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Contract Lidar Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Autonomy SME, Lead

Reston, VA · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data ... Collaborate with government stakeholders, operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy ...

Autonomy SME, Lead

Laurel, MD · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data ... Collaborate with government stakeholders, operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy ...

Autonomy SME, Lead

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$116K - $152K/yr

Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data ... Collaborate with government stakeholders, operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy ...

Autonomy SME, Lead

Bowie, MD · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data ... Collaborate with government stakeholders, operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy ...

Autonomy SME, Lead

Ashton, MD · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data ... Collaborate with government stakeholders, operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy ...

Autonomy SME, Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data ... Collaborate with government stakeholders, operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy ...

Autonomy SME, Lead

Lorton, VA · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data ... Collaborate with government stakeholders, operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Lidar Operator information

What is a contract lidar operator?

Contract Lidar Operators are professionals hired on a contractual basis to operate Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) equipment for various surveying, mapping, or data collection projects. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and operating LiDAR systems, often in the field, to capture accurate 3D data of landscapes, infrastructure, or objects. Their work supports industries such as construction, forestry, mining, and environmental monitoring. Contract Lidar Operators must have technical skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of data processing and safety protocols.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a contract lidar operator?

To thrive as a Contract Lidar Operator, you need expertise in remote sensing, Lidar data acquisition, and geospatial analysis, typically supported by a relevant technical degree or field experience. Familiarity with Lidar hardware, GPS systems, and specialized software such as TerraScan or ArcGIS is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top operators apart. These skills ensure the accurate collection and processing of spatial data for applications like mapping, surveying, and environmental assessment.

What are common challenges faced by contract lidar operators?

Contract Lidar Operators often encounter challenges such as operating sophisticated equipment in remote or difficult terrain and adapting to rapidly changing environmental conditions. They must also manage large volumes of data accurately and ensure that all safety and regulatory protocols are followed. Collaboration with survey teams and project managers is essential to meet tight deadlines and client expectations. Staying updated with the latest Lidar technologies and software is also key to maintaining high-quality results.

What is the difference between Contract Lidar Operator vs Survey Technician?

AspectContract Lidar OperatorSurvey Technician
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, GPS and GIS software familiarityLand surveying certifications, CAD software skills
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-site data collection using LiDAR equipmentIndoor and outdoor, fieldwork and office drafting
Industry UsageConstruction, forestry, infrastructure projectsLand development, mapping, civil engineering

The Contract Lidar Operator primarily focuses on operating LiDAR equipment for data collection in outdoor environments, often requiring GPS and GIS knowledge. Survey Technicians perform land surveys, often using CAD and other mapping tools, with some overlap in fieldwork. Both roles are essential in geospatial projects but differ mainly in equipment and specific tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lidar Operator jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Lidar Operator jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Lidar Operator jobs in Washington?

For Contract Lidar Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Lidar Operator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Lidar Operator jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Lidar Operator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Contract Lidar Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Lidar Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Autonomy SME, Lead

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Autonomy SME, Lead
The Opportunity:
As an Autonomy and UAS Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy machine learning models that power intelligent behaviors on unmanned systems. You will work with advanced autonomy frameworks, including platforms such as Shield AI's Hivemind to build resilient navigation, perception, targeting, and collaborative autonomy capabilities.
You will operate at the cutting edge of edge AI, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and real-time embedded systems, helping the military transition from human-in-the-loop control to AI-assisted and autonomous mission execution.
As a technical lead, you will guide autonomy architecture decisions, mentor engineering teams, and support the integration of autonomy capabilities into operational military systems.
What You'll Work On:
  • Design and train machine learning models for perception, object detection, tracking, and classification.
  • Develop reinforcement learning and autonomy algorithms for navigation and mission execution.
  • Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data.
  • Optimize AI models for deployment on edge compute platforms such as GPU, TPU, and embedded systems.
  • Develop and integrate autonomy behaviors within platforms such as Hivemind.
  • Implement mission planning logic and adaptive decision-making algorithms.
  • Enable collaborative autonomy between multiple UAS platforms.
  • Lead the design and implementation of autonomy architectures for UAS and multi-agent systems.
  • Build simulation-based training pipelines for autonomy validation.
  • Deploy containerized AI models to airborne and ground edge nodes.
  • Optimize inference latency and resource utilization.
  • Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
  • Develop secure software pipelines aligned to DoD cybersecurity standards.
  • Integrate AI outputs into tactical networks and mission command systems.
  • Implement CI/CD pipelines for rapid model iteration and field updates.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers developing autonomy capabilities.
  • Support flight testing, operational demonstrations, military exercises, and customer evaluations.
  • Collaborate with government stakeholders, operators, and engineering teams to define autonomy requirements and roadmaps.

Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 5+ years of experience in software engineering, including AI/ML systems
  • Experience with Python and C++
  • Experience with deep learning frameworks, such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and ONNX
  • Experience building and deploying AI models on edge hardware, such as NVIDIA Jetson, GPUs, and embedded platforms
  • Experience with robotics middleware, such as ROS or ROS2
  • Experience with computer vision or autonomous navigation systems
  • Experience leading technical teams, architecture decisions, or autonomy-focused development efforts
  • Experience integrating autonomous systems into operational, test, or simulation environments
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in a Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or Electrical Engineering field

Nice If You Have:
  • Experience working in military exercises and war games
  • Experience with autonomy frameworks such as Hivemind, PX4, ArduPilot, NVIDIA Isaac, or ROS2
  • Experience with collaborative autonomy, swarming, or multi-agent mission execution
  • Ability to support flight testing and operational evaluations
  • Top Secret clearance
  • Master's degree
  • ML, AI, or Solution Architecture Certification

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $112,800.00 to $257,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

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Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914