LiDAR Data Science Expert - Wildfire & Hazard Mitigation

ENTRUST Solutions Group • Piedmont, CA

20h • $135,000 - $143,000

About The Position

The Senior LiDAR & Geospatial Data Engineer is a senior, expert-level technical role supporting wildfire mitigation, hazard patrol, and regulatory deliverables. This position is intended for a highly experienced professional who can immediately contribute with minimal onboarding or training. There is limited capacity for ramp up; the successful candidate must bring proven, hands-on expertise and be fully capable of operating in a production environment from the outset.

Credibility, professionalism, and alignment between stated experience and demonstrated skills are critical. The individual in this role will be trusted to make technical decisions, modernize workflows, and ensure continuity of critical programs.

The position plays a central role in managing vendor-provided LiDAR data, automating script-based map production, supporting annual mapping submissions, and accelerating cloud migration efforts. Success in this role depends heavily on collaboration — working effectively with internal teams, multiple vendors, contractors, and client stakeholders across organizational boundaries.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography, remote sensing, computer science, engineering, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years of hands-on professional experience working with LiDAR and geospatial data in production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to step into complex, existing systems and deliver value immediately with little to no formal training.
• Experience supporting time-sensitive, compliance-driven, or high-visibility deliverables.
• Advanced Python skills, including extensive experience using scripts to process data and generate maps and analytical outputs.
• Advanced SQL skills, including hands-on experience with SQL Server in production environments.
• Proven experience integrating Python and SQL workflows for automated data pipelines.
• Deep understanding of LiDAR data ingestion, validation, QA/QC, and lifecycle management.
• Experience producing geospatial outputs used directly by field or operational teams.
• Working knowledge of Azure and AWS, including cloud-based compute and data workflows.
• Experience supporting or leading cloud migration initiatives, particularly moving applications off desktop or locally hosted environments.
• Ability to diagnose blockers in cloud adoption and implement practical, production-ready solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated excellence in collaboration; able to work effectively across teams, organizations, and vendors.
• Proven ability to coordinate work involving multiple vendors and stakeholders with shared ownership.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical authority for LiDAR and geospatial data workflows supporting wildfire mitigation and hazard patrol programs.
• Assume immediate ownership of existing Python- and SQL-based workflows used to generate circuit maps and operational deliverables.
• Oversee ingestion of LiDAR data received from vendors and contractors, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to program standards.
• Design, implement, and maintain QA/QC processes for LiDAR and derived datasets, with a focus on automation, repeatability, and auditability.
• Support and enhance workflows that load processed data into SQL Server environments and feed downstream analytics.
• Enable and maintain reporting pipelines from SQL Server into Power BI for operational, compliance, and stakeholder reporting.
• Support the creation and annual submission of deliverables, including digital maps and supporting datasets.
• Lead and actively contribute to cloud migration efforts, moving critical applications and workflows from local SME machines to Azure and/or AWS.
• Apply practical cloud expertise to reduce technical debt and accelerate modernization efforts that have previously stalled.
• Develop, update, and maintain process documentation and job aids to support knowledge transfer and reduce reliance on single individuals.
• Ensure workflows, applications, and processes are understandable and supportable by client stakeholders and internal teams.
• Actively collaborate with multiple vendors, contractors, remote sensing teams, field operations, and internal stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted partner to client stakeholders, working through complex dependencies and shared ownership models.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and proactively regarding progress, risks, technical decisions, and recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and automation across the data lifecycle.

Benefits

• A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages innovation.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, retirement program with a company match, tuition reimbursement, and flexible work schedules.
• company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) plan with company match
• tuition reimbursement, voluntary life, disability, critical illness, accident and hospitalization plans
• HSA or FSA medical accounts and FSA dependent care and transportation/parking accounts are also available
• Full-time employees are eligible to earn PTO hours.
• May be eligible for discretionary bonus as determined by the company.

What This Job Offers

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