Hydrographic Processing Specialist

Summary

Woolpert is a global architecture, engineering, and geospatial services company supporting marine survey and bathymetric charting projects. The Hydrographic Data Processing Specialist will process and analyze multibeam and side scan sonar data, manage geospatial datasets, perform QA/QC, produce delivery packages, and coordinate with field teams and project managers.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

• 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
• Above average communication skills
• Above average attention to detail and aesthetics for data modeling
• The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new software
• An enthusiastic attitude that is open to receiving and giving constructive professional feedback
• A genuine passion and desire to work in a marine focused organization
• Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located
• Experience in Qimera or Caris
• Experience in SonarWiz
• Experience with feature management and reporting
• Familiarity with + NOAA Hydrographic Specifications and Deliverables + IHO Hydrographic Specifications + NOAA Pydro Toolset + Global Mapper or GIS platforms

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 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
• Above average communication skills
• Above average attention to detail and aesthetics for data modeling
• The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new software
• An enthusiastic attitude that is open to receiving and giving constructive professional feedback
• A genuine passion and desire to work in a marine focused organization
• Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located

Nice to Haves

• Experience in Qimera or Caris
• Experience in SonarWiz
• Experience with feature management and reporting
• Familiarity with + NOAA Hydrographic Specifications and Deliverables + IHO Hydrographic Specifications + NOAA Pydro Toolset + Global Mapper or GIS platforms

Benefits

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!