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Contract Lidar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ICONSTAFF

Machine Learning Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site +1

... contracts, we are building breakthrough AI and autonomy solutions for unmanned systems operating in ... SLAM, 3D perception, or sensor fusion (LiDAR, IMU). * Real-time or low-latency inference pipelines.

Lyte

Packaging and Assembly lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Audit/regularly visit our contract Manufacturers and suppliers then provide reports. * Write ... Knowledge of Lidar and relevant technologies is a plus. * Former experience of writing technical ...

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Contract Lidar Operator information

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$10

$23

$37

How much do contract lidar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 are Contract Lidar Operators?

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 are some common challenges faced by Contract Lidar Operators in the field?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Lidar Operator, and why are they important?

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 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
Member of Technical Staff, R&D Engineer

Member of Technical Staff, R&D Engineer

Lumotive

Redmond, WA

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Lumotive is pioneering the era of programmable optics-where light is controlled as intelligently and flexibly as software.
 
At the heart of this transformation is a once-in-a-generation innovation: a flat CMOS-based "general purpose optic." Lumotive's Light Control Metasurface (LCM) beam forming chips can be programmed to function as a beam steering mirror, a lens, mirror, a beam splitter-or any optical function-replacing bulky and mechanical optical components with a fully digital, reconfigurable semiconductor . This breakthrough lays the foundation for a massive shift in multiple technologies-from 3D sensing and imaging to optical networking, free space optical communication, and beyond. Like the shift from analog to digital in electronics, programmable optics will reshape industries from robotics, self-driving cars, AI, defense, and healthcare.

Lumotive's first commercial application is in LiDAR, where its software-defined beam steering chips are already enabling compact, high-performance, solid-state sensors. These sensors are being deployed today in smart infrastructure, robotics, and mobility systems through leading module makers and solution integrators.

With more than 200 patents and growing commercial traction, Lumotive is delivering the world's first digital platform for light-and redefining what's possible in the optical age.

Job Description:
 We are looking for a versatile, hands-on R&D engineer to join Lumotive's LCM team in Redmond. This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of hardware, software, and optical systems - someone who takes a problem from concept to working hardware, hands it off, and is already excited about the next challenge.

You will own the design and bring-up of custom optoelectronic test systems and PCBs that are central to Lumotive's ability to develop, validate, and ship next-generation LCM technology. You'll collaborate closely with electrical, optical, and software engineers. Your work will have direct and visible impact on major product milestones.

Responsibilities:
  • Defining and overseeing the test hardware ecosystem for Lumotive's next generation of products
  • Optical and mechanical design and implementation of LCM characterization test stands and demo systems
  • Develop Python-based software for instrument control, test automation, and integration with Lumotive's test data infrastructure
  • Design, layout, fabricate, and bring up custom PCBs for LCM test, characterization, and control applications
  • Support bring-up and validation of new LCM products and ASICs, debugging at the hardware/firmware boundary
  • Design of robust LCM optical and electrical systems that can be installed at contract manufacturers for pass / fail testing
  • Programming and software development in Python for streamlining LCM control and adding functionality
  • Collaborate with the LiDAR systems team to integrate LCM technology into new reference designs
  • Document your work thoroughly and contribute to design / code reviews, SOPs, and knowledge transfer
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, or related fields
  • 5+ years of experience in a hardware-focused R&D or engineering role
  • Hands-on experience building and operating test stands or characterization systems for optoelectronic devices
  • Strong understanding of geometrical / diffractive / polarization optics
  • Mechanical design and fabrication skills (SolidWorks, 3D printing, machining)
  • Proven track record designing and bringing up PCBs, including schematic capture, layout, and hardware debugging
  • Proficiency in Python for test automation, instrument control, or data analysis
  • Experience with Git and software development best practices (unit testing, code review, version control)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to document and present technical work clearly
  • Extreme attention to detail
$100,000 - $120,000 a year
Base pay is scaled depending on experience  + Performance based Quarterly Bonus + Equity.
Benefits include but not limited to:

Health, dental and vision
FSA, HSA
PTO plus 14 paid company holidays
401K with 3% contribution
Stock Options
Life insurance and disability
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About Lumotive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

2018

Social media

Twitter

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