UAV and Scanning Specialist

Bechtel Corporation; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career advancement programs

Wellness initiatives

Time for recharge

Job summary

Bechtel Corporation is seeking a UAV & Scanning Specialist in Sugar Land, TX, to support geospatial data acquisition for construction projects. The role involves planning unmanned aerial operations, executing terrestrial laser scanning surveys, and ensuring high-quality outputs in collaboration with project teams.

The ideal candidate requires at least 5 years of experience in UAV and laser scanning technologies, along with a valid FAA Part 107 certification. The position offers a dynamic role in both field and office environments with notable travel.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of relevant experience in UAV operations, laser scanning, or related fields.
• Experience in construction, engineering, or infrastructure environments.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute UAV missions and laser scanning activities.
• Perform terrestrial and aquatic data collection for surveys.
• Process and integrate UAV and scanning data for accurate outputs.

Skills

UAV operations

Laser scanning

LiDAR

Field data collection

Geospatial workflows

FAA regulations

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Propeller

Pix4D

DroneDeploy

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Global Mapper

Leica Cyclone

Faro Scene

Autodesk ReCap

Job description

Requisition Information

• Requisition ID: 295546
• Relocation Authorized: None
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project
• Work Location: Sugar Land, TX

Job Summary

The UAV & Scanning Specialist supports geospatial data acquisition and reality capture for construction projects across North America. This role plans and executes unmanned aerial operations and terrestrial laser scanning surveys, processes data, and delivers accurate, high-quality geospatial outputs. Working closely with project teams, engineering, and survey personnel, the role supports digital workflows including mapping, modeling, and verification. Based in the Bechtel Equipment Operations (BEO) office in Sugar Land, TX, this position requires a proactive, safety‑focused individual comfortable working in both field and office environments, with regular travel.

Major Responsibilities

• Plan and execute UAV missions and laser scanning activities using photogrammetry, thermal, and LiDAR technologies.
• Perform terrestrial and aquatic data collection, including scanning and LiDAR surveys.
• Apply survey control and coordinate systems to ensure data accuracy.
• Coordinate with project teams and stakeholders to support successful delivery of project requirements.
• Process and integrate UAV, scanning, and third‑party data to produce accurate point clouds, models, and geospatial outputs.
• Deliver timely outputs to support design, construction, and as‑built documentation.
• Obtain required permits and airspace authorizations and ensure compliance with FAA, regulatory, and Bechtel safety requirements.
• Support continuous improvement of data workflows, quality, and delivery efficiency.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) and 5‑8 years of relevant experience, or 9‑12 years of relevant work experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• 2‑5+ years of experience in UAV operations, laser scanning, LiDAR, or reality capture within construction, engineering, or infrastructure environments.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification required.
• Hands‑on experience with field data collection and geospatial workflows using UAV and/or terrestrial scanning systems.
• Strong knowledge of UAV operations, FAA regulations, and airspace management.
• Experience with UAV, photogrammetry, thermal imaging, LiDAR, and 3D scanning technologies.
• Proficiency in point cloud processing and geospatial data workflows.
• Experience with tools such as Propeller, Pix4D, DroneDeploy, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Global Mapper, Leica Cyclone, Faro Scene, and Autodesk ReCap.
• Understanding of survey control, coordinate systems, and data validation practices.
• Familiarity with BIM, GIS, and digital engineering workflows.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and ability to work in dynamic project environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating UAV and scanning activities within multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with UAV platforms (e.g., Wingtra, Freefly, Harris) and scanning systems (e.g., Trimble, Leica, Faro).
• Experience delivering reality capture outputs, including as‑built documentation.

Total Rewards / Benefits

Bechtel offers robust benefits to ensure our people thrive, including career advancement programs, wellness initiatives, and time for recharge. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards.

Diverse Teams Build The Extraordinary

Bechtel embraces diversity, supporting a workplace where every colleague feels they belong and are respected, rewarded, and treated equitably.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e‑mail their request to [e-mail].