Link Horizon is building a system that understands what's happening on construction sites — in real time — and why it matters.We combine persistent, in office aerial data capture with design files and project documents to create a continuously updating, structured view of a construction project. Our platform transforms daily drone flights into aerial views of large-scale construction sites and on-demand videos powering site awareness at scale for developers, contractors, and consultants.We operate at the intersection of hardware and software. On-site, we're deploying and managing drone-in-a-box systems that capture high-frequency aerial data across large-scale land development projects. Off-site, we're building the intelligence layer — a multimodal AI software platform that allows users to see what is happening on site while providing insight and analysis in earthworks, servicing, and community completion.We recently started a pilot project with one of Ontario's most innovative home developers and are actively capturing six construction sites, three daily and three weekly. Our current operations involve driving from site to site to perform our drone flights, with our first drone-in-a-box system being deployed in August 2026.We're a small, fast-moving team looking for someone who wants to help shape the future of drone operations in the construction industry, and help define a new category of site intelligence.About The TeamLink Horizon is a small, fast-moving team working directly on active construction sites. We learn from real operating conditions, solve practical problems quickly, and continuously improve both our technology and the way it is deployed.We are currently a team of five and expect to grow to seven team members in Fall 2026. The company was founded by University of Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering graduates, originated from their final-year capstone project, and has been backed by the University of Waterloo's Velocity startup incubator since September 2025.Beginning in September 2026, our team will be split between Oakville and Ottawa. Our development team will be based in Oakville to support a new pilot project in the Greater Toronto Area, while the Surveying & Drone Operations Lead will lead our Ottawa surveying and flight operations.We value precision, adaptability, sound judgment, and a strong sense of ownership. This is a place for someone who wants to work in the field, lead others, solve practical surveying and operational challenges, and help build a program rather than simply inherit one.The RoleAs Surveying & Drone Operations Lead, you will be responsible for Link Horizon's Ottawa surveying and flight operations, from preparing a site for capture through to delivering reliable data to the platform. This includes flight planning, placing and measuring ground control points, conducting drone surveys, photogrammetry processing, quality assurance, safety, logistics, equipment management, and documentation.From the beginning, the role will be highly hands-on. You will conduct recurring surveys across active construction sites, establish and maintain ground control,



process data using DJI Terra, review outputs for accuracy and repeatability, troubleshoot field and processing issues, and ensure each capture produces dependable results.You will also immediately support the deployment and commissioning of Link Horizon's first drone-in-a-box system. This will include helping assess the deployment location, coordinate field requirements, test workflows, validate data quality, and establish procedures for the system's ongoing operation and maintenance.You will manage a co-op student who supports field workflows and data collection, while working closely with the founders to build the procedures and standards that the broader flight operations program will depend on. Over time, the role will grow from leading Ottawa operations into helping shape a distributed surveying and drone operations program across a growing network of sites.What You'll Work OnPlan and execute recurring drone surveys across multiple active construction sites in OttawaEstablish, place, measure, and maintain ground control points and other survey control required for accurate, repeatable data captureConduct pre-flight site assessments and briefings, evaluating terrain, airspace, obstacles, construction activity, weather, and operational hazardsProcess drone-collected data through photogrammetry workflows to produce orthomosaics, point clouds, 3D reconstructions, and other deliverables, while performing quality assurance on accuracy, alignment, completeness, and repeatabilitySupport the deployment and commissioning of Link Horizon's first drone-in-a-box system from the beginning of the role, including site preparation, workflow testing, data validation, and the development of operating and maintenance proceduresBuild and maintain the operational program, including surveying workflows, SOPs, safety procedures, flight logs, maintenance records, quality-control checks, and regulatory documentationManage Ottawa field logistics, including flight scheduling, equipment readiness, site access, ground control deployment, and coordination with site personnelManage and mentor a co-op student supporting field surveys, data collection, equipment preparation, and other operational workflowsWork closely with the development team to ensure field-collected data is accurate, consistent, and structured to meet platform requirementsHelp transition Link Horizon from manual site-to-site operations toward remote, drone-in-a-box, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight operationsMust-HavePractical surveying or geomatics experience, including field data collection and the establishment, measurement, and maintenance of survey controlExperience using GNSS or RTK surveying equipment and an understanding of coordinate systems, datums, elevations,



and common sources of survey errorA strong understanding of accuracy, repeatability, and quality assurance when collecting and reviewing geospatial dataExperience working independently in the field and coordinating equipment, schedules, site access, documentation, and other operational detailsThe judgment and communication skills required to supervise a co-op student, assign work, review outputs, and maintain high standards for safety and data qualityStrong attention to detail and the patience to follow precise, repeatable field and processing workflowsComfort developing procedures and solving practical problems in a fast-moving environment where not every process has been definedA valid Transport Canada Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, or the ability to obtain one before beginning flight dutiesA valid, unrestricted driver's licence and the ability to travel regularly between construction sites in the Ottawa areaLegal authorization to work in Canada and eligibility to obtain any Transport Canada certification required for the roleNice-to-HaveCommercial, enterprise, or survey-grade drone operating experienceExperience planning and conducting drone mapping or photogrammetric surveysExperience processing and quality-checking orthomosaics, point clouds, digital elevation models, or 3D reconstructionsA diploma or degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering technology, geography, remote sensing, or a related disciplineA Transport Canada Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations, or progress toward obtaining oneExperience supporting an RPAS Operator Certificate program, including operational manuals, training programs, safety processes, or regulatory documentationFamiliarity with BVLOS operations, remote flight operations, or the Canadian regulatory pathways that support themExperience deploying, commissioning, operating, or maintaining enterprise drone or automated drone-dock systemsPrevious experience supervising, training, or mentoring junior employees, students, or field crewsExperience working on construction, earthworks, civil infrastructure, or land-development projectsFamiliarity with photogrammetry software, GIS platforms, geospatial data formats, and transformations between coordinate reference systems$75,000–$110,000 base salary + milestone-based bonusesStrong health and benefits packageDirect collaboration with founders in a low-bureaucracy environmentRapid iteration cycles with real-world deployment on active construction sitesOpportunity to lead the operational transition toward BVLOS and autonomous drone operationsCompany sponsored training and additional certifications for RPAS operations (Level 1 Complex)Daily team lunches and paid dinners when working lateAdditional ContextThis role is permanently based in Ottawa. You will be operating in the field on active construction sites across the Ottawa region.You will be joining a team that is building the operational and technical infrastructure for persistent aerial site intelligence — your work in the first year directly shapes how the program scales.

📌 Surveying & Drone Operations Lead (Riviere-des-Prairies—Pointe-aux-Trembles)
🏢 Link Horizon
📍 Riviere-des-Prairies—Pointe-aux-Trembles