UAS Operations Pilot In Training

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

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a detail-focused sUAS Support Technician to help prepare equipment, assist with flight planning, and manage data collection logistics for utility inspections.

You will work under certified sUAS pilots, perform setup, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting, and travel to field sites as needed.

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.

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

sUAS operations

organizational skills

communication skills

outdoor work

driver’s license

sUAS safety practices

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent in aviation/engineering

High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred

Tools

LiDAR

Thermal imaging

Photogrammetry

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-29-2026

Please 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 - $38.16

The 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 controls; 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

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.