Hydrographic Data Processing Specialist

Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. They blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value.

The role of Hydrographic Data Processing Specialist is available for remote work (Eastern/Pacific Time) or in-office at San Rafael, CA or Charleston, SC. This position supports large-scale marine survey projects globally, primarily for public sector and government agencies like NOAA Office of Coast Survey.

What You Will Do:

• Manage daily imports and processing tasks on multi-day 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
• Manage features and create new features in QPS Qimera and CARIS.
• Review and validate acquisition logs and metadata from QINSy.
• 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 a 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, Qimera, CARIS, SonarWiz, SeaView, Discover, Global Mapper, POS Pac, and ArcGIS.
• Detail-oriented mindset focused 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.
• 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 open to receiving and giving constructive professional feedback.
• A genuine passion and desire to work in a marine-focused organization.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:

• 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