Senior Lidar Technician - Transportation

SAM, LLC•Austin, TX

About The Position

Join one of SAM’s most impactful geospatial teams, where your work will shape the future of infrastructure across the U.S. From major highway initiatives to federal DOT projects, you’ll lead production efforts that directly support transportation systems used by millions. As a Senior Geospatial Technician, you’ll play a pivotal role on our transportation-focused geospatial team, helping guide projects from start to finish while mentoring technicians and optimizing production workflows. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role designed for professionals ready to grow into greater responsibility while staying close to the technical details that drive success. Lead production of LiDAR-based deliverables for transportation projects with a strong focus on highway and roadway mapping. Perform and oversee LiDAR data processing, feature extraction, and surface modeling with precision and speed. Support and mentor technicians to improve technical skills and build team capacity. Implement QA/QC protocols for geospatial deliverables, ensuring accuracy and DOT compliance. Collaborate with team leads on task assignment, resource planning, and delivery execution. Develop, refine, and optimize workflows to improve efficiency and data consistency. Mentor entry-level and mid-level staff, fostering growth and collaboration. Provide feedback to leadership and PMs on team performance, training needs, and project progress. Help guide the start-to-finish execution of complex transportation LiDAR mapping projects.

Requirements

5+ years of LiDAR data production experience.
Expertise in MicroStation, TerraScan, and TopoDOT.
Experience working on DOT or federally funded transportation projects.
Proven track record in QA/QC of geospatial data deliverables.
Passion for mentoring and building technical teams.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage demanding timelines.
Comfortable in a production-heavy, fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D is a plus.
Familiarity with ortho imagery production, stereo compilation, aerial triangulation, and imagery processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead production of LiDAR-based deliverables for transportation projects with a strong focus on highway and roadway mapping.
Perform and oversee LiDAR data processing, feature extraction, and surface modeling with precision and speed.
Support and mentor technicians to improve technical skills and build team capacity.
Implement QA/QC protocols for geospatial deliverables, ensuring accuracy and DOT compliance.
Collaborate with team leads on task assignment, resource planning, and delivery execution.
Develop, refine, and optimize workflows to improve efficiency and data consistency.
Mentor entry-level and mid-level staff, fostering growth and collaboration.
Provide feedback to leadership and PMs on team performance, training needs, and project progress.
Help guide the start-to-finish execution of complex transportation LiDAR mapping projects.

Benefits

Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, Free Vision + Dental plans for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Access to Ramsey Smart Dollar to support financial goals and retire with confidence, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2023 Top Workplace USA for Second Consecutive Year; 2023 SAM Ranks No. 88 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms

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