Geospatial Data Science Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Geospatial QA/QC Analyst supports the Quick Look Team by ensuring efficient data intake, validation, and initial quality assessment of airborne and mobile LiDAR datasets. This role partners closely with Production Leads and Technical Specialists to maintain consistent data flow, uphold QA/QC standards, and enable downstream production readiness.  The position requires both independent execution and team collaboration, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, problem-solving, and operational efficiency in a fast-paced production environment. 

This is a technical geospatial role focused on LiDAR data QA/QC. Candidates without experience in LiDAR, geospatial data, or related fields will not be considered. 

Work Environment:

• Location:  NV5 Portland, OR office
• Hybrid Role

At NV5, we are a collaboration of intelligent, innovative thinkers who care for each other, our communities, and the environment.  We value both heart and head, the diversity of our people, and their experiences because that is how we continue to grow as leaders in our industry and expand our individual and collective potential.

NV5 is a global technology solutions and consulting services company with a workforce of over 4,500 professionals in more than 100 offices worldwide.  NV5’s continued growth has been spurred through strategic investments in firms with unique capabilities to help current and future customers solve the world’s toughest problems.  The NV5 family brings together talent across a wide range of markets and fields, including Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, Architects, Photogrammetrists, GIS Professionals, Software Developers, IT, Project Management Professionals, and more.

• Coordinate and manage data receipt from acquisition teams, including tracking and returning physical media  
• Perform rapid trajectory and dataset reviews for airborne and mobile LiDAR  
• Conduct initial QA/QC checks on raw and early-stage processed data to ensure completeness and adherence to project requirements  
• Extract LiDAR and orthoimagery data from raw formats using sensor-specific processing software (e.g., RiProcess)  
• Identify, troubleshoot, and escalate data quality issues early in the workflow  
• Maintain strong data management practices, including file organization, naming conventions, and tracking  
• Recognize common sources of error in airborne and mobile datasets and apply corrective actions where applicable  
• Support continuous improvement of Quick Look processes, tools, and throughput  
• Collaborate cross-functionally with calibration, processing, and production teams

Core Competencies:

• Consistently delivers precise, accurate, and timely work  
• Strong understanding of QA/QC principles and data validation workflows 
• Demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving across multiple software platforms 
• Ability to prioritize tasks and operate efficiently under tight timelines  
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and limited direction 
• Strong organizational and data management skills 
• Effective communication and collaboration within team environments 
• Maintains professionalism and composure in high-pressure situations 
• Ability to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential risks in datasets  
• Capable of applying creative solutions to operational challenges  

Minimum Requirements:

• Ability to work 3-5 days per week in the Portland, OR office  
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated ownership of data workflows or production processes  
• Solid understanding of geospatial concepts, including datums, projections, and coordinate systems  
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience  
• Proficiency with ESRI or comparable geospatial/vector-based software  
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite for analysis, tracking, and reporting  
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality standards in a production environment  

Experience/Skills Preferred (in addition to requirements):

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, geomatics, or a related technical field  
• Advanced understanding of coordinate systems, transformations, and geospatial data accuracy principles  
• Hands-on experience with LiDAR processing and extraction tools (e.g., RiProcess, TerraSolid)
• Working knowledge of scripting or automation (e.g., Python, Dask, or similar) to improve workflow efficiency
• Experience with GNSS/IMU processing, trajectory generation, and positioning concepts 
• Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as POSPac, Applanix, or equivalent 
• Exposure to sensor or swath calibration workflows and data quality validation processes
• Experience analyzing, troubleshooting, and resolving issues in airborne, mobile, or terrestrial LiDAR datasets  
• Proven ability to contribute to process improvements, standardization, or operational scaling efforts 

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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