Senior Bathymetric Lidar Specialist

The Senior Topobathymetric Lidar Specialist is responsible for executing and optimizing airborne lidar acquisition and data processing using Leica Chiroptera, Leica Hawkeye, and Riegl VQ-880GII systems. This role ensures efficient, high-quality data collection, supports project tracking and workflow improvements, and provides technical expertise in field operations and processing. The senior specialist plays a key role in troubleshooting system issues, refining QA/QC methods, and training junior specialists as the program expands. Working closely with pilots, project managers, and data teams, this position ensures the successful integration of bathymetric and topographic lidar data for critical environmental and infrastructure projects.

Work Environment:

• Location: NV5 Corvallis, OR Office; Hybrid work schedule
• Potential travel up 40% of the time

NV5 is a global technology solutions and consulting services company with a workforce of over 4,500 professionals in more than 100 offices worldwide.  NV5’s continued growth has been spurred through strategic investments in firms with unique capabilities to help current and future customers solve the world’s toughest problems.  The NV5 family brings together talent across a wide range of markets and fields, including Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, Architects, Photogrammetrists, GIS Professionals, Software Developers, IT, Project Management Professionals, and more.

At NV5 Geospatial, We are a collaboration of intelligent, innovative thinkers who care for each other, our communities, and the environment.  We value both heart and head, the diversity of our people, and their experiences because that is how we continue to grow as a leader in our industry and expand our individual and collective potential.

Airborne Data Acquisition (40%)

• Operate and optimize Leica Chiroptera, Leica Hawkeye, and Riegl VQ-880GII lidar systems during airborne surveys.

• Monitor real-time data quality and adjust acquisition settings based on environmental conditions.

• Troubleshoot sensor and system issues in the field to minimize data loss and mission delays.

• Coordinate with pilots and field teams to ensure efficient and safe mission execution.

• Ensure accurate sensor calibration, GNSS/IMU alignment, and data synchronization.

Data Processing & QA/QC (40%)

• Perform trajectory processing, GNSS/IMU corrections, and lidar calibration for bathymetric datasets.

• Execute detailed QA/QC workflows to detect artifacts, noise, and anomalies in point clouds.

• Ensure bathymetric data meets accuracy standards, hydrological modeling requirements, and client specifications.

• Assist in refining processing workflows for improved efficiency and data quality.

• Support deliverable creation, including classified point clouds, DEMs, and derived hydrographic products.

Project Support & Workflow Optimization (20%)

• Track acquisition progress and provide updates on mission status, challenges, and data readiness.

• Assist in flight planning and logistical coordination to support daily project tracking.

• Document sensor configurations, acquisition conditions, and troubleshooting procedures for internal knowledge sharing.

• Train and support junior specialists in field operations and processing workflows.

• Identify areas for workflow improvement to enhance efficiency and data quality.

Required Qualifications:

• 3-5+ years of experience in airborne topobathymetric lidar operations or related geospatial fields.
• Hands-on experience with Leica Chiroptera, Leica Hawkeye, or Riegl VQ-880GII lidar systems (or similar).
• Proficiency in GNSS/IMU processing, trajectory corrections, and lidar post-processing.
• Experience using RiProcess, TerraSolid, POSPac, and Leica or Riegl processing software.
• Strong understanding of bathymetric lidar principles, environmental factors affecting data collection, and QA/QC methods.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues in the field and make adjustments to ensure mission success.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively, including potential international assignments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading large-scale topobathymetric lidar projects or managing multi-sensor data integration.
• Background in hydrography, remote sensing, or aviation-based geospatial data collection.
• Experience with AI-based classification, machine learning in lidar processing, or automation of workflow pipelines.
• Prior experience training and mentoring junior specialists.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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