Geomatics Field Engineer - Drone Pilot

POSITION SUMMARY

The Drone Operations Pilot is responsible for the planning, execution, and management of all drone flight operations on assigned projects. This includes mission planning, UAV operation, aerial data acquisition, equipment maintenance, and preliminary data processing. The Drone Operations Pilot will coordinate closely with survey crews, project management teams, and engineering staff to ensure aerial datasets meet project requirements and integrate properly with survey control, design models, and GIS systems. This role reports to the Geomatics Manager, who provides operational direction, technical support, and professional development. The Drone Operations Pilot plays a critical role in delivering high-quality aerial datasets that support project planning, construction progress tracking, site analysis, and as-built documentation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety & Quality

• Ensure adherence to all company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and airspace authorization requirements.
• Conduct pre-flight planning, safety briefings, and risk assessments for all UAV missions.
• Maintain flight logs, aircraft documentation, and operational records.
• Ensure safe UAV operations around construction equipment, personnel, and project infrastructure.

Drone Operations & Aerial Data Acquisition

• Plan and execute UAV flight missions for topographic mapping, LiDAR scanning, orthomosaic generation, and site monitoring.
• Operate UAV platforms equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, thermal, infrared, and multispectral sensors.
• Establish and utilize ground control points (GCPs) and check points to ensure survey-grade accuracy.
• Conduct aerial surveys to support earthwork analysis, site progress documentation, stockpile measurement, and terrain modeling.
• Coordinate flight operations with project management and field crews to minimize disruption to construction activities.
• Perform UAV equipment inspection, calibration, maintenance, and firmware updates.
• Coordinate with Geomatics, Operations, and Design teams to ensure aerial data supports project needs.
• Participate in project coordination meetings and planning discussions.
• Work with Geomatics leadership to improve UAV workflows, processing standards, and operational procedures.
• Participate in internal training and technical development programs.
• Support development of scalable drone workflows across projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required)
• 2+ years experience operating UAVs in commercial, survey, or construction environments.
• Experience with photogrammetry and/or LiDAR drone systems.
• Familiarity with Autodesk Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Agisoft, Global Mapper or similar processing software (Preferred).
• Experience with GNSS survey equipment and ground control workflows (Preferred).
• Strong ability to communicate and collaborate with project teams.
• Developmentally minded with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of construction and engineering project workflows is beneficial.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work on your feet for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and perform physically demanding tasks as required by the job.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

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