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Contract Lidar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine ... LiDAR, and RADAR. • Experience with data acquisition using Multibeam Sonars, Side Scan Sonars ...

Actalent

Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA

$60 - $80/hr

Electrical Engineer | Pay: $60 - $80/hr | Onsite in Herndon, VA | 9-month contract-to-hire This ... Design and develop electronics for advanced electro-optical systems used in laser, lidar, and laser ...

SYNCADD Systems Inc.

CAD Specialist

Fort Drum, NY · On-site

$55K - $65K/hr

You will turn LiDAR scans and field redlines into clean, standards-compliant drawings that the Army ... Adhere to quality control procedures and maintain documented standard operating procedures (SOPs)

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$37

How much do contract lidar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract lidar operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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Contract Lidar Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Lidar Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 35% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Lynker Corporation

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview
The mission of Lynker Corporation is to deliver innovative solutions to support global environmental security and economic prosperity as a trusted partner to governments, communities, and industry. With the growing demand for offshore energy expansion, marine natural resource management, and coastal resilience to environmental threats, there has been a need for more advanced and efficient hydrographic mapping systems. Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the expansion of mapping across the US Exclusive Economic Zone using Uncrewed Systems (UxS), which include Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USV), Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUV), and Underwater Gliders. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker is leading the way in providing operational, logistical, and training support for Uncrewed Systems.
We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine Systems Division (UMSD) and other partners in UxS Industry. The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic research technologies. This position involves travelling for long durations at sea aboard vessels or to Remote Operations Centers (ROC). A strong background in marine science, information technology, or mechanical engineering is desirable. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team and working with advanced marine technologies, please review the Responsibilities, Qualifications, and Requirements for this position.
This position is contingent upon contract award.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Uncrewed Vessel Operator will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel while at sea under semi-autonomous operations.
• 8-12hr night or day watches based in a regional Remote Operating Center, or from a host vessel at sea
• Ensure the safety of navigation and situational awareness of the vehicle during operations
• Additional duties include monitoring vessel status feedback, telemetry stability and configuration, and basic data acquisition control
• Operators are responsible for troubleshooting technical and software issues, and relaying that information to the watch supervisor.
• Proper record keeping during watches and in diagnostic scenarios
Qualifications
The Uncrewed Vessel Operator selected should have the following:
• Associates Degree or higher in at least one of the following: Marine Technology, Marine Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering
• Support operations at sea on board NOAA vessels, or at a regional remote operation center, for up to 30 consecutive days at a time
• Ability to lift >45 lb. objects, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in an interagency atmosphere.
• Yearly travel 50% or more
The Ideal Uncrewed Vessel Operator will have the Following:
• Experience operating USVs, UUVs, or Underwater Gliders is desired.
• Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired.
• Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS.
• Experience with operating satellite, cellular, and RF telemetry systems
• Experience with maritime situational awareness using AIS,FLIR, ECDIS, LiDAR, and RADAR.
• Experience with data acquisition using Multibeam Sonars, Side Scan Sonars, and acoustic systems is desired.
• Experience with marine positioning systems using GNSS, INS/IMU, or USBL.
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.
⚠ Fraud Alert: Recruitment Scam Warning: Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address.

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