Remote Sensing Technology Manager

About

CDM Smith is seeking a Remote Sensing Technology Manager to join the Geospatial Group within the Digital Engineering Solutions team. The manager will oversee geospatial remote sensing technologies, supporting strategic architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) initiatives through both existing and cutting‑edge remote sensing technologies and methodologies. The Geospatial Technology group leads the firm in AEC‑focused technologies for geographic analysis, providing technological guidance, vision, and custom solution development. The role involves research and development, guidance and oversight to AEC practices, new product research, testing, and incubation of geospatial technology ideas across the company. The ideal candidate has a proven record as a manager and expert in remote sensing technology, with a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity leading to tangible results.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and insight in all areas of remote sensing, inclusive of the three key steps: capture, compute, and create.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and updates to existing technologies related to remote sensing (satellites, drones, aerial photography, commercial software, LiDAR, hyperspectral, visible light, microwave, infrared, thermal) and evaluate for potential or ongoing business use.
• Guide and oversee the business in collecting, processing, analyzing, and formatting geospatial data from remote sensing systems; collect supporting data to corroborate analyses; monitor data quality; develop new analytical techniques and automated routines as applicable.
• Direct, assign, and supervise remote sensing tasks of other employees as needed.
• Mentor and provide remote sensing expertise to less experienced team members.
• Communicate technical ideas in an accessible, easy‑to‑understand manner.
• Assist with the UAV governance program as it relates to remote sensing.
• Consult on remote sensing solutions provided to CDM Smith’s clients as needed.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary, global team and demonstrate eagerness to learn.
• Build quality relationships across the organization with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Contribute remote‑sensing expertise to collaborative initiatives and efforts.
• Develop documentation, standards, best practices, and workflows for remote sensing hardware/software and data practices used across the business.
• Manage and oversee a team of remote sensing specialists, aligning the group to Digital Engineering Solutions goals and the Geospatial Technology Leader’s objectives; provide guidance, instruction, training, and leadership to inspire optimal performance.
• Motivate and inspire the team by fostering positive communication, bonding, and flexibility.
• Manage staff performance, approve PTO and training, ensure HR policies are followed, and make staffing recommendations.
• Present to internal and external audiences as needed.
• Assist with marketing, communications, business development, and website descriptions as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience leading and managing a team; team‑oriented, positive, collaborative, reliable; proven ability to organize, plan, prioritize, and manage time and changing priorities.
• Expert knowledge and proven ability in remote sensing technology; inquisitive, asks questions to understand business issues; passionate about helping AEC business lines succeed with remote sensing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to communicate with technical and non‑technical audiences, listen, build rapport, and act as a strategic, diplomatic partner.
• Innovative with strong critical‑thinking skills to generate new solutions/ideas that create value and improve processes.
• Detail‑oriented with ability to assist in executing highly complex or specialized projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent directly related experience in lieu of a degree).
• 10 years of related experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Travel

• Domestic and/or international travel may be required; frequency depends on specific duties, responsibilities, and workload.