LiDAR Calibration Analyst

Overview

The LiDAR Calibration Analyst plays an important role in the production workflow by ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of airborne LiDAR datasets prior to downstream processing. This position focuses on technical execution of calibration, QA/QC, and data validation to ensure that final products meet internal and client standards.

The Analyst works both independently and as part of a collaborative team to perform calibration and adjustment of LiDAR swaths, validate data accuracy, and maintain organized documentation. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of LiDAR calibration principles, sensor geometry, and data accuracy assessment, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.

This position is onsite at the NV5 office in Portland, OR.

NV5 is a global technology solutions and consulting services company with a workforce of over 4,500 professionals in more than 100 offices worldwide.  NV5’s continued growth has been spurred through strategic investments in firms with unique capabilities to help current and future customers solve the world’s toughest problems.  The NV5 family brings together talent across a wide range of markets and fields, including Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, Architects, Photogrammetrists, GIS Professionals, Software Developers, IT, Project Management Professionals, and more.

At NV5 Geospatial, We are a collaboration of intelligent, innovative thinkers who care for each other, our communities, and the environment.  We value both heart and head, the diversity of our people, and their experiences because that is how we continue to grow as leaders in our industry and expand our individual and collective potential.

Responsibilities

• Perform relative and absolute LiDAR calibration and boresight adjustments using tools such as TerraMatch, StripAlign, and related software.
• Review and validate flight trajectories, line overlap, and control accuracy prior to production processing. 
• Combine and align LiDAR swaths into seamless, spatially accurate datasets. 
• Conduct detailed QA/QC to ensure data meets both absolute and relative accuracy standards. 
• Identify and troubleshoot calibration or alignment issues with guidance from senior staff. 
• Communicate calibration status and findings clearly with acquisition, calibration, and processing teams. 
• Document calibration parameters, QA results, and accuracy assessments in project tracking systems. 
• Follow and contribute to established production workflows to maintain efficiency and data consistency. 
• Maintain organized data management and file structures across multiple projects. 
• Support workflow automation or scripting (e.g., Python or VB) when applicable. 
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accountability for data quality and project timelines.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, Engineering, or related field — or equivalent professional experience.
• 1–3 years of experience in LiDAR calibration, QA/QC, or geospatial data production.
• Working knowledge of TerraSolid software and ESRI tools.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and strong documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in a technical, production-oriented geospatial environment.
• Experience with BayesMap StripAlign, trajectory manipulation, or GNSS/IMU processing.
• Exposure to alignment of terrestrial or mobile LiDAR datasets.
• Knowledge of Python, CADD, or Visual Basic; experience with workflow scripting or automation.
• Familiarity with USGS LiDAR Base Specification or ASPRS accuracy standards.

Experience/Skills Preferred (in addition to requirements):

• Hands-on experience with LiDAR sensor or swath calibration using TerraSolid tools and/or BayesMap StripAlign.
• Understanding error sources in airborne LiDAR datasets and methods for identifying orientation or trajectory issues.
• Competence in ESRI, CADD, and other vector-based software.
• Familiarity with GNSS/IMU data and trajectory processing.
• Working knowledge of datums, projections, and coordinate transformations.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple calibration tasks in a production-focused environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills with a proactive, quality-driven mindset.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to continuous improvement of workflows and methodologies.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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