Job Description
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
Job Tags
Temporary work, Flexible hours,