LiDAR Calibration Specialist (Tampa, FL, Denver, CO, Oakland, CA) Hybrid/Remote

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is a talented and detail-oriented LiDAR Calibration Specialist to join our Geomatics Technologies Team. This role supports calibration and QA/QC of airborne LiDAR data across multiple missions, ensuring both absolute and relative accuracy of datasets.

The LiDAR Calibration Specialist is responsible for applying line-to-line registration workflows, performing boresight calibration and surface matching, refining trajectories, and validating LiDAR data to meet strict project and industry accuracy requirements. This role supports a wide range of projects, including topographic and topobathymetric LiDAR applications.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

LiDAR Calibration & Processing

• Perform rigorous LiDAR calibration (line-to-line registration), including boresight adjustments, surface matching, reference-frame verification, and correction of raw data offsets
• Calculate and refine lever arms and perform GPS/GNSS and IMU processing to generate accurate trajectories and Smoothed Best Estimate of Trajectory (SBET) outputs
• Utilize Applanix POSPac, BayesMap StripAlign, and TerraSolid products (TerraScan, TerraMatch, TerraModeler) to process and refine airborne LiDAR swaths
• Process, edit, and classify airborne LiDAR point clouds, including water surface, water column, bathymetric bottom, and submerged and terrestrial features

Quality Assurance & Validation

• Apply and document QA/QC procedures across production workflows to ensure compliance with client specifications and industry standards
• Run accuracy assessments and evaluate data sufficiency relative to project requirements
• Review and enhance existing automation related to product creation, quality control, and reporting

Project & Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with project managers and technical leads to support project planning, scheduling, and delivery within budget
• Coordinate with field teams for boresighting and sensor installation when required
• Manage assigned tasks, troubleshoot data or workflow issues, document procedures and results, and communicate progress
• Participate in peer reviews, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives

Process Development & Innovation

• Develop procedures and methods for LiDAR data processing and analytics
• Create and refine procedures and practices related to flight planning, acquisition QC, raw data processing, calibration, and automated classification

Professional Standards, Safety & Compliance

• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

 Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics, Geography, GIS, Engineering, Hydrography, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience performing LiDAR calibration for both topographic and topobathymetric LiDAR
• Experience with topographic and topobathymetric LiDAR sensors, particularly CZMIL SuperNova
• Proficiency with Applanix POSPac
• Experience using BayesMap StripAlign
• Advanced experience with TerraSolid software (TerraScan, TerraModeler, TerraMatch), including point cloud classification tools and macros
• Familiarity with LiDAR standards and guidelines (e.g., ASPRS, USGS, NOAA)
• Working knowledge of GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro and Global Mapper
• Strong understanding of LiDAR principles, including:
  • Sensor operation
  • Light–water interaction and refraction
  • GPS/INS trajectory concepts
  • Bathymetric surface generation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proven work ethic, attention to detail, and team-oriented mindset
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with LAStools and Python
• Experience supporting automation of LiDAR processing and QA/QC workflows

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer
• Ability to review large, detailed geospatial datasets for prolonged durations

Work Environment / Environmental Factors:

• Office-based, hybrid, or remote work environment
• Fast-paced technical production environment with multiple concurrent projects

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.  https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $75,000-$90,000 annually

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.