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Lidar Data Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Embedding VC

Sr. Perception Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

... LiDAR data for object understanding, scene reconstruction, and manipulation in unstructured environments. You will work across the perception stack from sensor calibration and data processing to ...

Waymo

Staff Software Engineer, Privacy

Mountain View, CA · On-site

... camera/Lidar data at the edge (on-vehicle) and in the cloud before it enters our training sets ... Experience working with large-scale data processing frameworks (e.g., Flume, MapReduce, etc..) and ...

Lucid Motors

ADAS Data Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$154K - $211K/yr

Collect, process, and analyze sensor data from camera, LiDAR, and radar systems. Synchronize and calibrate sensor data to ensure alignment and accuracy across different modalities. Develop and ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

San Diego, CA · On-site

Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

San Diego, CA · On-site

Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

San Diego, CA · On-site

Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an ...

NV5

Senior Land Surveyor

Irvine, CA · On-site

Experience with lidar data processing is a plus. * Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an ...

Rivian

Staff LiDAR System Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$186K - $232K/yr

... processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage ...

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All JobsLidar Data Processing JobsLidar Data Processing Jobs in California

Lidar Data Processing information

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How much do lidar data processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lidar data processing in California is $20.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Lidar Data Processing job?

A Lidar Data Processing job involves handling, analyzing, and interpreting Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) data to generate accurate 3D models, maps, or other spatial information. Professionals in this role clean and filter raw point cloud data, classify terrain features, and extract meaningful insights for applications like mapping, forestry, urban planning, and autonomous navigation. They use specialized software and algorithms to enhance data quality and ensure precision. This job requires expertise in geospatial analysis, data visualization, and often programming skills to automate processes.

What is the highest paying job in data analytics?

In data analytics, roles such as Data Science Manager, Machine Learning Engineer, and Chief Data Officer tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions typically require advanced skills in programming, statistical analysis, and experience with tools like Python, R, or SQL, along with leadership responsibilities. Salary levels vary based on industry, experience, and location.

What is LiDAR data processing?

LiDAR data processing involves converting raw point cloud data collected by LiDAR sensors into usable formats such as 3D models, maps, or terrain models. It includes steps like filtering, classification, and visualization, often using specialized software and programming skills. This process is essential for applications in surveying, mapping, and autonomous systems.

What are some common challenges faced in a Lidar Data Processing role?

Professionals in Lidar Data Processing often encounter challenges such as managing large datasets, ensuring data accuracy, and resolving discrepancies caused by environmental factors like vegetation or buildings. You may need to develop tailored workflows to efficiently process and clean raw lidar data, as well as work closely with project managers and survey teams to meet tight deadlines. Staying updated with advancing software tools and processing techniques is also key, as technology in this field evolves rapidly. Addressing these challenges requires both technical proficiency and strong problem-solving skills, making the work both rewarding and dynamic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Lidar Data Processing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Lidar Data Processing, you need strong skills in geospatial analysis, data accuracy, and the ability to work with 3D point cloud data, often supported by a degree in geography, GIS, or a related field. Familiarity with software such as ArcGIS, LAStools, and CloudCompare, as well as experience with lidar sensors and data formats, is highly valued, and certifications in remote sensing or GIS can be advantageous. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills enable you to ensure the precise processing, quality control, and delivery of critical spatial information for industries like mapping, engineering, and environmental management.

How to get a job in LiDAR?

To get a job in LiDAR data processing, candidates typically need a background in geospatial sciences, computer science, or engineering, along with skills in data analysis, programming (such as Python or C++), and experience with LiDAR software and tools like LAStools or ArcGIS. Relevant certifications and a strong understanding of 3D data, surveying, or remote sensing can improve employability. Gaining practical experience through internships or projects is also beneficial for entering this specialized field.

How much do LiDAR jobs pay in the US?

LiDAR data processing jobs in the US typically offer salaries ranging from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in GIS, remote sensing, or programming can earn higher wages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lidar Data Processing jobs in California? The most popular types of Lidar Data Processing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lidar Data Processing jobs in California? For Lidar Data Processing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lidar Data Processing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lidar Data Processing jobs in California are:
Lidar Data Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lidar Data Processing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 52% In-person, and 48% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,601 per year, or $20 per hour.
Hardware Engineer, LIDAR Performance Validation

Hardware Engineer, LIDAR Performance Validation

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$159K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver™-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Hardware Engineering is an innovative and collaborative group of electrical, mechanical, reliability, software and vehicle engineers. We design, build, and perfect the products which are the eyes and ears of Waymo's autonomous driving technology, and integrate those products into vehicle platforms. We're seeking curious and talented teammates to keep us moving in the right direction.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule (at least 3 fixed days in the office) and reports to the LiDAR performance lead.
You will:
  • Work closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing and reliability engineers to develop and characterize high performance LiDAR systems and electro-optical subsystems
  • Develop bench characterization methods and accompanying physics-based software models to ensure the design is on track to achieve top level performance goals. Develop and maintain performance validation plans that scale appropriately with the design lifecycle from early bench prototypes to high volume production
  • Support definition of appropriate test and calibration procedures to ensure LiDAR data quality at scale. Work with design and test engineers to develop appropriate testing procedures and performance acceptance criteria.
  • Design and oversee execution of LiDAR field measurements and structured tests. Assess impact of environmental conditions on Lidar performance, help develop methods to detect and mitigate data quality impact of adverse environmental factors through experimental design, data mining and analysis
  • Interface with LiDAR software engineers, perception software engineers and systems engineers to help triage field issues related to LiDAR data quality, and aid in requirement derivation to ensure the LiDAR module upholds system-level performance and safety goals
  • Comfortably transition between physics modeling, simulation, large-scale data analysis and hands-on prototyping & testing in the lab

You have:
  • Masters of science with 5+ years experience or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or equivalent
  • Strong knowledge of depth sensing technologies and hands on experience prototyping/characterizing precision optical, electrical, or mechanical components and assemblies
  • Experience with developing and maintaining physics-based computational models to describe and quantify performance bounds of LiDAR or other optical sensing hardware
  • Track record of innovation and solving challenging technical problems
  • Excellent data analysis, presentation and technical communication skills

We prefer:
  • PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field
  • Proficiency with data analysis in Python or C++
  • Experience with designing studies / experiments and hypothesis testing. Previous product development experience is a plus.
  • A track record of working across multiple physics disciplines and hands-on experience with from-scratch analytical physics modeling (e.g. Matlab/Python)
  • Strong understanding of optical semiconductors and optical systems

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Salary Range
$159,000-$196,000 USD

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