Hydrographic Processing Specialist
Woolpert · Port Orchard, Wasilla
At Woolpert, you’ll do work that matters.
As a leading global architecture, engineering, and geospatial firm, we help clients solve complex challenges that shape communities, strengthen critical infrastructure, advance technology, and improve the world around us. Here, you’ll collaborate across disciplines, tackle meaningful projects, and build a career defined by growth, opportunity, and impact.
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
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- 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!
Find out more about what Woolpert has to offer here: http://woolpert.com/about-us/
Woolpert is an equal-opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.
Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting your Recruiter
To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of Woolpert or any of our subsidiaries about this requisition. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Woolpert via email, the internet, or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of Woolpert, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by Woolpert's Talent Acquisition Team for this requisition and a valid agreement is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of Woolpert's applicant process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.
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