Position Summary
Acuren is currently seeking highly skilled UAS (Drone) Pilot II to support our operations.
As a highly skilled UAS (Drone) Pilot / LiDAR Survey Technician, you will plan, execute, and deliver end-to-end airborne LiDAR and imagery acquisition projects using industry-leading sensor systems including YellowScan LiDAR (RIEGL-based) payloads and Trimble survey-grade GNSS/total station equipment. You will operate UAS to support geospatial data collection for electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure, utility corridors, and environmental survey programs — carrying each project from mission planning through final deliverable submission with minimal supervision.
The ideal candidate combines FAA Part 107 flight proficiency with hands-on LiDAR system operation, ground control survey techniques, and post-processing workflows capable of producing client-ready point clouds, DEMs, orthomosaics, and associated reports. This position is critical in supporting system reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance through high-accuracy aerial data collection.
Responsibilities
LiDAR Acquisition & Geospatial Survey
- Operate YellowScan LiDAR systems (RIEGL VUX-series based) mounted to multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS platforms for corridor, infrastructure, and topographic surveys; RIEGL standalone LiDAR systems accepted as equivalent experience.
- Conduct ground control and check point surveys using Trimble GNSS receivers (e.g., R10, R12, SPS series) and total stations to achieve and verify required horizontal/vertical accuracy standards.
- Configure, calibrate, and perform pre/post-flight boresight and system health checks for LiDAR sensors, IMU/GNSS units, and camera payloads to ensure data integrity.
- Execute airborne LiDAR missions from project initiation through final deliverable — including flight planning, data acquisition, base station occupation, point cloud processing, classification, DEM/DTM generation, and client report production — without requiring technical assistance.
- Process raw LiDAR data using appropriate software (e.g., YellowScan CloudStation, RiPROCESS, LAStools, TerraSolid, or equivalent) to produce classified point clouds, ground models, contours, and derivative products meeting client specifications.
- Perform QA/QC on all acquired data and processed deliverables, including accuracy assessments against ground truth and project tolerances, and document results in formal QA reports.
UAS Flight Operations
- Operate small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) in accordance with FAA Part 107, company safety procedures, and project work plans across varied terrain including rural, mountainous, and urban environments.
- Plan and execute automated and manual UAS missions using flight planning software (waypoints, corridor routes, terrain-following) optimized for LiDAR and imagery acquisition.
- Maintain detailed flight logs, mission reports, equipment maintenance records, and LiDAR/GNSS calibration logs.
- Manage data upload, storage, transfer, and archival processes for timely integration with project processing and inspection workflows.
- Comply with all airspace authorizations, LAANC processes, waiver requirements, and local jurisdiction flight restrictions.
Project & Field Coordination
- Serve as the responsible technician for LiDAR project delivery — coordinating field logistics, equipment staging, base station siting, and data QC without need for on-site technical oversight.
- Collaborate with GIS, engineering, and inspection teams to define deliverable specifications, review accuracy requirements, and communicate project status.
- Coordinate with field inspectors, safety personnel, and site managers to schedule missions, obtain access permissions, and ensure safe launch/recovery operations.
- Stay current with evolving UAS LiDAR technologies, sensor payloads, processing software, and regulatory changes; contribute to continuous improvement of field and processing workflows.
- Other work duties as assigned.
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Demonstrated ability to independently complete a LiDAR mapping project from pre-mission planning through final client deliverable, including flight operations, ground control survey, data processing, and QA/QC documentation.
- Hands-on proficiency with YellowScan LiDAR systems (Mapper, Voyager, or equivalent RIEGL VUX-based payloads) — including sensor configuration, boresight calibration, and CloudStation or equivalent processing software.
- Proficiency with Trimble survey equipment (GNSS receivers, data collectors, and total stations) for ground control point collection, network RTK/PPK workflows, and accuracy verification.
- Experience with LiDAR post-processing software (YellowScan CloudStation, RiPROCESS, LAStools, TerraSolid, or similar) to produce classified point clouds, bare-earth models, and client deliverables.
- Proficiency with UAS flight planning software (waypoints, corridor and terrain-following missions) and data capture workflows.
- Strong understanding of GNSS positioning principles, PPK/RTK processing, coordinate reference systems, and geoid modeling as applied to airborne survey accuracy.
- Basic to intermediate knowledge of GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for deliverable review, spatial analysis, and client report generation.
- Basic knowledge of electrical infrastructure (transmission towers, poles, substations) and associated field hazards (electrical safety, fall zones) is strongly preferred.
- Strong situational awareness, spatial/hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail in both flight operations and data processing.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills; able to work with field teams, GIS leads, site managers, and engineers; able to present data quality findings clearly.
- Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks under minimal supervision and respond promptly to field direction; expected to handle field gear and equipment transport independently.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- 3–5 years of commercial UAS operations experience, with a minimum of 2 years specifically in airborne LiDAR acquisition and survey-grade geospatial data collection.
- Demonstrated experience operating YellowScan or RIEGL LiDAR systems in a production capacity with delivered project examples.
- Demonstrated experience using Trimble GNSS/total station equipment for survey control in support of UAS or LiDAR mapping projects.
- Valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent regulatory certification for commercial UAS operations.
- Formal surveying, geomatics, or geospatial technology education or equivalent field experience preferred
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance
- 401K Plan
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off
Working Conditions
- Outdoor work in varying and sometimes extreme weather (heat, cold, wind, rain, snow) while maintaining flight and safety standards.
- Exposure to electrical hazards, electromagnetic fields, and high-voltage environments—must maintain required safety clearances and PPE use.
- Frequent travel to inspection sites, including remote or rural locations; may require overnight stays or extended assignments.
- Occasional work at heights, near energized infrastructure, or within confined/controlled areas (e.g., substations).
- Extended concentration and situational awareness needed during flight operations to monitor aircraft position, airspace, and obstacles.
- Ability to wear and operate while using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, gloves, and hearing protection as required by site safety rules.
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS:
- Ability to stand, walk, and operate equipment for extended periods (up to 8–10 hours per day) in outdoor environments.
- Ability to transport LiDAR sensor systems, GNSS equipment, ground tripods, and UAS payloads across uneven terrain.
- Manual dexterity and hand–eye coordination to safely control drones, operate handheld controllers, tablets, and sensor payloads.
- Visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses) sufficient to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with UAS, assess airspace conditions, and evaluate imagery for quality and accuracy.
- Auditory ability to hear and respond to commands, communications, and environmental sounds (e.g., approaching vehicles, equipment, or other hazards).
Company Overview
Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.
Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world’s largest industrial segments.
Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees.
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