About the Role
Join GFT's Reality Capture Team as an Advanced LiDAR UAS Pilot, utilizing state-of-the-art sUAS/Drones equipped with high-definition cameras & video, thermal, LiDAR and other payloads. You will work on complex, high-impact infrastructure and transportation projects using advanced LiDAR and survey-grade UAS platforms, and help shape and scale UAS operations nationally.
Responsibilities
- Collect top quality LiDAR data for transportation and infrastructure projects.
- Conduct pre-mission planning with project managers to clarify objectives and deliverables.
- Develop flight plans, check NOTAMS, check weather and coordinate airspace integration with any effected controlling agencies or private property owners.
- Perform equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Solve problems in real-time and deliver acquired data in a timely manner.
- Establish survey-grade control for sUAS projects utilizing GNSS equipment.
- Perform “close proximity flights” on bridge superstructures and challenging environments.
- Assist in developing and administering a structured UAS training program.
- Data processing and feature extraction.
Requirements
- Prior experience with Harris Aerial, Freefly, and Riegl LiDAR Systems, or similar sized platforms.
- Previous surveying, data processing, or engineering experience a plus.
- Prior supervisory experience a plus.
- Professional experience with multi-rotor drones (3-years or more preferred).
- FAA Part 107 license required.
- Understanding of all components of RPAS, as well as the ability to troubleshoot technical issues in the field.
- Knowledge of proper operations of sUAS per FAA Part 107 regulations.
- Knowledge of drone mapping software.
- Ability to work independently and/or as part of a small team.
- Ability to travel 50% of the time, when needed for Emergency Response work, and on some weekends.
- Ability to work outdoors with limited facilities and resources for extended periods of time in various conditions and climates.
- Must be able to lift 50lbs.
- Operate and travel in company vehicles for extended field deployments.
- Previous field work experience required.
- Must make safety #1 priority at all times.
- Ability to maintain, inspect, clean, and occasionally repair UAS equipment.
- Ability to manage small field crew (2-4 people), field schedule, and project expectations.
- Able to articulate and communicate effectively via text, email and verbally.
- Must be located near a major airport.
Skills
- LiDAR
- UAS Survey
- Mapping
- Bridge Inspection
- sUAS/Drones
- High-definition cameras & video
- Thermal imaging
- Survey-grade UAS platforms
- GNSS equipment
- Drone mapping software
Location
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Illinois
- Texas
- Georgia
- North Carolina
Work Type
- Hybrid
- Full-Time
Experience Level
- 3+ years of professional experience with multi-rotor drones
- 3+ years of full-time professional piloting Harris Aerial and/or Freefly drones with Riegl LiDAR units
Education Level
- AA Degree from a Technical School
- BS from an accredited institution
Salary/Compensations
- $38.00 - $55.00 per/hour
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
About the Company
- At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
- Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
Equal Opportunity
- GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
