Lead Digital Forestry Data Engineer

The Institute for Digital Forestry has accumulated a large capacity suite of terrestrial and UAS mapping systems for automated forest inventory with GNSS/INS-assisted LiDAR and imaging systems operating in different portions of the spectrum (e.g., visible and hyperspectral imaging systems).

The Lead Digital Forestry Data Engineer works with faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, and other staff across multiple Departments and Colleges to develop and improve their capabilities in acquiring, processing, and/or accessing high quality data. Working with limited oversight and, as the subject matter expert, the Lead Digital Forestry Data Engineer translates researcher’s needs and requirements into technical implementations of data pipelines by designing, developing, testing, and maintaining hardware and software systems. In addition, this position engages with faculty, graduate students, and other researchers both within and outside the university in the effective use of various data acquisition and analytic tool sets and influences and implements the ongoing development and continuous improvement of data services supporting scientific and research endeavors.

The Institute for Digital Forestry is a transdisciplinary collaboration of over 35 investigators from the colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Libraries, PolyTech and Science that integrates expertise in AI/ML, computer applications and modeling, geosciences, forest management, satellite and drone sensing platforms, and social sciences and education. Purdue’s Institute for Digital Forestry is a leading academic institution in this nascent field. Institute for Digital Forestry (purdue.edu)

• Mobile Mapping Systems equipped with GNSS/INS-assisted imaging and ranging sensors; especially, proximal and near proximal remote sensing systems onboard crewed and uncrewed vehicles
• Logging and data management tools of collected geospatial data (including, GNSS, imaging and ranging data) by proximal and near-proximal mobile mapping systems
• Data acquisition protocols to ensure the quality and sufficiency of acquired geospatial data by the navigation, imaging, and ranging sensors onboard different platforms
• Data integration schemes for augmenting the capabilities of developed near-proximal and proximal sensing systems with geospatial data collected by airborne and spaceborne platforms
• Data analytics tools (including those based on machine learning strategies) for data-to-information-to-knowledge transformation using geospatial data collected by proximal, near-proximal, and remote mobile mapping systems
• User interface for data acquisition and processing by stakeholders (e.g., forest managers)
• Scalable deployment of developed systems and data processing tools for fine scaling inventory and monitoring of forest health
• Provide consulting and assistance to faculty, graduate students, and other researchers in the effective use of various data pipeline components and analytic tool sets and will influence and implement the ongoing development and continuous improvement of college-level data services supporting the College’s scientific and research endeavors
• Assist with the requirements, planning, and implementation of data-related cyberinfrastructure to meet the needs of researchersResearch for continuous learning and formal professional development in relevant technologies and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering and interest in plant sciences domains (e.g., Agronomy, Botany, Plant biology or genetics, Forestry, Horticulture,  etc.) or related field
• 7 years of experience with:
  • Developing Mobile Mapping Systems equipped with GNSS/INS-assisted imaging and ranging sensors; especially, proximal and near proximal remote sensing systems onboard crewed and uncrewed vehicles
  • Logging and data management of collected geospatial data (including, GNSS, imaging and ranging data) by proximal and near-proximal mobile mapping systems
  • Applying data analytics for data-to-information-to-knowledge transformation using geospatial data collected by proximal and near-proximal mobile mapping systems
• Experience leading small research, data, or technology teams on interdisciplinary projects
• Excellent communications skills in a customer-facing or relationship-building role, especially in translating customer needs into technical requirements and designs
• Knowledge of statistical or analytical algorithm implementation, data interpretation, data processing, or modeling
• Remote sensing and geospatial data tool skills such as Esri ArcGIS, QGIS, or geospatial programming packages
• Programming skills in general purpose (e.g., Python) or statistical languages (e.g., R)
• Proficiency in using of Unix or Unix-like operating systems
• Capable time and project management skills

• This is a grant-funded position through Fall of 2027. Benefits do apply.
• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary 
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately  
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply