Advanced LiDAR UAS Pilot

What You Will Do GFT is seeking an Advanced LiDAR UAS Pilot to join our Reality Capture Team. This hybrid role is based in the Central or southeastern United States and requires attendance at one of GFT's offices in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, or North Carolina . Candidates should be located near a major airport. We are seeking someone who has flown Harris Aerial and/or Freefly drones with Riegl LiDAR units full‑time professionally for at least three years and is willing to travel throughout the US 50% of the time. What You'll Be Challenged To Do Join our exciting and fast‑growing Reality Capture Team, providing a full range of UAS survey, mapping and bridge inspection services on a national level. Collect data from the air by utilizing state‑of‑the‑art sUAS/Drones equipped with high‑definition cameras & video, thermal, LiDAR and other payloads. You'll work on complex, high‑impact infrastructure and transportation projects using advanced LiDAR and survey‑grade UAS platforms. This role also offers the opportunity to help shape and scale UAS operations at a national level. 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, weather, and coordinate airspace integration with affected 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. Process data and extract features. Qualifications Prior experience with Harris Aerial, Freefly, and Riegl LiDAR Systems, or similar-sized platforms. Previous surveying, data processing, or engineering experience is a plus. Prior supervisory experience is a plus. AA degree from a technical school or a BS from an accredited institution. Professional experience with multi‑rotor drones (three years or more preferred). FAA Part 107 license required. Understanding of all components of RPAS and 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, including emergency response work and 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 50 lbs. Operate and travel in company vehicles for extended field deployments. Previous field work experience required. Must make safety the number one priority at all times. Ability to maintain, inspect, clean, and occasionally repair UAS equipment. Ability to manage a small field crew (2–4 people), field schedule, and project expectations. Able to articulate and communicate effectively via text, email, and verbally. Successful completion of a criminal background check is required. Compensation The salary range for this role is $38.00 – $55.00 per hour, based on experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, 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. Company Overview 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. 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. Job Details Location: Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, or North Carolina Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Employment Status: Full‑Time #J-18808-Ljbffr