Rob John Hillier

I’m a GIS professional with a passion for using geospatial data, cartography, and environmental insight to solve complex infrastructure challenges. With a background spanning renewable energy, ecology, forestry, and hydrogen, I specialise in applying GIS tools to support sustainable development and data-driven decision-making.

As a Project Engineer at Continuum Industries, I work at the intersection of geospatial technology, engineering and software. I help customers unlock the full potential of Optioneer, our infrastructure design platform, by providing technical support, delivering training, and driving GIS integration across large-scale projects from electricity transmission to hydrogen and water networks.

I collaborate closely with software developers, product teams, and end users to improve functionality, enhance usability, and ensure customer needs shape product evolution. My role is cross-functional and dynamic, blending geospatial analysis, client engagement, and solution design.

Before this, I worked as a GIS Officer and Consultant, supporting infrastructure and renewable energy planning through data management, mapping workflows, and spatial analysis. I originally started my career in wildlife conservation and zoological work, which shaped my focus on sustainability and honed my communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

I’m particularly interested in how spatial data can enable better infrastructure decisions, reduce environmental impact, and support the transition to a low-carbon future.

Let’s connect if you’d like to chat about geospatial applications in infrastructure, GIS in software development, or sustainability-driven project planning.

Driving customer success and technical innovation at a geospatial software start-up. I support infrastructure developers across the UK, Europe, and the US in using Optioneer, a platform for designing linear assets including pipelines, cables, and overhead lines.

- Lead onboarding, training, and technical support for major infrastructure clients, helping them plan over 40,000km of routes for energy and utility projects.

- Apply geospatial expertise to develop custom routing solutions, including hydrogen proximity modelling and spatial data preparation.

- Deliver time-sensitive GIS reports and insights to support funding bids and stakeholder engagement, balancing technical depth with strategic timelines.

- Build and deploy Python and QGIS tools to automate workflows, such as raster vectorisation, applying safety buffers, and preparing spatial datasets for ingestion into Optioneer.

- Actively shape product development through close collaboration with engineers. 50+ product suggestions, with several adopted into the Optioneer roadmap.

- Recognised for professionalism, customer advocacy, and simplifying complex tech for clients. Trusted as a technical mentor and strategic partner by project teams.

BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation and MSc Conservation Ecology