Hydrographic Processing Specialist

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.
Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work®, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.
Woolpert is hiring a Hydrographic Data Processing Specialist to join our Bathymetric Charting Data Processing Team. This position is eligible for remote work with the team working between Eastern and Pacific Time working hours. Alternatively to a remote option, an in-office role is available within the San Rafael, CA or the Charleston, SC office if the candidate is local or willing to relocate.
Our team supports largescale marine survey projects globally throughout our Maritime sector. Projects this team typically support are public sector, as an industry contractor with NOAA Office of Coast Survey and other government agencies to support charting efforts for feature detection and updating general bathymetry. As a processing position, work travel is not expected and field time is not necessary.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with large geospatial datasets, developing efficient processing workflows, analyzing data for quality control, categorizing features, and producing high-quality deliverables.
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.
What you will do:
Manage daily imports and processing tasks on multiday projects
Process multibeam hydrographic data using QPS Qimera, including:
Data cleaning, refraction correction, and sound velocity application
Patch test validation and calibration review
Surface generation and uncertainty analysis
Feature detection, creation, and reporting
Perform side scan sonar processing and interpretation using SonarWiz, including:
Mosaicking and gain normalization
Target identification and classification (e.g., debris, infrastructure, seabed features)
Contact selection and reporting
Feature management and new feature creation in QPS Qimera and CARIS
Review and validate acquisition logs and metadata from QINSy to ensure proper integration into processing workflows
Produce daily data packages including:
Coverage Tiffs
Line mile reports
Produce delivery packages including:
Bathymetric Surfaces and Grids
Backscatter and Side Scan mosaics
GIS-compatible feature datasets
Survey overview and analysis reports
Perform QA/QC checks to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project specifications
Document processing workflows and maintain reproducibility across projects
Identify inefficiencies and contribute to improving internal processing standards
Coordinate with field teams to resolve data gaps, anomalies, or acquisition issues
Work closely with project managers and technical leads to meet project schedules and deliverable requirements
What you will bring:
A bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, environmental science, ocean engineering, coastal and ocean policy, geology, geography, geophysics, oceanography, spatial science, marine science, physics, mathematics or comparable field plus a minimum of 3 years of job-related experience, or a master’s degree plus 1 year of job-related experience.
Strong understanding of hydrographic survey principles and geospatial data workflows
Experience with industry standard software packages such as: QPS Qinsy and Qimera, CARIS, SonarWiz, SeaView, Discover, Global Mapper, POS Pac, ArcGIS, etc.
Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on producing accurate, defensible datasets
Ability to work in a team environment, self-manage, and manage others.
Ability to manage multiple datasets and deadlines in a production environment
Willingness and ability to learn as you go.
A strong work ethic to self-motivate and hold yourself accountable as a potentially remote worker.