UAV Pilot​/LiDAR Photogrammetrist

We’re always looking for the next great member of our team. Are you that person? Explore our open positions below, and discover opportunities to apply your talents with a growing organization. Please note that our hiring team will never ask for any personal information via email or web messaging. Any applicant in consideration for a new role at GPD will speak directly to a member of our hiring team.

Position: UAV Pilot / LiDAR Photogrammetrist

Location: Akron, OH

Job :2457

# of Openings:1

UAV Pilot / LiDAR Photogrammetrist

Join GPD Group, where our purpose is to improve the well-being of our employees, clients, communities and business partners by transforming opportunities into success. We are passionate about the work we do and the relationships we build with clients. Our employee ownership structure fosters a non-hierarchical collaborative work environment, where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and creativity to the betterment of the organization and our clients.

This structure also enables each associate to explore and expand their talents, reach their full potential, and deliver to the core traits that guide GPD group and allow us to deliver successfully for our clients.

For more than 60 years, GPD Group has been providing architectural, engineering and planning services to clients across the United States. With a diverse team of over 900 professionals working in 15 different offices, it is our passion for our work and our commitment to our purpose that unites us.

GPD is seeking an experienced FAA Part 107 UAV pilot to lead high-accuracy LiDAR and photogrammetric as-built surveys for electric transmission, distribution, pipeline, transportation, and other utility corridors. This role combines advanced heavy-lift flight operations, survey-grade data collection, field safety leadership, and practical FAA regulatory expertise.

• Plan and execute UAV LiDAR/RGB missions for linear infrastructure and utility right-of-way projects.
• Serve as Remote Pilot in Command for heavy-lift platforms carrying LiDAR, RGB, GNSS/INS, and related payloads.
• Develop flight plans accounting for terrain, vegetation, structures, airspace, weather, communications, control/checkpoints, and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate with survey crews, visual observers, safety staff, project managers, and utility/client representatives.
• Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks; maintain aircraft, payload, battery, maintenance, calibration, and flight records.
• Support BVLOS planning, waiver documentation, risk assessments, detect-and-avoid concepts, observer strategy, and contingency procedures.
• Review field data for coverage, quality, trajectory/GNSS integrity, image overlap, point density, and suitability for engineering deliverables.
• Communication and coordination with multi-disciplinary groups.

• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing.
  500+ UAV flight hours, including heavy-lift aircraft and LiDAR payload operations.
• Proven UAV LiDAR and photogrammetry experience on utility corridors, linear infrastructure, or engineering/survey projects.
• Experience with BVLOS operations or BVLOS mission planning, including waiver-based workflows and visual observer coordination.
• Strong knowledge of Part 107, controlled airspace, LAANC/authorizations, waivers, Remote , operations near airports/restricted areas, night operations, and rules for people/vehicles.
• Awareness of developing FAA BVLOS rule making, UAS Traffic Management concepts, reporting, recordkeeping, and operational authorization trends.
• Practical knowledge of RTK/PPK GNSS workflows, ground control/checkpoints, LiDAR calibration, and survey-grade data collection.
• Ability to travel, work outdoors in remote corridors, lift/carry field equipment, and make conservative safety-based go/no-go decisions.
• Valid driver’s license and strong communication, documentation, and crew coordination skills.
• High School Diploma required.
• Must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to multi-task between several projects and priorities at one time.

• Experience with DJI Matrice 300/350,…