Job Description
UAV Pilot / LiDAR Photogrammetrist GPD Group - 4.0 Akron, OH Job Details 1 day ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Records maintenance Aviation logbook management Outdoor work Operations coordination planning Private Pilot Certification High school diploma or GED Driver's License Flight operations Mapping using LiDAR surveys Federal Aviation Regulations LiDAR Aerial mapping flight operations Pilot License Field data collection Photogrammetry Remote Pilot Certificate Field engineering equipment calibration Commanding aircraft Quality control calibration Mapping using photogrammetry GNSS systems Full Job Description UAV Pilot / LiDAR Photogrammetrist Join GPD Group, where our purpose is to improve the well-being of our employees, clients, communities and business partners by transforming opportunities into success. We are passionate about the work we do and the relationships we build with clients. Our employee ownership structure fosters a non-hierarchical collaborative work environment, where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and creativity to the betterment of the organization and our clients. This structure also enables each associate to explore and expand their talents, reach their full potential, and deliver to the core traits that guide GPD group and allow us to deliver successfully for our clients. For more than 60 years, GPD Group has been providing architectural, engineering and planning services to clients across the United States. With a diverse team of over 900 professionals working in 15 different offices, it is our passion for our work and our commitment to our purpose that unites us. GPD is s eeking an experienced FAA Part 107 UAV pilot to lead high-accuracy LiDAR and photogrammetric as-built surveys for electric transmission, distribution, pipeline, transportation, and other utility corridors. This role combines advanced heavy-lift flight operations, survey-grade data collection, field safety leadership, and practical FAA regulatory expertise.
Day-to-Day Role Responsibilities:
Plan and execute UAV LiDAR/RGB missions for linear infrastructure and utility right-of-way projects. Serve as Remote Pilot in Command for heavy-lift platforms carrying LiDAR, RGB, GNSS/INS, and related payloads. Develop flight plans accounting for terrain, vegetation, structures, airspace, weather, communications, control/checkpoints, and emergency procedures. Coordinate with survey crews, visual observers, safety staff, project managers, and utility/client representatives. Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks; maintain aircraft, payload, battery, maintenance, calibration, and flight records. Support BVLOS planning, waiver documentation, risk assessments, detect-and-avoid concepts, observer strategy, and contingency procedures. Review field data for coverage, quality, trajectory/GNSS integrity, image overlap, point density, and suitability for engineering deliverables. Communication and coordination with multi-disciplinary groups. Role Qualifications:
Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing.500+ UAV flight hours, including heavy-lift aircraft and LiDAR payload operations. Proven UAV LiDAR and photogrammetry experience on utility corridors, linear infrastructure, or engineering/survey projects. Experience with BVLOS operations or BVLOS mission planning, including waiver-based workflows and visual observer coordination. Strong knowledge of Part 107, controlled airspace, LAANC/authorizations, waivers, Remote ID, operations near airports/restricted areas, night operations, and rules for people/vehicles. Awareness of developing FAA BVLOS
rulemaking, UAS Traffic Management concepts, reporting, recordkeeping, and operational authorization trends. Practical knowledge of RTK/PPK GNSS
workflows, ground control/checkpoints, LiDAR calibration, and survey-grade data collection. Ability to travel, work outdoors in remote corridors, lift/carry field equipment, and make conservative safety-based go/no-go decisions. Valid driver's license and strong communication, documentation, and crew coordination skills. High School Diploma required. Must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to multi-task between several projects and priorities at one time. Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with DJI Matrice 300/350, Freefly Alta X, Inspired Flight, Harris Aerial, Watts Innovations, Phoenix LiDAR, RIEGL, YellowScan, GeoCue, Phase One, Sony, or similar systems. Utility deliverable experience:
conductor modeling, vegetation clearance, pole/tower inventory, substations, as-builts, and corridor mapping. Knowledge of ASPRS accuracy standards, state survey standards, QA/QC workflows, and client-specific mapping specifications. OSHA 10/30, CPR/First Aid, railroad/utility safety training, Private Pilot Certificate, or aviation safety training. GPD believes passionately that everyone on our team knows that they are a valued member of our employee-owned company. When you are willing to put the time and effort in to make us successful, you will see that in your paycheck and in your benefits offering. GPD offers a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes : Health Insurance Dental Insurance Life Insurance Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance. Vision Insurance 401(k) with matching and company contribution Bonus Vacation & Sick Time And much more… At GPD Group, we believe in the value of every individual. GPD Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we assure you that all applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veterans, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
