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, an