At Beam, every role plays a crucial part in advancing the offshore wind energy transition. Today, we take a closer look at the work of Sean Ruffell, a Geophysicist.
Mapping the Unseen: A Day in the Life
As a Geophysicist, Sean specialises in analysing subsurface data—particularly seismic datasets collected offshore. “My job is to take the data we collect offshore, Quality control it, and then begin the interpretation,” Sean explains. “We look at where different formations are within offshore wind farm sites and map out any geological interests, including faults and shallow gas hazards.”
Working remotely Sean’s workday typically follows a 9-to-5 schedule. His mornings start with team meetings before diving into interpreting data, integrating multiple datasets, and ultimately compiling reports for clients.
“I primarily work onshore, but I spend about one to two months offshore helping acquire the datasets,” Sean says. “It’s a great way to see first hand the data we’ll be working with and understand the challenges involved in collection.”
How Clients Use Beam’s Geophysical Reports
The insights generated by Sean and the Geoscience team are instrumental in shaping offshore wind projects. Developers use these reports to make informed decisions about wind farm layouts, foundation designs, and site safety. Identifying potential geohazards in advance means fewer risks during construction and long-term stability for wind farms.
“The reports we produce help clients plan where they’ll be developing their offshore wind farms,” Sean explains. “They also guide engineers on what type of foundations to design and the best locations for wind turbines.”
A Passion for Geoscience and Innovation
With a background in geology and marine geoscience research, Sean was drawn to Beam for its innovative approach—particularly its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in geophysical interpretation. AI is set to revolutionise the field by streamlining data analysis, allowing geophysicists to oversee AI-driven interpretations across multiple datasets.
“We’re working closely with the software engineers to develop AI tools that can make our work more efficient,” he says. “Instead of one geophysicist working on a single dataset, we’ll soon be able to oversee AI-driven interpretations of multiple datasets at once.”
This innovation not only increases efficiency but also addresses the skills gap in offshore wind, ensuring the industry can meet its ambitious 2050 targets. “One of the biggest challenges in offshore wind is the skills shortage,” Sean notes. “By integrating AI and machine learning, we can help bridge that gap and still meet our goals.”
The Excitement of Geophysical Challenges
Every offshore wind project presents unique challenges, that’s what makes the work exciting. Sean particularly enjoys uncovering glacial geological features, such as tunnel valleys and fluvial channels, which pose interesting engineering challenges.
“I’m a bit of a geology nerd,” Sean laughs. “Seeing these glacial geological features in the data and understanding how they impact engineering is fascinating.”
Growth, Development, and a Supportive Culture
Beam fosters professional growth by providing a dedicated Development Fund for training and conferences.
“I attended a seismic interpretation course last year, which was fantastic and really helped me refine my skills and I’m using the development fund for further training and conferences as I pursue my Chartered status” say Sean.
He is working towards Chartered Geologist status with support from his manager, reflecting Beam’s commitment to employee development.
Beyond technical skills, Beam’s culture stands out for its collaborative and innovative spirit. Employees are given autonomy and trust to take ownership of their work while being part of a team that supports and challenges each other.
“We’re a small but growing team, so there’s a lot of opportunity to get involved in different projects,” Sean says. “Everyone is supportive and willing to help each other out.”
Advice for Future Beam Employees
For those considering joining Beam, Sean’s advice is simple: “go for it!” The company offers an exciting, purpose-driven career with opportunities to dive into meaningful projects from day one.
“If you’re thinking about applying—do it,” he encourages. “The work is interesting, the people are great, and there’s a real sense of purpose in what we do.”
At Beam, Geophysics isn’t just about analysing data—it’s about shaping the future of offshore wind energy. For Sean, that’s what makes it all worth it.
Innes H
Onshore Geophysicist
“Beam is also a very people-focused company, we like to do a lot of social events, so it is nice to be able to interact with everyone socially and professionally. Specifically to my role, I enjoy working with a range of datasets, rather than just one thing all the time, it means there is plenty of variety in my work.”
Ellie H
Front End Software Engineer
Ellie, one of our Front End Software Engineers, who ensures our technology delivers seamless user experiences; supporting offshore teams and pushing the boundaries of autonomous systems.
Graham B
Head of Geoscience
“It might sound corny, but one of my favourite aspects is the people I work with. We are a growing company, made up of bright, motivated, and enthusiastic individuals who are all working towards the same goals.”
