Laboratory Technical Support Specialist, Subsurface - Rock Mechanics and Physics

Laboratory Technical Support Specialist, Subsurface - Rock Mechanics and Physics page is loaded## Laboratory Technical Support Specialist, Subsurface - Rock Mechanics and Physics locations:
Richmond, California, United States of America time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
RTotal Number of Openings1

Chevron is accepting online applications for the position
** Laboratory Technical Support Specialist, Subsurface - Rock Mechanics and Physics
** through
** 3/1/2026 1st
** at
** 11:59 p.m.** **(P
****** ST**)**.  The Subsurface organization is now accepting applications for the position of
** Rock Physics Laboratory Engineer**, a fully lab‑based, hands‑on role focused on learning and applying existing laboratory techniques while also developing new experimental methods and capabilities.

The
** Rock Mechanics and Rock Physics (RMRP)
** team at Chevron is an experimental group dedicated to laboratory testing of geomaterials. The team’s work centers on elastic, inelastic, and mechanical rock physics properties relevant to 3D/4D seismic interpretation, well logging, and geomechanics across exploration and production activities. RMRP supports a diverse portfolio of projects, including Conventional and Unconventional reservoirs and New Energies (CCUS, Geothermal), collaborating closely with other Chevron teams, universities, and national laboratories.

The position will be based in
** Richmond, CA**, with a planned relocation to
** Houston, TX
** in approximately three years.
** Responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to:
*** Conduct laboratory experiments to measure elastic, inelastic, and mechanical rock properties, including velocities, anisotropy, elastic moduli, attenuation, and dispersion.
* Develop full operational understanding of laboratory equipment, including calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and safe operation.
* Prepare rock samples, design and configure experiments, acquire high‑quality data, and perform technical analysis and reporting.
* Investigate how rock properties vary under different conditions (stress, temperature, strain, frequency, porosity, and fluid saturation).
* Utilize X‑ray microtomography techniques to study rock deformation at microscopic scales.
* Implement minor software modifications and support automation workflows using programming languages such as
** BASIC, C++, MATLAB, Python, or Visual Basic**.
* Maintain high safety standards and ensure compliance with laboratory procedures.
*
* Required Qualifications:

*** Bachelor’s degree (minimum) or Master’s degree in Geophysics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related STEM field with laboratory emphasis.
* At least 2 years of hands‑on experience in a rock physics, materials testing, mechanical testing, or comparable laboratory environment.
* Solid understanding of elastic wave propagation and fundamentals of digital signal processing.
* Knowledge of boundary conditions in rock mechanics experiments, including fluid pressure systems, pressure vessels, and axial stress control.
* Familiarity with displacement and strain measurement systems (e.g., LVDTs, strain gauges).
* Demonstrated interest in troubleshooting laboratory hardware, electronics, and instrumentation.
* Commitment to developing a long‑term, laboratory‑focused career.
*
* Preferred Qualifications:

*** Experience designing and fabricating experimental equipment, including 3D CAD modeling, prototyping, and 3D printing.
* Basic understanding of CNC machining for hardware fabrication.
* Skills in designing or modifying ultrasonic sensors, including phased arrays or tomographic systems.
* Broader programming capabilities for integrating new hardware into data acquisition workflows.
* Experience with automated test systems, data collection tools, or laboratory control software.
** Relocation Options:
** Relocation may be considered within Chevron parameters.
** International Considerations:
** Expatriate assignments
** will not
** be considered.

Chevron regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time-limited Visa status for this position.
** Regulatory Disclosure for US Positions*
* · The…