Apply now »

All BHP employees and contractors please apply using your BHP credentials / email address.
Please click on 'BHP Employee / Contractor Login' button on the top right of this page to apply.

Principal Tectonic Plate Modeller

Date:  13 May 2026
Job Posting End Date: 
Job Country: 

Canada

Job State/Province:  Ontario
Job Location/Region:  Toronto

About BHP

At BHP, we believe our purpose goes beyond mining: we work to improve lives and create a more sustainable future. We are a global resources company with operations in more than 90 locations worldwide.
 
In Canada, our presence is growing with the development of one of the most significant potash projects in the world; Jansen. This project reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and economic growth.

Why BHP?

At BHP, we are transforming the way mining is done. We embrace innovation, sustainability, and inclusion to build a smarter, safer, and more human future.
We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2025, a testament to our dedication to fostering a positive, diverse, and rewarding work environment. At BHP, you’ll be part of a team that values safety, integrity, performance, and collaboration.

The Challenge Ahead

We are seeking a motivated professional to join BHP's Metals Global Endowment team as a Principal Plate Tectonic Modeler.

In this role you will provide technical expertise in designing, building, maintaining, and continuously refining BHP’s fully closed and dynamic plate reconstruction models, working closely with geoscientists within Exploration to integrate geological insights, data constraints, and geodynamic modelling to provide technical guidance for exploration decision making. Together, you will support Exploration’s ambition to drive transformational growth by creating options that are competitive in BHP’s global portfolio through the discovery of new opportunities. 

 

Reporting to Manager Metals Global Endowment, your accountabilities include:   

  • Collaborating  with  Geoscientists  and  Data  Scientists  to deliver  and continuously improve  a  BHP-proprietary, fully closed, and dynamic tectonic plate reconstruction model.
  • Building and maintaining exploration’s dynamic plate reconstruction framework, ensuring consistency of model assumptions, boundary conditions, reconstructions, and metadata across projects, and manages a centralized plate model with versioning, document, and standardize model releases for internal users.
  • Collaborating with relevant stakeholders on Generative and EE&I teams to translate their geological insights into regional plate model adjustments, soliciting feedback on model / workflow improvements and customer experience, and ensuring all regional updates reconcile into dynamic global model.
  • Integrating available BHP proprietary datasets, including structural geology, geochemistry, geophysics into global and regional reconstructions and assesses uncertainty and constraints into each regional and global model; identifying key datasets and testing innovative solutions to model tectonic plate movements in areas of high uncertainty and in deep time.
  • Executing and interpreting a suite of geodynamic simulations, such as mantle convection models (e.g.,CitcomS, ASPECT, Underworld), thermo-mechanical lithospheric models; using outputs to inform and constrain plate reconstructions and mineral system analysis.
  • Leveraging Python, GPlates/PyGPlates, GIS, and cloud workflows to standardize and automate plate model updates, reconstruction exports, kinematic analyses/data extraction, GIS data integration, and uncertainty quantification.
  • Uplifting internal capability on the application of global and region plate reconstruction to exploration, best practices for geological constraints for plate reconstructions, data preparation for dynamic modelling, and use of tools (GPlates, GIS, Python workflows); building internal documentation, guidelines, and repeatable modelling templates.
  • Supporting manager in delivering Metals Global Endowment strategy and workplans. 

What You’ll Bring to the Role

As a successful candidate you will possess the following: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Geodynamics, Geophysics, Tectonics, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 8 years’ post‑qualification experience in exploration geoscience or related fields. A postgraduate qualification is preferred.
  • A strong background in plate tectonics and geodynamics, with additional experience in structural geology and/or tectonophysics highly regarded. A record of published or internal plate models or reconstructions is advantageous.
  • Demonstrated experience refining regional plate reconstructions using continuously closed plate polygons, with strong integration of geological data—particularly within complex subduction settings.
  • Proven capability in selecting, preparing, analysing, modelling, and interpreting diverse geological datasets, with experience working with large‑scale datasets preferred.
  • The ability to synthesize geological interpretations, datasets, and modelling outputs into defensible regional and global tectonic reconstructions that support exploration decision‑making.
  • A strong track record of building capability within cross‑disciplinary teams, and working collaboratively across geoscience, data science, and technical disciplines.
  • Experience working closely with technical teams to translate geological insights into geodynamic model adjustments, clearly communicating modelling assumptions, limitations, and implications to a broad audience.
  • Developing experience running 4D geodynamic models, including mantle convection, lithospheric deformation, and thermo‑mechanical simulations.
  • Advanced proficiency in GPlates, PyGPlates, and GPlately, with demonstrated practical application.
  • Proficiency in Python for scientific computing, workflow automation, and data analysis.
  • Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and standard Microsoft applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with advanced capability preferred.

Work Location

This is a full-time position based in BHP's Toronto, Canada office. Hybrid working (flexible, shared workstations and a combination of office and work from home in line with company policy) is standard for BHP.

Application Deadline

This posting will be active until 11:59pm CST on May 28, 2026

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At BHP, we understand that to bring your best, you need to feel your best. That’s why our benefits are designed to support your health, your growth, and your personal balance.
  • Professional Development: Continuous learning and real opportunities for growth.
  • Compensation: Fair and competitive, reflecting your role, skills, and achievements.
  • Inclusive Culture: We foster a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and free to express their authentic identity.
And so much more!

About Our Process

At BHP, we are committed to employing individuals who align with the BHP Charter Values and meet the requirements of the role. As part of the recruitment process, there are several checks which may be conducted to demonstrate applicants’ suitability for a role including police / criminal background checks, medical, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence checks, right to work checks, and/or reference checks.

Why Not You?

With operations worldwide, BHP offers limitless opportunities. Whether it’s competitive benefits, international career pathways, or the chance to be part of a world‑class project like Jansen, at BHP you can shape a career that’s truly yours. If you're looking for a place where your work has purpose, your growth is supported, and your impact is real, this could be your next step.

We Support a Diverse Workforce

At BHP, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and can thrive. Our workforce reflects the communities where we operate, and we value all aspects of identity; gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, neurodiversity, education, and more.

We ensure that our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and equitable. If you have a disability and need adjustments, please contact us at inclusion@bhp.com

Apply now »