UAS Operations Pilot Sr

AEP Texas Company, Inc.; Corpus Christi (TX); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP Texas Company, Inc. is seeking an experienced drone operations lead to oversee large-scale inspection programs and mentor staff. You will develop best practices, integrate advanced sensing tech, and guide teams across BVLOS, VTOL, and Remote Ops as needed.

You will train teams, refine procedures, and ensure regulatory compliance while adapting to evolving technologies within the energy infrastructure sector.

Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 3+ years of drone operations experience in utility or infrastructure settings.
• Associate’s degree preferred; or high school diploma with technical certification.
• Advanced knowledge of thermal imaging, LiDAR, GIS, and photogrammetry.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; able to work independently.

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

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Independent work

Drone operations

UAS training

Education

FAA Part 107 certification

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Thermal imaging

LiDAR

GIS

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

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.

It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.

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. At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect.