.
• Other duties and projects as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred) with 5–10+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced expertise in SQL, database design, and building scalable data systems and pipelines.
• Strong programming skills (Python, R, or similar) and experience developing data tools, applications (Power Apps/web apps), and automation workflows.
• Experience with data visualization and enterprise system integration (Power BI, SAP, GIS, cloud platforms such as Azure/AWS).
• Demonstrated ability to manage data governance and quality while partnering with technical teams (geoscience, drilling, reservoir) to enable analytics, machine learning, and operational insights.
• Experience designing and implementing end-to-end data architectures and scalable data platforms.
• Proven ability to integrate disparate data systems and enterprise platforms across business and IT environments.
• Professional-level capabilities with project management tools (e.g., Power BI, Jira, Primavera, and Microsoft Project or equivalents).
• Self-motivated with the ability to drive outcomes and create results with minimal or no supervision.
• Ability to work in a diverse range of cultures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of leaders, stakeholders, and technical subject matter experts.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to Ormat auto insurance carrier.

• Must be able to work in an office and operation/construction environments.
• The ability to work at a computer and computer monitor for long periods of time.
• Must be able to wear a variety of protective equipment as required by safety procedures and regulations.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 30 pounds without assistance.