UAS Operations Pilot In Training

American Electric Power; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Abilene, TX, seeks an UAS Operations Pilot in Training to support sUAS inspections of utility infrastructure. You will assist with setup, flight planning, data handling, and safety documentation under experienced pilots.

The role requires basic sUAS knowledge, willingness to travel to field sites, and a driver license; a degree or certification is preferred. Compensation ranges from $30.53 to $38.16 per hour, with growth potential as you advance to the pilot role.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent in aviation, engineering, or related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred.
• Basic understanding of sUAS technology and safety practices.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors and travel to field sites.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience in utility or infrastructure inspection.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sUAS setup, maintenance, and transport.
• Support pre flight planning and post flight data organization.
• Manage batteries, sensors, and basic troubleshooting.
• Organize and archive aerial imagery and inspection data.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and assist in documentation.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Willingness to work outdoors

Field travel readiness

Driver's license

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification preferred

Tools

sUAS basics

Thermal imaging

LiDAR

Photogrammetry

Job description

## UAS Operations Pilot In TrainingApply: Abilene, TX: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: September 29, 2026 (6 days left to apply): R18798**Job Posting End Date**09-29-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date**Job Summary**Supports sUAS operations by preparing equipment, assisting with mission and flight planning, and managing data collection logistics. Works under the guidance of certified sUAS pilots to ensure safe and effective inspections of utility infrastructure. One year projected up or out based on passing the FAA Part 107 exam and moving into the sUAS Operations Pilot role.**Job Description**Key Responsibilities: • Assist with sUAS setup, maintenance, and transport. • Support pre flight planning and post flight data organization. • Manage batteries, sensors, and basic troubleshooting. • Organize and archive aerial imagery and inspection data. • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and assist in documentation.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. • Basic understanding of sUAS technology and safety practices. • Strong organizational and communication skills. • Willingness to work outdoors and travel to field sites. • Valid driver’s license.Additional Requirements:• Experience in utility or infrastructure inspection. • Knowledge of thermal imaging, LiDAR, or photogrammetry. • Background in engineering, environmental science, aviation, or related technical field. • Familiarity with utility operations and infrastructure.**Compensation Data****Compensation Grade:**SP20-005**Compensation Range:**$30.53 - $38.16The 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 negligible