Advanced LiDAR UAS Pilot

All Aviation Jobs; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) savings plan

PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT is seeking an Advanced LiDAR UAS Pilot to join our Reality Capture Team in a hybrid role, with offices in multiple states and national project scope. You will fly high-end LiDAR-equipped drones, collect data on infrastructure projects, and help scale UAS operations nationwide.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years with Harris Aerial/Freefly/Riegl systems, FAA Part 107, and a degree. Expect travel up to 50% and participation in a growing, multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional LiDAR/UAS experience with Harris Aerial and/or Freefly platforms.
• FAA Part 107 license required.
• AA degree or BS from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of drone mapping software and data processing.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Collect top quality LiDAR data for transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Develop flight plans, check NOTAMs, weather and airspace integration.
• Perform equipment setup, maintenance and troubleshooting in the field.
• Data processing and feature extraction from collected data.
• Assist in developing and administering a structured UAS training program.
• Establish survey-grade control for sUAS projects using GNSS.

Skills

LiDAR UAS piloting

FAA Part 107 licensed

Drone mapping software

Field operations

Travel 50%

Education

AA or BS degree

Tools

Harris Aerial LiDAR

Freefly drones

Riegl LiDAR Systems

Job description

GFT is seeking an Advanced LiDAR UAS Pilot to join our Reality Capture Team. This hybrid role is based in the Central or southeastern United States and requires attendance at one of GFT's offices in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, or North Carolina. Candidates should be located near a major airport.

We are seeking someone who has flown Harris Aerial and/or Freefly drones with Riegl LiDAR units full time professionally for at least 3 years. Must be willing to travel throughout the US 50% of the time.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

Join our exciting and fast-growing Reality Capture Team, providing a full range of UAS survey, mapping and bridge inspection services on a national level. Collect data from the air by utilizing state-of-the-art sUAS/Drones equipped with high-definition cameras & video, thermal, LiDAR and other payloads. You’ll work on complex, high-impact infrastructure and transportation projects using advanced LiDAR and survey-grade UAS platforms. This role also offers the opportunity to help shape and scale UAS operations at a national level.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Collect top quality LiDAR data for transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Conduct pre-mission planning with project managers to clarify objectives and deliverables.
• Develop flight plans, check NOTAMS, check weather and coordinate airspace integration with any effected controlling agencies or private property owners.
• Perform equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Solve problems in real-time and deliver acquired data in a timely manner.
• Establish survey-grade control for sUAS projects utilizing GNSS equipment.
• Perform “close proximity flights” on bridge superstructures and challenging environments.
• Assist in developing and administering a structured UAS training program.
• Data processing and feature extraction.

What you will bring to our firm

• Prior experience with Harris Aerial, Freefly, and Riegl LiDAR Systems, or similar sized platforms.
• Previous surveying, data processing, or engineering experience a plus.
• Prior supervisory experience a plus.
• AA Degree from a Technical School or a BS from an accredited institution.
• Professional experience with multi-rotor drones (3-years or more preferred).
• FAA Part 107 license required.
• Understanding of all components of RPAS, as well as the ability to troubleshoot technical issues in the field.
• Knowledge of proper operations of sUAS per FAA Part 107 regulations.
• Knowledge of drone mapping software.
• Ability to work independently and/or as part of a small team.
• Ability to travel 50% of the time, when needed for Emergency Response work, and on some weekends.
• Ability to work outdoors with limited facilities and resources for extended periods of time in various conditions and climates.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs.
• Operate and travel in company vehicles for extended field deployments.
• Previous field work experience required.
• Must make safety #1 priority at all times.
• Ability to maintain, inspect, clean, and occasionally repair UAS equipment.
• Ability to manage small field crew (2-4 people), field schedule, and project expectations.
• Able to articulate and communicate effectively via text, email and verbally.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $38.00 - $55.00 per/hour. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Kansas City, MO, Fort Worth or Houston, TX.

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time