LiDAR Engineer

Citian • Washington, DC

1d • $100,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Citian is a venture-backed SaaS technology company based in Washington, DC, developing software for transportation and infrastructure systems. The LiDAR Engineer is part of the Data Success team and owns the LiDAR data that powers Citian’s geospatial work. This role manages relationships with LiDAR partners, defines data standards, and transforms raw point clouds into accurate, reliable data for Citian’s products and customers.

The engineer works across the LiDAR data lifecycle, including collection considerations, classification, georeferencing, quality checks, and integration with broader GIS and data systems. The position involves direct collaboration with external vendors and internal engineering, data science, customer success, and account management teams. The role also helps build repeatable processes and standards as the company grows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics, GIS, Remote Sensing, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience processing and analyzing LiDAR or point cloud data.
• Strong knowledge of point cloud formats (LAS/LAZ, E57), coordinate reference systems, datums, and georeferencing.
• Experience with LiDAR processing tools such as PDAL, LAStools, TerraSolid, or CloudCompare.
• Proficiency in Python for data processing and automation.
• Experience with GIS platforms such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS.
• Experience working with external vendors or data partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a demanding, team-based, fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Citian’s technical point of contact for LiDAR partners and vendors, managing data deliveries, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Define and maintain partner data specifications, including accuracy, point density, classification, coordinate systems, and file formats.
• Build and maintain pipelines to ingest, process, and integrate LiDAR data into Citian’s geospatial data and products.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control on incoming point cloud data, identify issues, and work with partners to resolve them.
• Extract transportation and infrastructure features from point clouds, such as roadway geometry, sidewalks, curb ramps, signs, and other assets.
• Ensure LiDAR data aligns with other geospatial sources, including imagery, GIS layers, and customer-provided data.
• Partner with Data Science and Engineering teams on point cloud classification and machine learning workflows.
• Work with Customer Success and Account Management to ensure LiDAR-derived data meets customer project needs and deadlines.
• Document processes, standards, and data lineage so the team’s LiDAR work is repeatable and scalable.
• Evaluate new LiDAR partners, sensors, and tools as Citian’s data needs grow.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and generous PTO.
• 401(k) company match.
• Monthly commuter transportation benefit.
• On-site gym.
• Free snacks in the office.
• High-growth potential and opportunities for advancement within a fast-growing, venture-backed SaaS startup.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level