UAS Operations Pilot Sr

American Electric Power; Corpus Christi (TX); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Corpus Christi, TX is seeking a Senior UAS Operations Pilot to oversee complex drone inspections and mentor junior staff.

You will lead large projects, analyze multispectral data, and develop training programs covering BVLOS, safety, and regulatory compliance as technology evolves.

The role requires a FAA Part 107 certificate, 3+ years of drone ops in utilities, and strong leadership, with a focus on practical field work.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Drone operations

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Outdoor working

Thermal imaging

LiDAR

GIS

Photogrammetry

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification

Job description

## UAS Operations Pilot SrApply: Corpus Christi, TX: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: September 29, 2026 (6 days left to apply): R18800**Job Posting End Date**09-29-2026Please 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 - $109,543.00The 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