Placing a Reservoir Modeling Expert to Advance E&P Software Innovation
- Kimberly Wilson
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 28
Proven Results: Building: Subject Matter Expert Hired who Optimized and Developed E&P Software with $40+ Million in Revenue
TL;DR – Long-Term Impact from a Niche Technical Hire
In this case study, a geoscience-focused service company needed a reservoir modeling subject matter expert (SME) who could bring hands-on field experience to software product development to strengthen its E&P software capabilities. TLR Search mapped a highly specialized, hard-to-reach talent pool and placed a candidate who delivered 9+ years of product impact, driving over $40M in revenue.
Challenge: Finding a Reservoir Modeling Expert to Improve E&P Software
Challenge Summary: The company needed a reservoir modeling expert who could translate hands-on field experience into E&P software development and innovation.
The Managing Director of an E&P software division within a broader geoscience services company recognized that while their platform was solid, staying competitive required deep user insight and real-world experience embedded into development.
That meant hiring an experienced reservoir modeler who would:
Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep geoscience and reservoir modeling expertise
Transition from hands-on upstream field work to a product development role
Adapt to working on the service side of oil and gas, not within an operator
Be open to a competitive compensation package, but below E&P norms
Align with the company's mission to enhance tools used by geoscientists globally
This was more than a technical hire; it required a mindset shift and vision alignment to transform how reservoir modeling tools were developed and deployed.
Solution: Market Mapping and High-Touch Candidate Engagement
Solution Summary: TLR Search mapped the reservoir modeling talent market, engaged under-the-radar experts, and positioned the opportunity around long-term product impact.
TLR Search approached the search with a strategic, relationship-first methodology, designed for alignment and long-term success.
We:
Mapped the reservoir modeling market, targeting passive and under-the-radar talent
Assessed candidates holistically, evaluating both skills and professional aspirations
Shared the company’s story and vision, helping talent understand their future impact
Positioned the opportunity as a rare chance to shape software used by technical peers
A trusted industry source referred one standout candidate: an independent consultant with no digital footprint, known only through word-of-mouth referrals. She was initially hesitant, but after several high-touch conversations about the company, team, and long-term potential, she chose to pursue the opportunity.
Result: A Strategic Hire with Long-Term Business Value
Result Summary: The placed SME enhanced E&P software for nine years, contributed to $40M+ in revenue, and remained through acquisition—demonstrating the power of aligned hiring.
Following a collaborative interview process, the candidate accepted the offer. Over the next nine years, she:
Optimized and enhanced core E&P software tools
Brought critical user insight to the development lifecycle
Contributed to $40+ million in revenue growth
Remained through an acquisition, continuing to drive product innovation
The outcome reflects a successful hire and the value of our high-touch, insight-led executive search process.
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Next Step:
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