Sr. Lidar Data Delivery Lead

A highly skilled geospatial technical lead is responsible for ensuring end-to-end lidar data integrity and quality in the production of final geospatial deliverables for major lidar mapping projects (e.g., NOAA, USGS, USACE, TWDB). This role requires knowledge of the full data production workflow—from validating boresight calibration results and point classification to final point cloud and derived product creation and client hand-off—ensuring final outputs meet stringent technical specifications and quality standards. The ideal candidate should have an expert understanding of airborne lidar sensors, in-depth knowledge of lidar data processing flows, and the ability to identify improvement opportunities and solve complex technical issues quickly. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as this role collaborates across teams to deliver accurate, high-quality geospatial products on time.

• Final Deliverables Oversight: Lead and coordinate the generation of final lidar deliverable products (e.g., classified point clouds, bare earth, and hydro-flattened DEMs) from processed data. Ensure all final deliverables adhere to client requirements and industry standards for accuracy, format, and completeness. Perform a final quality review and sign-off on all products, packaging data, and documentation for smooth client hand-off and acceptance.
• Input Data Quality & Sensor Calibration: Verify the integrity of raw input data collected from various airborne lidar sensors before full processing. Have working knowledge of boresight calibration and flightline adjustments, confirming that lidar sensor data is properly aligned and flight lines are accurately matched to ground control points. Coordinate corrective actions if any sensor calibration or data integrity issues are detected.
• Classification & Data Processing Workflow: Have working knowledge of advanced geospatial data processing steps, including automated point cloud classification and subsequent product development. Utilize and refine classification macros and automated routines to efficiently categorize lidar points. Guide the integration of intermediate products and maintain streamlined process flows from pre-processing through post-processing, leading to final output generation.
• Quality Control & Advanced Troubleshooting: Execute a multi-stage QA/QC pipeline throughout the project lifecycle to uphold data quality. Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement or quality enhancements at each stage. Serve as the expert troubleshooter for complex technical issues, diagnosing and resolving problems that arise during production.
• Technical Leadership & Collaboration: Act as a technical mentor and leader for production teams. Provide guidance on best practices for data processing and quality control. Collaborate closely with project managers, data acquisition teams, and GIS analysts to coordinate workflows and resolve any cross-team dependencies.

• Expert Geospatial Knowledge: Extensive experience (typically 8 years) in lidar data production, including a deep understanding of lidar workflow. Demonstrated expertise in the full data lifecycle from raw data acquisition through final product delivery.
• Data Quality & Calibration Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of boresight calibration and flightline alignment criteria for lidar data. Solid understanding of survey ground control and checkpoint integration in geospatial workflows.
• Technical Toolset: Proficiency in geospatial data processing software and scripting. Hands-on experience with tools such as TerraSolid TerraScan/TerraModeler, lidar processing and QA software, GIS and raster tools, and photogrammetry or point cloud modeling software.
• Quality Assurance & Problem-Solving: Demonstrated strength in geospatial QA/QC processes and attention to detail. Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills in diagnosing data issues and coordinating effective solutions.
• Project & Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead technical teams or projects in a production environment. Experience working on large government or industry mapping projects is a plus.
• Education & Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Geomatics, GIS, Remote Sensing, Geography, or a related field. Professional certifications such as ASPRS Certified Photogrammetrist, Certified Lidar Technologist, or GIS Professional (GISP) are a strong plus.