LiDAR Drone Operator

Jones Petrie Rafinski (JPR) is a dynamic provider of A&E services in South Bend and Fort Wayne, IN. As a multi-disciplined firm, we offer our professionals a broad variety of challenging assignments working on solutions in both the public and private sector. 

We’re looking for a skilled and motivated LiDAR Drone Operator to join our surveying team. This role is ideal for someone who combines an understanding of land surveying principles with hands-on experience operating drone-based LiDAR systems. You’ll play a key part in capturing high-accuracy data for boundary surveys, topographic mapping, construction layout, and other land development projects.

If you’re detail-oriented, tech-driven, and thrive in both the field and post-processing environments, we’d love to connect.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, execute, and document UAV missions using LiDAR-equipped drones for a variety of land surveying applications.
• Operate multirotor or fixed-wing UAV platforms, ensuring data is captured safely and efficiently under FAA regulations.
• Apply GNSS-based corrections (RTK/PPK) and geodetic transformations to align survey data to control networks.
• Process raw LiDAR data into classified point clouds using tools such as TerraScan, LAStools, CloudCompare, or Global Mapper.
• Generate topographic surfaces (DEM/DSM), contours, and other deliverables per project specifications.
• Coordinate and Communicate with licensed surveyors, CAD teams, civil engineers, and architects to ensure data integrates smoothly into project workflows.
• Maintain drone hardware, flight logs, calibration records, and safety checklists.
• Work alongside surveying, engineering, and architectural teams to integrate data into workflows.

Required Qualifications:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 2–5 years of experience operating drones and working with LiDAR in a surveying or mapping context.
• Experience with LiDAR processing software (e.g., TerraSolid Suite, LAStools, Global Mapper).
• Understanding of coordinate systems, control points, and geospatial accuracy standards.
• Familiarity with typical surveying deliverables such as topographic maps, boundary lines, and site plans.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working alongside licensed land surveyors or as part of a field crew.
• Knowledge of Civil 3D, Carlson, or other CAD tools used in survey deliverables.
• Familiarity with photogrammetry, RTK/PPK post-processing, and geodetic conversions.
• Problem-solving and documentation skills, with an emphasis on accuracy and QA/QC.
  

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and Long-term disability
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Student loan stipend
• Tuition reimbursement
• Unlimited career growth potential