UAS Operations Pilot Sr

Drone.vet; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking an experienced drone operations leader to oversee large-scale inspections and mentor junior staff, integrating advanced technologies such as multispectral imaging, LiDAR and photogrammetry.

The role requires 3+ years in drone operations, FAA Part 107 certification, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to work outdoors in varied conditions while developing procedures, training materials and comprehensive UAS programs.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of drone operations experience, preferably in utility or infrastructure.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in varied outdoor conditions.
• Advanced knowledge of thermal imaging, LiDAR, GIS, and photogrammetry.

Responsibilities

• Lead large scale drone inspection projects and cross functional coordination.
• Analyze complex aerial data and provide actionable insights to engineering teams.
• Develop and refine drone operation procedures and training materials.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive UAS training programs (virtual and on site).
• Train individuals on UAS operations, mission planning, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Create and update training materials (manuals, guides, presentations).

Skills

Remote Pilot Certificate

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

LiDAR

GIS

Photogrammetry

Multispectral sensing

Hyperspectral sensing

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

Oversees complex inspections and mentors junior staff. Develops best practices and integrates advanced technologies (multispectral, hyperspectral, LiDAR, photogrammetry). Trained across multiple operational methods including BVLOS, VTOL, and Remote Ops as technology evolves.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead large scale drone inspection projects and cross functional coordination.
• Analyze complex aerial data and provide actionable insights to engineering teams.
• Develop and refine drone operation procedures and training materials.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive UAS training programs (virtual and on site).
• Train individuals on UAS operations, mission planning, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Create and update training materials (manuals, guides, presentations).

Minimum Requirements

• 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.
• 3+ years of experience in drone operations, preferably in utility or infrastructure settings.
• Advanced knowledge of thermal imaging, LiDAR, GIS, and photogrammetry.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in varied outdoor conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Additional Requirements

• Experience in utility or infrastructure inspection.
• Knowledge of photography, videography, multispectral sensing, hyperspectral sensing, thermal imaging, LiDAR, or photogrammetry.
• Background in engineering, remote sensing, environmental science, aviation, or related technical field.
• Familiarity with utility operations and infrastructure

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade

SP20-007

Compensation Range

$87,633.00 - $109,543.00

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.