UAS Operations Pilot

AEP Texas Company, Inc.; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 4,937,000 - 6,172,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP Texas Company, Inc. is seeking a drone operator in Corpus Christi to perform aerial inspections of electric utility assets and collect high-resolution imagery and thermal data. You will ensure FAA compliance and support engineering and maintenance teams with actionable information.

Responsibilities include pre- and post-flight analyses, flight logging, and collaboration with GIS, environmental, and engineering groups. Strong field inspection experience and a valid Part 107 are required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent in aviation, engineering or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).
• Demonstrated experience conducting drone flights in industrial or utility environments OR equivalent field inspection experience with Part 107.
• Proficiency with mission and flight planning software and aerial data tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aerial inspections and collect high resolution imagery and thermal data.
• Perform pre flight risk assessments and post flight evaluations.
• Collaborate with engineering, GIS, and environmental teams.
• Maintain flight logs and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support emergency response and storm damage assessments.

Skills

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Drone flights in industrial utilities

Mission & flight planning software

Independent outdoor work

Valid driver’s license

Photography, thermal imaging, LiDAR, 3

Engineering/environmental science/avi0

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent in aviation, engineering or related field

High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred

Tools

Mission planning software

Aerial data tools

Job description

Job Posting End DatePlease note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end dateJob SummaryOperates drones for aerial inspections of electric utility assets including distribution lines, transmission lines, generation sites, substations, and renewable energy sites. Ensures compliance with FAA and internal standards while supporting engineering and maintenance teams with actionable data.Job DescriptionKey Responsibilities:• Conduct aerial inspections and collect high resolution imagery and thermal data.• Perform pre flight risk assessments and post flight evaluations.• Collaborate with engineering, GIS, and environmental teams.• Maintain flight logs and ensure regulatory compliance.• Support emergency response and storm damage assessments.Minimum Qualifications:• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred.• OR High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred.• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).• Demonstrated experience conducting drone flights in industrial or utility environments OR equivalent field inspection experience with Part 107.• Proficiency with mission and flight planning software and aerial data tools.• Ability to work independently in varied outdoor conditions.• Valid driver’s license.Additional Requirements:• Experience in utility or infrastructure inspection.• Knowledge of photography, thermal imaging, LiDAR, or photogrammetry.• Background in engineering, environmental science, aviation, or related technical field.• Familiarity with utility operations and infrastructure.Compensation DataCompensation Grade:SP20-006Compensation Range:$35.84 - $44.80The Physical Demand Level for this job is: L – Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg c ontrols; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligibleHear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.