Senior Airborne LiDAR Systems Engineer

Woolpert; Kiln (MS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Woolpert in Kiln, Mississippi is seeking a Senior LiDAR Systems Engineer to provide technical and project leadership across airborne, terrestrial, drone, and bathymetric LiDAR initiatives. You will set the technical direction, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure delivery, client satisfaction, and innovation.

The role requires 10+ years of LiDAR experience, strong leadership, and expertise in system architecture, calibration, and QA/QC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Geomatics, or related field.
• Typically 10+ years of progressive experience in LiDAR system development, LiDAR components, systems engineering, or related field.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and multidisciplinary teams from concept through deployment.
• Ability to mentor technical professionals and drive accountability for results.
• Strong client-facing leadership and ability to communicate strategy to senior stakeholders.
• Experience with system-level architecture, optics, sensors, embedded systems, software, and platform interfaces.
• LiDAR data processing, calibration, validation, and QA/QC standards.
• PMP certification or equivalent leadership preferred.
• Experience with airborne and bathymetric LiDAR systems.
• Familiarity with ASPRS standards and federal geospatial data requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Python, or C for system control and automation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and project leadership across multiple LiDAR programs with responsibility for scope, schedules, budgets, risks, quality and deliverables.
• Set the technical vision and systems-engineering approach for LiDAR solutions (airborne, drone, terrestrial, bathymetric).
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of software, mechanical, electrical, optical, and geospatial professionals to deliver system performance.
• Mentor engineers and staff, promote collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Translate business needs into practical system requirements and implementation strategies for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Direct system architecture, design reviews, integration, testing, calibration, and operational readiness for advanced LiDAR platforms.
• Establish QA/QC standards for LiDAR data acquisition and processing.
• Contribute to proposals, scopes of work, cost estimates, documentation, and specifications.
• Identify emerging technologies and champion innovations to improve capability and competitiveness.
• Support strategic planning, resource allocation, and cross-functional decision-making for the LiDAR practice.

Skills

Leadership of complex programs

Executive communication

Mentoring engineers

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Geomatics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Python

C

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.

Position Overview

Woolpert is hiring a SeniorLiDAR Systems Engineer to join our dynamic team at our Kiln, Mississippi office. This senior role will provide technical and project leadership for complex airborne, terrestrial, drone, and bathymetric LiDAR initiatives. The successful candidate will set technical direction, lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor engineers, and take accountability for project delivery, client relationships, quality, and innovation. Relocation packages are available for preferred candidates.

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:

• Provide technical and project leadership across multiple complex LiDAR programs, with accountability for scope, schedules, budgets, risks, quality, and deliverables.
• Set the technical vision and systems-engineering approach for airborne, drone, terrestrial, and bathymetric LiDAR solutions.
• Lead and align multidisciplinary teams of software, mechanical, electrical, optical, and geospatial professionals to deliver reliable system performance.
• Mentor engineers and technical staff, strengthen team capability, and promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor to clients and internal stakeholders, translating business needs into practical system requirements and implementation strategies.
• Direct system architecture, design reviews, integration, testing, calibration, and operational readiness for advanced LiDAR platforms.
• Establish and oversee QA/QC standards for LiDAR data acquisition, processing, and system-performance validation.
• Lead technical contributions to proposals, scopes of work, cost estimates, technical documentation, and system specifications.
• Identify emerging technologies, evaluate investment opportunities, and champion innovations that improve system capability, efficiency, and market competitiveness.
• Support strategic planning, resource allocation, and cross-functional decision-making for the LiDAR practice.

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Geomatics, or a related field.
• Typically 10 or more years of progressive experience in LiDAR system development, LiDAR system components, systems engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated success leading complex technical programs and multidisciplinary engineering teams from concept through deployment and operational support.
• Proven ability to mentor technical professionals, influence cross-functional stakeholders, resolve high-impact issues, and drive accountability for results.
• Strong client-facing leadership skills, including the ability to communicate technical strategy, manage expectations, and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Advanced experience with system-level architecture and integration, including optics, sensors, embedded systems, software, and platform interfaces.
• Strong command of LiDAR data processing, system calibration, performance validation, and QA/QC standards.
• Excellent executive-level communication, presentation, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• PMP certification or equivalent leadership of complex projects and programs is preferred.
• Experience with airborne and bathymetric LiDAR systems.
• Familiarity with ASPRS standards and federal geospatial data requirements.
• Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Project, Python, or C for system control and automation.

Benefits You Will Love

• 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!

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

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