UAS Data Processing Technician

We are seeking an Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Data Processing Technician with a collaborative mindset and a passion for geospatial data and cutting-edge technology in our Pittsburgh, PA office. The ideal candidate will have a minimum 2-3 years of UAS or survey geospatial data processing experience, with a strong background in topographic mapping using both photogrammetry and LiDAR. This is a hybrid role focused primarily on office-based processing with occasional field support.

If you are technically skilled, organized, and passionate about remote sensing applications, and you enjoy mentoring others, this is an excellent opportunity to grow within a dynamic and forward-thinking team!

Key Responsibilities:

Process UAS/remote sensing photogrammetry and LiDAR datasets for topographic and related mapping deliverables.
• Utilize and maintain proficiency in geospatial and CAD software including:
• AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Pix4D
• UAS Master
• LP360
• Trimble Business Center
• Esri GIS products including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online
• Or similar platforms
• Collaborate with lead pilots to plan UAS flight missions, including terrain analysis, Aerial Control Point layout, and data acquisition strategies.
• Collaborate with survey, GIS, and engineering teams to ensure data accuracy needs and project objective alignment.
• Support occasional field operations serving as a Pilot in Command (if licensed) or Visual Observer (if not licensed) for data collection, validation, and QA/QC.
• Stay informed about emerging UAS technologies and best practices to continuously adapt current CEC workflows to meet new demands.
• Participate in team development by mentoring junior staff.
• Apply strong planning and organizational skills to manage data processing for multiple concurrent projects.

Required Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience with UAS or geospatial data processing
• Proven experience in topographic mapping using photography and LiDAR
• Proficiency in relevant processing software: Civil 3D, Pix4D, LP360, UAS Master, TBC, Esri GIS products, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with UAS flight planning best practices and software: Mission planner, Q-ground control, UGCS, etc.
• Ability to manage varying workloads and prioritize tasks
• Strong planning and organization skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to estimate processing efforts during the proposal phase
• Strong desire to mentor and teach others
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset and ability to adapt to new technologies
• Desire to embrace a supportive team-oriented approach

Preferred Qualifications:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• UAV flight experience (manual or autonomous)
• Field surveying experience
• Background in geomatics, civil engineering, geospatial sciences, or related field

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community - focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite - focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA - focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women - focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!

We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you - that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS

If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited. Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.