Subject Matter Expert

Role description

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a domain authority and technical partner who ensures that geoscience software products are scientifically accurate, user-relevant, and aligned with industry workflows. SMEs work closely with development teams to clarify user stories, test software, and validate functionality. On the product side, SMEs contribute by sharing domain insights, engaging with clients as technical representatives, and supporting internal training and knowledge transfer.

SMEs possess deep expertise in one or more products and demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and take ownership of additional products over time. This role is ideal for individuals who aspire to grow into Technical Product Owners (TPO), combining technical leadership with strong communication and collaboration skills.
SMEs are the technical face of the product—trusted by clients, respected by developers, and relied upon by product leadership to ensure delivery quality and domain integrity.

You may enter this role as a Junior, focusing on foundational responsibilities while developing the skills and knowledge required for full SME duties. This path supports growth through hands-on experience and mentorship.

Duties and Responsibilities

•    Work with developers and TPOs to clarify user stories and ensure domain accuracy
•    Test software features and provide feedback on scientific correctness and usability
•    Validate acceptance criteria and contribute to QA efforts
•    Contribute to backlog refinement and sprint reviews
•    Act as a technical representative in client meetings, workshops, and demos
•    Write technical papers, internal documentation, and training materials
•    Stay current with geoscience trends and translate insights into product improvements
•    Participate in targeted research in geoscience, often in cooperation with clients
•    Take ownership of one or more products and actively expand product knowledge
•    Support internal enablement and onboarding of new team members
•    Foster a collaborative and respectful environment across teams 
 
Skills & Competencies 

1- Domain Expertise
•    Deep understanding of geoscience workflows, data, and user needs
•    Ability to translate scientific concepts into actionable software requirements

2- Technical Engagement
•    Comfortable working with developers, architects, and QA teams
•    Familiarity with Agile/Scrum practices and sprint ceremonies

3- Communication & Leadership
•    Strong interpersonal skills and ability to represent the product externally
•    Capable of writing technical content and presenting to diverse audiences
•    Excellent written and spoken English skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences

4- Growth Mindset
•    Willingness to learn new products and take on increasing ownership
•    Aspiration to grow into a Technical Product Owner role
•    Demonstrates flexibility and resilience in the face of changing strategic directions, embracing Agile principles and adapting quickly to new priorities and product goals

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

•    Master’s degree in Geoscience, Earth Sciences, or a related field
•    Experience in geoscience roles, preferably involving software tools (e.g., HampsonRussell, Jason, Petrel, DecisionSpace, RokDoc)
•    Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills  

Preferred:

•    Experience using or contributing to geoscience software products
•    Familiarity with Agile methodologies and product development workflows
•    Exposure to tools like Jira, Confluence, Miro, MATLAB, and Microsoft Office
•    Familiarity with Python programming and/or signal processing is a plus
•    Experience in client-facing or consulting roles

Travel

This role may require occasional travel to client sites, conferences, or internal workshops. Co-location with development teams is preferred for effective collaboration.