Drone Image Analyst

MANIFEST Solutions; Gahanna (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Manifest Solutions is seeking a UAS Image Inspector to join our team in Gahanna, OH. The role involves reviewing high-resolution drone imagery and video of transmission and distribution infrastructure, and analyzing visual and thermal imagery to identify equipment abnormalities and reliability concerns.

The candidate will record findings in asset management systems, associate defects with assets, and prepare inspection reports for engineering and maintenance personnel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience performing inspections, quality control, technical analysis, asset assessment or similar work.
• Strong visual observation and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze large volumes of photographic or visual information.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn specialized inspection software.
• Ability to accurately document technical findings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review high-resolution drone imagery and video of transmission and distribution infrastructure.
• Analyze visual and thermal/infrared imagery to identify potential equipment abnormalities and reliability concerns.
• Inspect imagery of distribution poles, transmission structures, crossarms, conductors, insulators, transformers, switches, connectors, protection equipment, overhead lines and other assets.
• Record inspection findings within applicable asset management, GIS or inspection-management systems.
• Associate identified defects with the appropriate utility asset and location; assign condition/severity classifications.
• Prepare inspection reports and supporting documentation for engineering and maintenance personnel.
• Escalate critical or potentially hazardous conditions for immediate review.
• Review historical imagery to identify changes in asset condition over time.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and ensure data quality and completeness.
• Support development of drone-based inspection and asset reliability programs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Data analysis

Computer literacy

Documentation

Education

Associates or Bachelors preferred: GIS/Geospatial Technology

Engineering/Environmental-related degree

Aviation/UAS related education

Tools

GIS/GPS software

AI inspection systems

Inspection software

Drone platforms (Skydio, InFlightAI)

Job description

Manifest Solutions is currently seeking a UAS Image Inspector for a position in Gahanna, OH.

• Review high-resolution drone imagery and video of transmission and distribution infrastructure.
• Analyze visual and thermal/infrared imagery to identify potential equipment abnormalities and reliability concerns.
• Inspect imagery of:
  • Distribution poles
  • Transmission structures
  • Crossarms
  • Conductors
  • Insulators
  • Transformers
  • Switches
  • Connectors
  • Protection equipment
  • Overhead lines
  • Other transmission and distribution assets
• Identify and document conditions including:
  • Equipment damage
  • Deterioration and corrosion
  • Cracked or damaged insulators
  • Pole and crossarm defects
  • Conductor abnormalities
  • Loose or damaged hardware
  • Vegetation encroachment
  • Thermal anomalies/hot spots
  • Burn marks or evidence of overheating
  • Equipment displacement
  • Other conditions that could contribute to equipment failure or service interruption
• Review thermal imagery to identify abnormal temperature patterns associated with electrical connections and equipment.
• Compare imagery against established inspection criteria and asset-condition standards.
• Record inspection findings within applicable asset management, GIS or inspection-management systems.
• Associate identified defects with the appropriate utility asset and location.
• Assign or document the appropriate condition/severity classification for identified issues.
• Prepare inspection reports and supporting documentation for engineering and maintenance personnel.
• Escalate critical or potentially hazardous conditions for immediate review.
• Review historical imagery when available to identify changes in asset condition over time.
• Work with engineering and field personnel to clarify inspection findings and determine appropriate follow-up.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and ensure data quality and completeness.
• Assist with quality control of automated/computer-vision inspection results.
• Review AI-generated defect detections and validate whether identified conditions represent actual equipment issues.
• Support the continued development of drone-based inspection and asset reliability programs.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience performing inspections, quality control, technical analysis, asset assessment or similar work.
• Strong visual observation and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze large volumes of photographic or visual information.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn specialized inspection software.
• Ability to accurately document technical findings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with electric utility transmission or distribution infrastructure.
• Experience reviewing aerial imagery, drone imagery, satellite imagery or technical photography.
• Experience with thermal/infrared imagery.
• Experience with GIS/GPS systems.
• Experience with utility asset management systems.
• Knowledge of electrical distribution or transmission equipment.
• Experience with infrastructure inspection programs.
• Experience with quality assurance/quality control.
• Experience working with AI/computer-vision inspection systems.
• Familiarity with Skydio, InFlightAI or similar aerial inspection platforms.

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in one of the following preferred:

• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Engineering
• GIS/Geospatial Technology
• Environmental Science
• Aviation/UAS
• Engineering Technology
• Asset Management
• Other related technical discipline