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Lidar Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lidar Calibration Analyst

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

$55K - $71K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Lidar Calibration Analyst in our Tampa, FL or Fairfax, VA offices. Remote positions will be considered dependent on experience. This is an excellent career opportunity ...

Lidar Calibration Analyst

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$55K - $71K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Lidar Calibration Analyst in our Tampa, FL or Fairfax, VA offices. Remote positions will be considered dependent on experience. This is an excellent career opportunity ...

Lidar Quality Analyst

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$69K - $88K/yr

Typical responsibilities include detailed analysis and review of topographic lidar data, topobathymetric data, IfSAR, vector data (2D and 3D), Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Digital Surface Models ...

Senior Geospatial Analyst

Fairfax, VA

$87K - $115K/yr

Position requires experience with lidar mapping sensors. Candidate should have strong conceptual understanding of sources of error in airborne lidar datasets and visualizing translation and ...

Senior Geospatial Analyst

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$91K - $118K/yr

Support lidar sensor installations and boresight reviews * Quality checks on data post acquisition and troubleshooting of acquisition challenges * Airborne and/or mobile trajectory processing and QC ...

Design and develop electronics for advanced electro-optical systems used in laser, lidar, and laser communication applications. * Lead circuit board development activities, including schematic design ...

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Lidar information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$21

$43

How much do lidar jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lidar in Virginia is $21.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers use LiDAR?

LiDAR is used in various careers such as surveying, geospatial analysis, autonomous vehicle development, environmental monitoring, and mapping. Professionals in these fields often operate LiDAR sensors, analyze data, and develop applications for navigation, urban planning, or research. Skills in data processing, GIS, and familiarity with LiDAR hardware are important in these roles.

What is the difference between Lidar vs Photogrammetrist?

AspectLidarPhotogrammetrist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in geospatial, surveying, or related fields; certifications like ASPRS are commonRequires a degree in geography, geomatics, or related fields; certifications like ASPRS are also common
Work EnvironmentWorks with laser scanning equipment, often outdoors or in survey environmentsUses aerial or terrestrial imagery, often in office or field photo analysis settings
Industry UsageUsed in surveying, mapping, autonomous vehicles, forestryUsed in mapping, land development, environmental studies, archaeology

Both Lidar and Photogrammetrist roles require geospatial knowledge and certifications. Lidar specialists focus on laser scanning technology for precise 3D data, often outdoors, while Photogrammetrist professionals analyze imagery to create maps and models, typically in office or field photo analysis settings. They serve overlapping industries like surveying and mapping but use different data collection methods.

What is a lidar technician?

A LiDAR technician is a professional who operates and manages Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) equipment to collect and process spatial data. They use laser-based technology to create detailed 3D maps and models of terrain, vegetation, buildings, and other structures. LiDAR technicians often work in fields such as surveying, environmental science, forestry, and civil engineering. Their responsibilities typically include planning data collection missions, calibrating equipment, analyzing collected data, and producing reports or visualizations for clients or stakeholders.

What are lidar jobs?

LIDAR is a sensing method that is used remotely for light detection and radar. A laser, scanner, and GPS receiver record light pulses from the air and combine them with additional data to provide a detailed 3D map of the surface of Earth. LIDAR jobs have duties that focus on accurately mapping natural and manmade environments. Your responsibilities may differ by position, but you help survey the surface and use a sensor to understand various structures on Earth. Some examples of jobs that work with LIDAR include a software engineer, an electronics technician, an embedded software developer, and a UAV/drone pilot.

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

To thrive as a Lidar Specialist, you need expertise in remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and a background in fields like geography, engineering, or environmental science. Familiarity with Lidar processing software (such as LAStools, ArcGIS, or TerraScan), GIS systems, and sometimes FAA drone certification are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help in interpreting complex data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate data collection, processing, and application of Lidar technology for mapping, surveying, and environmental monitoring projects.

How to become a Lidar specialist?

To become a Lidar specialist, individuals typically need a background in engineering, computer science, or geospatial sciences, along with experience in working with Lidar hardware and software. Gaining skills in data processing, 3D modeling, and programming languages like Python or C++ is essential, and certifications in GIS or remote sensing can enhance job prospects. Practical experience through internships or projects involving Lidar data collection and analysis is highly valuable.

What are some typical challenges lidar specialists face when working on large-scale mapping projects?

Lidar specialists working on large-scale mapping projects often encounter challenges such as managing and processing vast amounts of point cloud data, ensuring data accuracy in varied terrain or weather conditions, and integrating Lidar data with other geospatial datasets. Effective collaboration with surveyors, GIS analysts, and project managers is critical to meet tight deadlines and project requirements. Familiarity with specialized software and strong problem-solving skills help Lidar professionals address these challenges and deliver reliable results.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lidar jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Lidar jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Lidar jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Lidar jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Lidar jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Lidar job openings:
Infographic showing various Lidar job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 59% In-person, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,083 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Lidar Calibration Analyst

Dewberry

Fairfax, VA • On-site, Remote

$55K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dewberry is currently seeking a Lidar Calibration Analyst in our Tampa, FL or Fairfax, VA offices. Remote positions will be considered dependent on experience. This is an excellent career opportunity for an individual to join a team of professionals while working in a multidisciplinary consulting and engineering firm. The firm succeeds through the individual and collaborative skills of its people therefore we offer opportunities for professional growth while working with and applying the latest technology. Typical responsibilities are to work on the GIS/IT and Remote Sensing related projects for state and federal clients across the US.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors are our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a new graduate, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call “Dewberry at Work,” that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.


Position requires experience in sensor or swath calibration and alignment adjustment. Preferred experience using mainstream commercial software suites (Bayesmap StripAlign, TerraSolid Products) or adjustments done in sensor vendor specific suites (Optech LMS, Riegl RiProcess,). Candidate should have strong conceptual understanding of sources of error in airborne lidar datasets and visualizing translation and orientation errors. Experience in alignment of terrestrial, mobile, UAV lidar datasets, or experience in academic environments is also desirable. Additional preferred candidate experience would include airborne lidar trajectory processing (Applanix PosPac MMS, Novatel Inertial Explorer), and in extracting lidar using sensor vendor specific processing suites (Riegl RiProcess, Optech LMS, Teledyne CARIS, GeoCue True View EVO). Strong candidates will also have a strong understanding of aerial acquisition, GPS ground survey, and bathymetric calibration.

  • Quality checks on data post acquisition
  • Airborne and/or mobile trajectory processing
  • Processing and extraction of Lidar data from raw formats
  • Performing relative and absolute adjustments to Lidar data (calibration/alignment/registration)
  • Perform QA/QC on processed data to ensure it meets rigorous accuracy requirements
  • Document QA/QC findings and communicate results to project managers and technical staff
  • Create a variety of digital mapping/remotely sensed products using various software platforms
  • Create and manipulate databases
  • Elevation data processing and manipulation
  • Problem solving

  • Bachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in the GIS/Remote Sensing Field
  • Experience in either Lidar data extraction and/or swath alignment
  • Required experience in Lidar processing and elevation model creation/manipulation
  • In-depth knowledge of ESRI's software
  • Terrascan
  • PLTS tool kit experience a plus
  • Proficiency in basic computer applications, especially MS Office (Word, Excel, and Access)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record and ability to pass a driving record background check.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry’s background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

#LI-EB1


The projected range for this position is $55,000-$71,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.



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