UAV and Scanning Specialist

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Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Job Summary:

The UAV & Scanning Specialist supports geospatial data acquisition and reality capture for construction projects across North America. This role plans and executes unmanned aerial operations and terrestrial laser scanning surveys, processes data, and delivers accurate, high-quality geospatial outputs. Working closely with project teams, engineering, and survey personnel, the role supports digital workflows including mapping, modeling, and verification. Based in the Bechtel Equipment Operations (BEO) office in Sugar Land, TX, this position requires a proactive, safety-focused individual comfortable working in both field and office environments, with regular travel. #LI-BH1

Major Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute UAV missions and laser scanning activities using photogrammetry, thermal, and LiDAR technologies 
• Perform terrestrial and aquatic data collection, including scanning and LiDAR surveys 
• Apply survey control and coordinate systems to ensure data accuracy 
• Coordinate with project teams and stakeholders to support successful delivery of project requirements 
• Process and integrate UAV, scanning, and third-party data to produce accurate point clouds, models, and geospatial outputs 
• Deliver timely outputs to support design, construction, and as-built documentation 
• Obtain required permits and airspace authorizations and ensure compliance with FAA, regulatory, and Bechtel safety requirements 
• Support continuous improvement of data workflows, quality, and delivery efficiency 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 5-8 years of relevant experience or 9-12 years of relevant work experience

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• 2–5+ years of experience in UAV operations, laser scanning, LiDAR, or reality capture within construction, engineering, or infrastructure environments 
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification required 
• Hands-on experience with field data collection and geospatial workflows using UAV and/or terrestrial scanning systems 
• Strong knowledge of UAV operations, FAA regulations, and airspace management 
• Experience with UAV, photogrammetry, thermal imaging, LiDAR, and 3D scanning technologies 
• Proficiency in point cloud processing and geospatial data workflows 
• Experience with tools such as Propeller, Pix4D, DroneDeploy, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Global Mapper, Leica Cyclone, Faro Scene, and Autodesk ReCap 
• Understanding of survey control, coordinate systems, and data validation practices 
• Familiarity with BIM, GIS, and digital engineering workflows 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and ability to work in dynamic project environments 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience coordinating UAV and scanning activities within multidisciplinary teams 
• Familiarity with UAV platforms (e.g., Wingtra, Freefly, Harris) and scanning systems (e.g., Trimble, Leica, Faro) 
• Experience delivering reality capture outputs, including as-built documentation 

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent. We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.