Offshore UAS Pilot for Asset Integrity Inspections

Occidental Petroleum Corporation; Midland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Occidental Petroleum Corporation seeks an experienced UAS Pilot and Operations Specialist to support offshore inspection and asset integrity activities. You will conduct unmanned aircraft system inspections of offshore facilities, capturing high‑quality imagery and sensor data for engineering teams.

The role requires planning, risk assessment and strict adherence to safety and FAA regulations, with frequent offshore travel to Gulf of Mexico operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Demonstrated experience operating UAS in industrial, energy, infrastructure or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Safely plan and execute UAS inspection missions on offshore production facilities, with primary emphasis on mechanical integrity and asset integrity applications.
• Conduct detailed visual inspections of piping, pressure equipment, structural members, flare systems, risers, piping supports, decks, cranes, tanks, vessels and other offshore infrastructure.
• Capture high‑resolution imagery, video and other sensor data necessary to support mechanical integrity, corrosion and engineering assessments.
• Identify and document observable conditions including corrosion, coating degradation, structural deterioration, damaged insulation, leaks, loose or missing components and other potential integrity concerns.
• Coordinate inspection activities with Mechanical Integrity, Corrosion, Facilities Engineering, Operations, Maintenance and HSE personnel.
• Develop flight and inspection plans based on inspection scope, equipment configuration, operating conditions, airspace restrictions and offshore hazards.
• Conduct pre‑flight risk assessments and participate in applicable offshore permitting, Job Safety Analysis and simultaneous operations planning.
• Maintain strict compliance with Oxy HSE requirements, offshore operating procedures, FAA regulations and internal UAS policies and standards.
• Evaluate environmental and operational conditions—including wind, weather, electromagnetic interference, obstacles and active process equipment—to determine whether UAS operations can be conducted safely.
• Maintain UAS aircraft, batteries, payloads, cameras and supporting equipment in mission‑ready condition.
• Manage inspection imagery and associated data to ensure appropriate quality, traceability, organization and transfer to engineering and inspection personnel.
• Assist technical teams in developing standardized UAS inspection procedures, image‑capture requirements and repeatable inspection routes.
• Support periodic and repeat inspections that allow engineering teams to monitor equipment condition and degradation over time.
• Work with inspection and engineering personnel to integrate UAS‑generated information into existing mechanical integrity and risk‑based inspection programs.
• Support the evaluation and deployment of emerging UAS technologies, including advanced imaging, thermal sensors, photogrammetry, automated flight planning, remote inspection technologies and AI‑enabled image analysis.
• Identify opportunities where UAS inspections can reduce personnel exposure, scaffolding, rope access, vessel support or other conventional inspection requirements while maintaining appropriate inspection quality.
• Prepare clear inspection documentation and communicate significant observations promptly to appropriate offshore and technical personnel.
• Maintain required flight logs, aircraft records, maintenance records, certifications and other regulatory documentation.
• Support UAS operations at onshore facilities or other Oxy assets as business needs require.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Job description

Occidental Petroleum Corporation seeks an experienced UAS Pilot and Operations Specialist to support offshore inspection and asset integrity activities. You will conduct unmanned aircraft system inspections of offshore facilities, capturing high‑quality imagery and sensor data for engineering teams.

The role requires planning, risk assessment and strict adherence to safety and FAA regulations, with frequent offshore travel to Gulf of Mexico operations.