Hydrographic Processing Specialist

Woolpert, Inc.; North Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Freedom to Work program

Principal program

Flexible paid time off

Career development

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tech stipend

Job summary

Woolpert, Inc. is seeking a Hydrographic Data Processing Specialist to join the Bathymetric Charting Data Processing Team. This role supports global marine survey projects with opportunities for remote work or in-office in San Rafael, CA or Charleston, SC.

The candidate will handle multibeam processing, side scan sonar, and data delivery packages while ensuring QA/QC and reproducibility. Ideal candidates have a degree in surveying/geomatics (or related field) with 3+ years of experience, or a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in surveying/geomatics or related field with 3+ years of experience, or a master's with 1+ year.
• Strong knowledge of hydrographic survey principles and geospatial data workflows.
• Experience with industry standard software packages such as QPS Qinsy/Qimera, CARIS, SonarWiz, SeaView, Discover, Global Mapper, POS Pac, ArcGIS.
• Detail-oriented with ability to produce accurate datasets and maintain reproducibility.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new software and workflows.
• Ability to work in a team environment and coordinate with field teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily imports and processing tasks on multiday projects.
• Process multibeam hydrographic data using QPS Qimera: data cleaning, refraction correction, sound velocity application.
• Perform side scan sonar processing and interpretation using SonarWiz: mosaicking, gain normalization, feature classification.
• Coordinate feature management in QPS Qimera and CARIS; review logs and metadata.
• Produce daily data packages (Coverage Tiffs, line mile reports).
• Create delivery packages (bathymetric surfaces/grids, backscatter mosaics, GIS datasets).
• Perform QA/QC to ensure data accuracy and project compliance.
• Document workflows for reproducibility across projects.
• Identify inefficiencies and help improve processing standards.
• Collaborate with project managers to meet schedules and deliverables.

Skills

Hydrographic principles

Geospatial workflows

Team collaboration

Self-management

Multitasking in production

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in surveying/geomatics/related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

QPS Qinsy

Qimera

CARIS

SonarWiz

SeaView

Global Mapper

ArcGIS

POS Pac

Job description

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.

Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting‑edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

Woolpert is hiring a Hydrographic Data Processing Specialist to join our Bathymetric Charting Data Processing Team. This position is eligible for remote work with the team working between Eastern and Pacific Time working hours. Alternatively to a remote option, an in‑office role is available within the San Rafael, CA or the Charleston, SC office if the candidate is local or willing to relocate.

Our team supports large‑scale marine survey projects globally throughout our Maritime sector. Projects this team typically supports are public sector, as an industry contractor with NOAA Office of Coast Survey and other government agencies to support charting efforts for feature detection and updating general bathymetry. As a processing position, work travel is not expected and field time is not necessary.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with large geospatial datasets, developing efficient processing workflows, analyzing data for quality control, categorizing features, and producing high‑quality deliverables.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

What you will do:

• Manage daily imports and processing tasks on multiday projects
• Process multibeam hydrographic data using QPS Qimera, including:
  • Data cleaning, refraction correction, and sound velocity application
  • Patch test validation and calibration review
  • Surface generation and uncertainty analysis
  • Feature detection, creation, and reporting
• Perform side scan sonar processing and interpretation using SonarWiz, including:
  • Mosaicking and gain normalization
  • Target identification and classification (e.g., debris, infrastructure, seabed features)
  • Contact selection and reporting
• Feature management and new feature creation in QPS Qimera and CARIS
• Review and validate acquisition logs and metadata from QINSy to ensure proper integration into processing workflows
• Produce daily data packages including:
  • Coverage Tiffs
  • Line mile reports
• Produce delivery packages including:
  • Bathymetric Surfaces and Grids
  • Backscatter and Side Scan mosaics
  • GIS‑compatible feature datasets
  • Survey overview and analysis reports
• Perform QA/QC checks to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project specifications
• Document processing workflows and maintain reproducibility across projects
• Identify inefficiencies and contribute to improving internal processing standards
• Coordinate with field teams to resolve data gaps, anomalies, or acquisition issues
• Work closely with project managers and technical leads to meet project schedules and deliverable requirements

What you will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, environmental science, ocean engineering, coastal and ocean policy, geology, geography, geophysics, oceanography, spatial science, marine science, physics, mathematics or comparable field plus a minimum of 3 years of job‑related experience, or a master’s degree plus 1 year of job‑related experience.
• Strong understanding of hydrographic survey principles and geospatial data workflows
• Experience with industry standard software packages such as: QPS Qinsy and Qimera, CARIS, SonarWiz, SeaView, Discover, Global Mapper, POS Pac, ArcGIS, etc.
• Detail‑oriented mindset with a focus on producing accurate, defensible datasets
• Ability to work in a team environment, self‑manage, and manage others.
• Ability to manage multiple datasets and deadlines in a production environment
• Willingness and ability to learn as you go.
• A strong work ethic to self‑motivate and hold yourself accountable as a potentially remote worker.
• Above average communication skills.
• Above average attention to detail and aesthetics for data modeling.
• The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new software.
• An enthusiastic attitude that is open to receiving and giving constructive professional feedback.
• A genuine passion and desire to work in a marine focused organization.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Experience in Qimera or Caris
• Experience in SonarWiz
• Experience with feature management and reporting
• Familiarity with
  • NOAA Hydrographic Specifications and Deliverables
  • IHO Hydrographic Specifications
  • NOAA Pydro Toolset
  • Global Mapper or GIS platforms

Benefits You Will Love

Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest‑growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you'll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!

Pay Range

Base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

$75,400 — $94,300 USD

Find out more about what Woolpert has to offer here: http://woolpert.com/about-us/

Woolpert is an equal‑opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting your Recruiter