Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Geodesic Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Geodesic Engineer, you will be the cornerstone of our organization's spatial accuracy and data integrity. You are responsible for the entire lifecycle of geodetic data, from collection and processing to modeling and analysis. This role requires a deep understanding of terrestrial and satellite-based positioning systems, coordinate frames, and datum transformations. You will be instrumental in developing and maintaining the fundamental geodetic frameworks that underpin our technology, ensuring the highest level of precision for our products and services. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams of software engineers, data scientists, and project managers to integrate geodetic solutions into complex systems.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Geomatics Engineer or Survey Analyst
GIS Specialist with a strong data processing background
Post-doctoral Researcher in Geophysics or Geodesy

Advancement To:

Senior or Principal Geodesic Engineer
Geomatics Team Lead or Manager
Director of Geospatial Technology

Lateral Moves:

Data Scientist (Geospatial)
Remote Sensing Scientist
Navigation or Autonomy Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, establish, and maintain high-precision geodetic control networks using static and kinematic GNSS/GPS survey techniques.
Perform rigorous post-processing and analysis of raw GNSS data using specialized software suites like Trimble Business Center, Leica Geo Office, or Bernese.
Develop, implement, and validate complex coordinate transformation algorithms between various global (e.g., ITRF, WGS84) and local geodetic datums.
Conduct least-squares adjustments of large-scale terrestrial and satellite survey data to ensure network consistency and statistical reliability.
s- Analyze geodetic time-series data to model and monitor phenomena such as crustal motion, subsidence, or structural deformation.
Develop and maintain geoid models and other height system components for precise orthometric height determination.
Integrate data from multiple geodetic sensors, including GNSS, InSAR, LiDAR, gravimeters, and terrestrial laser scanners.
Author and maintain comprehensive documentation for geodetic processes, data standards, and quality control procedures.
Provide expert consultation to internal teams and external clients on matters of geodesy, coordinate systems, and spatial data quality.
Calibrate and validate sensor systems, including GNSS receivers and inertial measurement units (IMUs), to ensure optimal performance.
Automate geodetic data processing workflows using scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, or shell scripts to improve efficiency and repeatability.
Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on all incoming and outgoing geospatial datasets to meet stringent project specifications.
Research, evaluate, and implement emerging geodetic technologies and methodologies to continuously improve organizational capabilities.
Define geodetic parameters and requirements for large-scale mapping, remote sensing, and engineering construction projects.
Manage and maintain the organization's repository of geodetic control points, benchmarks, and associated metadata.
Support the integration of Precise Point Positioning (PPP) and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) solutions into real-time applications and platforms.
Analyze and mitigate sources of error in geodetic measurements, including atmospheric effects, multipath, and satellite orbital errors.
Develop custom software tools and utilities for specialized geodetic computations, data conversion, and quality analysis.
Collaborate with software development teams to embed accurate geodetic functionality within larger software applications and platforms.
Prepare and deliver detailed technical reports, presentations, and visualizations that communicate complex geodetic results to diverse audiences.
Plan and oversee geodetic field survey campaigns, ensuring adherence to best practices and project safety standards.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Provide training and mentorship to junior engineers, survey technicians, and GIS analysts on geodetic principles and practices.
Author technical white papers and contribute to scientific publications or industry conference presentations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep expertise in geodetic principles, including coordinate systems, map projections, and datum transformations (WGS84, ITRF, NAD83, etc.).
Proficiency in processing GNSS/GPS data using commercial software (e.g., Trimble Business Center, GrafNav/GrafNet, Leica Geo Office) and/or scientific software (e.g., Bernese, GAMIT/GLOBK).
Strong programming and scripting skills, particularly in Python or MATLAB, for data analysis, automation, and algorithm development.
Hands-on experience with least-squares adjustment theory and its application in software like STAR*NET or custom-built tools.
Familiarity with other geospatial data types and collection methods, such as InSAR, LiDAR, and photogrammetry.
Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) for data management, analysis, and visualization.
Knowledge of relational and spatial databases (e.g., PostgreSQL/PostGIS) for managing geodetic information.
Understanding of GNSS correction services and formats, including RTK, PPP, and RTCM standards.
Experience with inertial navigation systems (INS) and IMU data processing is a significant plus.
Proficiency in data analysis and statistical modeling to assess data quality and uncertainty.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision and accuracy.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting complex processes and conveying technical concepts.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple tasks and projects independently.
A strong desire for continuous learning to stay abreast of technological advancements in the field.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree or PhD with a specialization in Geodesy or Geomatics.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Geomatics Engineering or Surveying Engineering
Geodesy or Geodetic Science
Geophysics, Physics, or Applied Mathematics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-10+ years of direct, hands-on experience in a geodetic or high-precision surveying role.

Preferred: Professional registration as a Land Surveyor (PLS) or Engineer (PE) is highly advantageous. Experience working in industries such as aerospace, autonomous driving, resource exploration, or large-scale civil engineering is strongly preferred.