Drone Pilot

All Aviation Jobs; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid training

Benefits from day one

Transit subsidies

Flexible schedule

Job summary

CenterPoint Energy is seeking a skilled Drone Pilot to support aerial inspections of electric and gas utility assets in the Houston area. The role emphasizes FAA Part 107 compliance, data collection, and mapping to improve infrastructure monitoring and maintenance programs.

The candidate should have 2+ years of UAS experience, thermography capabilities, and the ability to operate in varied weather conditions. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and Level 1 thermography certification.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; 5+ years in utilities or UAS-related work can substitute.
• Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR or multispectral sensors.
• Knowledge of utility infrastructure and inspection standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate drones to inspect electric and natural gas assets.
• Plan and execute FAA-compliant flight missions.
• Analyze aerial imagery and sensor data for reports.
• Perform pre/post-flight inspections and risk assessments.
• Provide technical reports to engineers and maintenance teams.
• Maintain flight logs and UAS equipment in working order.
• Train entry-level drone pilots as needed.
• Develop and refine SOPs for drone operations.

Skills

FAA Part 107

Regulatory compliance

Safety & risk management

Flight operations coordination

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, PM or related Tech

5+ years experience in utilities, PM, process improvement or UAS

Level 1 sUAS Thermography certification

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Tools

UAS flight planning tools

Thermal imaging sensors

LiDAR sensors

Multispectral sensors

Job description

CenterPoint Energy Overview

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision:

Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment:

CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Drone Pilot to support our electric and gas utility operations through aerial inspections, data collection, and mapping. The ideal candidate will have experience operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in compliance with FAA regulations and will play a key role in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of our infrastructure monitoring and maintenance programs.

Essential Functions

• Operate drones to inspect utility infrastructure including but not limited to electric transmission and distribution assets, and natural gas assets.
• Plan and execute flight missions in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company protocols.
• Collect, process, and analyze aerial imagery and sensor data (e.g., thermal, LiDAR, RGB) to provide detailed information for analysis and assessment.
• Conduct visual inspections of overhead electric utility assets by analyzing data captured via UAS.
• Provide reports or recommendations to engineering, GIS, and maintenance teams to support decision-making.
• Maintain flight logs, equipment, and ensure all UAS are in optimal working condition.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections and environmental risk assessments.
• Stay current with UAS technology, FAA regulations, and industry best practices.
• Support emergency response efforts by providing rapid aerial assessments during outages, storms, or natural disasters.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies and internal compliance teams to ensure legal and ethical use of UAS

Essential Functions Cont'd

• Provide technical reports and visual documentation to stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Maintain compliance with company and department-specific training and qualifications.
• Effectively communicate with customers and other external stakeholders to conduct UAS operations safely.
• Participate in testing of new UAS platforms, sensors, and software tools.
• Assist in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone operations.
• Assist in training entry-level drone pilots as needed.

Education Description

• Requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or related Technology fields.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 5 years of applicable work experience related to electric or natural gas utilities, project management, process improvement, technical services, or UAS operation can be considered.
• Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors.
• Knowledge of utility infrastructure and inspection standards.

Experience

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
• Level 1 sUAS Thermography certification required.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience operating UAS required, preferably in the utility or energy sector.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Experience with UAS flight planning and data analysis tools.
• Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors preferred.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and risk management.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and remote locations.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively navigate complex situations.

Physical Requirements

• Able to communicate either written and verbal communications either in person or through technical equipment such as telephone.
• Able to demonstrate and apply manual dexterity to operate a personal computer and common office equipment.
• Able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Able to operate a motor vehicle and drive a motor vehicle daily or for extended time periods, in a safe manner, and enter/exit vehicle unassisted.
• Able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Able to work a varied schedule with projects and deadlines requiring the ability to meet changing demands.
• Able to reach, grasp, and move items.
• Ability to drive to and be mobile at job sites with varying condition, including but not limited to office/urban, rural, off-road, and street surface conditions.

Working Conditions

• Required to participate in CenterPoint Energy’s Emergency Operation Plan (EOP).
• Able to work with routine exposure to all weather conditions.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, with moderate pressure to meet deadlines.
• Able to work indoors in an office environment and outdoors with occasional exposure to all weather conditions, equipment, and noise when at field installation sites.
• Able to travel occasionally overnight.
• Normal office environment with exception of extensive vehicle travel within the entire service area, and business travel outside of the Company’s service area an average of one day per month. May be required to be available for 24/7 operations management.
• This job description reflects an assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Other duties and tasks may be assigned to this job at the Company’s discretion.
• Must demonstrate commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Company’s Ethics and Compliance Code, and other Company policies and procedures, and take all required training courses.
• Must demonstrate respect for all individuals and adhere to the Company’s values and business practices.

We want you to know

Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What We Bring To You

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time

Posting Start Date: 08/24/2026

Posting End Date: 08/31/2026

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR

• 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.