ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lidar Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ascend Engineering

Autonomy Engineer (UAV)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Experience integrating sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, or GPS systems * Experience with embedded ... Engineers who build and experiment outside of work * Strong ownership and accountability for ...

Ascend Engineering

Autonomy Engineer (UAV)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Experience integrating sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, or GPS systems * Experience with embedded ... Engineers who build and experiment outside of work * Strong ownership and accountability for ...

Lightspeed

Senior Robotics Engineer

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Integrate and calibrate sensor systems including LIDAR, depth cameras, force/torque sensors, and ... Strong programming in Python and C++ for real‑time robotics applications * Experience with ...

Citylogix

Account Manager (Illinois)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Master the full Citylogix platform from LiDAR data collection and digital twin to EAM, capital planning, and work order management. Work with Sales Engineer to deliver tailored demos that speak to ...

VIATechnik

Traveling 3D Scanning Technician

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

Our team is made up of leading VDC professionals, technologists, architects, and engineers who have ... Experience with Matterport and LiDAR scanning technologies. * Experience in still photography and ...

ATLAS ENGINEERING GROUP

CAD MANAGER

Deerfield, IL · On-site

Coordinate with engineers, surveyors, and other team members to ensure seamless integration of CAD ... Experience processing survey and LiDAR data to develop base maps and deliverables required

AECOM

Technical Solutions Civil Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... surfaces using LiDAR, DEMs, survey data, and breaklines. * Manage coordinate systems, data ...

AECOM

Technical Solutions Civil Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... surfaces using LiDAR, DEMs, survey data, and breaklines. * Manage coordinate systems, data ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLidar Engineer JobsLidar Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lidar Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$26

$55

$78

How much do lidar engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lidar engineer in Chicago, IL is $55.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.57 and $64.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lidar engineer?

A Lidar Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems for applications such as autonomous vehicles, mapping, and remote sensing. They process and analyze LiDAR data to generate 3D models, improve sensor accuracy, and integrate hardware with software systems. This role requires expertise in laser scanning technology, data processing algorithms, and programming languages like Python or C++. Lidar Engineers often collaborate with robotics, geospatial, and computer vision teams to enhance perception and navigation capabilities.

What does a lidar engineer do?

As a Lidar Engineer, your daily tasks may include designing and calibrating lidar systems, analyzing point cloud data for accuracy, developing software tools for data processing, and collaborating with surveyors or GIS specialists. You might also troubleshoot hardware or software issues, document technical methodologies, and participate in field tests or deployment. Frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as robotics, automotive, or remote sensing professionals—is common to integrate lidar technologies into broader applications. This hands-on, dynamic role provides exposure to both engineering challenges and real-world implementation, making each day varied and intellectually stimulating.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lidar engineer?

To thrive as a Lidar Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, as well as experience with lidar systems and data processing, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with lidar data analysis software (such as LAStools, ArcGIS, or CloudCompare), programming languages (like Python or C++), and certifications in remote sensing are highly advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set candidates apart. These skills are crucial for developing accurate lidar solutions, troubleshooting complex systems, and ensuring successful project outcomes in multidisciplinary environments.

How do you become a Lidar engineer?

To become a Lidar engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with sensor technology, 3D mapping, and programming languages like C++ or Python is important, along with familiarity with Lidar hardware and data processing software. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized certifications in related areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lidar Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Lidar Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Lidar Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Lidar Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lidar Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Lidar Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Lidar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lidar Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,915 per year, or $55.2 per hour.

Robotics & Autonomy Engineer (UAV)

Chicago, IL • On-site

Ascend Engineer
See more jobs at Ascend Engineerexternal

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Robotics & Autonomy Engineer to develop, integrate, and maintain autonomy capabilities on UAV platforms built around the PX4 and ArduPilot stacks. This is a full-time role on our engineering team, working across a range of client projects — so the day-to-day emphasizes hands-on integration, debugging, and real-world flight validation more than ground-up design ownership. You'll work across the full UAV stack, from embedded flight software and state estimation through mission logic and system integration, with a strong focus on reliability and practical field performance.

This position suits someone who enjoys both software development and hands-on hardware work, and who's comfortable owning problems across shifting project contexts. The ideal candidate brings solid robotics and autonomy fundamentals — estimation, controls, and coordinate frames — and is eager to grow deep expertise in the PX4 autopilot stack, including VIO, map matching, and GPS-denied navigation.

MUST HAVE PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN US Responsibilities
  • Develop and modify PX4 or ArduPilot firmware to support new autonomy features and system capabilities
  • Implement mission logic, flight behaviors, and MAVLink integrations
  • Integrate sensors, cameras, radios, and payloads into UAV platforms
  • Tune and analyze estimation and control performance (EKF/Kalman filtering, PID loops) across platforms
  • Conduct flight testing and validate autonomous behaviors in real-world conditions
  • Analyze flight logs and telemetry to diagnose and resolve issues
  • Debug problems across the UAV stack including firmware, networking, hardware, and companion computers
  • Collaborate with engineers to design robust UAV architectures and workflows
  • Document system behavior, debugging results, and design decisions
Required Qualifications
  • Strong robotics/autonomy fundamentals: coordinate frame transformations, state estimation (Kalman filtering / sensor fusion), and PID control analysis
  • Strong C++ or C programming skills
  • Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot — or demonstrated ability to ramp quickly on a complex embedded autopilot codebase
  • Experience flying and testing UAV or robotic platforms
  • Familiarity with MAVLink, flight logs, and autopilot configuration
  • Experience debugging complex software and hardware interactions
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of engineering tasks across multiple projects
  • Strong problem-solving skills and practical engineering judgment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with ROS/ROS 2 and Nav2
  • Experience with visual-inertial odometry (VIO), map matching, or GPS-denied navigation
  • Experience building or configuring drones from components
  • Familiarity with companion computers (Linux), MAVSDK, or ROS
  • Experience integrating sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, or GPS systems
  • Experience with embedded systems or hardware debugging
  • Experience analyzing flight logs and tuning flight controllers
  • Personal robotics, UAV, or embedded systems projects
What We Value
  • Engineers who build and experiment outside of work
  • Strong ownership and accountability for outcomes
  • Practical, hands‑on problem solving
  • Clear communication and collaboration within small teams
  • Curiosity and continuous learning
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply