Hydrographic Processing Specialist

Position Overview

Woolpert is hiring a Hydrographic Data Processing Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team in our Port Orchard, WA office or Wasilla, AK. 

Our team supports complex marine survey projects across the U.S., including hydrographic surveys, geophysical investigations, and marine infrastructure assessments. This role is primarily office-based and focused on transforming raw field data into accurate, defensible deliverables that support engineering design, permitting, and construction.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with large geospatial datasets, developing efficient processing workflows, and producing high-quality technical deliverables.

 We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country where the job is located.

What You Will Do

      Core Processing Workflow (Primary Role):

• Process multibeam and singlebeam 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
• Review and validate acquisition logs and metadata from QINSy to ensure proper integration into processing workflows
• 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

      Geospatial & Deliverable Development:

• Export processed datasets for integration into AutoCAD Civil 3D, including:
• Creation of bathymetric surfaces from high-density point clouds
• Generation of contours, breaklines, and gridded soundings (e.g., 25’ x 25’)
• Volume calculations and surface comparisons (existing vs. design or layered surfaces)
• Prepare plan sheets and figures consistent with project standards (e.g., ODMDS-style deliverables, channel surveys, dredge support)
• Support production of:
• Bathymetric maps and sounding sheets
• Side scan sonar mosaics and contact plots
• Cross sections and profile views
• GIS-compatible datasets and metadata

      Advanced Data Integration:

• Integrate datasets across multiple sensors and platforms:
• Multibeam, singlebeam, side scan sonar, sub-bottom (as applicable)
• GNSS control and positioning data
• Terrestrial or mobile LiDAR for shoreline/structure tie-ins
• Assist with seabed characterization workflows, including combining backscatter and side scan interpretation where applicable
• Support SLAM-integrated datasets or GNSS-denied workflows (as applicable to project needs)

      Quality Assurance & Workflow Development:

• 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

     Collaboration & Project Support:

• Work closely with project managers and technical leads to meet project schedules and deliverable requirements
• Provide input to survey planning and acquisition strategies based on processing needs
• Support proposal efforts with technical approach language, example deliverables, and production estimates

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in surveying, Geomatics, ocean engineering, geology, geography, spatial science, marine science, or related field
• • 3 years + of Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D for surface development and plan production
• Strong understanding of hydrographic survey principles and geospatial data workflows
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on producing accurate, defensible datasets
• Ability to manage multiple datasets and deadlines in a production environment
• Self-motivated, curious, and adaptable with strong problem-solving skills

      Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Experience with QINSy (acquisition awareness) and Qimera (processing)
• Experience with SonarWiz for side scan sonar processing and interpretation
• Experience with:
• Bathymetric surface generation and uncertainty evaluation
• Side scan mosaicking and contact reporting
• Volume calculations and layered surface analysis
• Familiarity with:
• Sub-bottom profiler data (CHIRP) and interpretation (a plus)
• GNSS processing (Trimble Business Center or similar)
• Global Mapper or GIS platforms
• Experience with LiDAR processing and integration workflows
• Strong data visualization and deliverable presentation skills

      What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Produces clean, accurate bathymetric surfaces and deliverables with minimal rework
• Efficiently processes multibeam and side scan datasets across varying project types
• Understands how field decisions impact processing outcomes (and helps improve both)
• Contributes to consistent, repeatable workflows across the team
• Supports high-quality deliverables similar to those used in federal and coastal projects (e.g., channel surveys, ODMDS, infrastructure assessments)

Benefits You Will Love

Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you’ll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

• 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!