UAS Pilot / Survey Technician
- Category
- Operations Support
- Position Type
- Regular Full-Time
- Work Schedule Status
- On-Site
Position Summary
Acuren is currently seeking highly skilled UAS (Drone) Pilot / LiDAR Survey Technicians to support our operations in the Western region.
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
- Pay Transparency: As per applicable state law the job posting pay range is $25.98-$43.30 an hour depending on experience and applicable certifications.
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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