UAS Operations Pilot Sr

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

Job summary

AEP in Corpus Christi, TX seeks an experienced drone operations professional to oversee large-scale inspection projects, mentor staff, and integrate advanced technologies such as multispectral imaging and LiDAR.

You will develop procedures, deliver training, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while collaborating with engineering teams.

Ideal candidates hold FAA Part 107, 3+ years of drone ops, and strong leadership; the role requires outdoor adaptability and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
• 3+ years of drone operations experience, preferably in utility or infrastructure settings.
• Strong knowledge of thermal imaging, LiDAR, GIS and photogrammetry.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale drone inspection projects and coordinate across teams.
• Analyze complex aerial data and deliver actionable insights to engineers.
• Develop and refine drone operation procedures and training materials.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive UAS training programs (virtual and on-site).
• Train personnel on UAS operations, mission planning, safety and compliance.
• Create and update training materials (manuals, guides, presentations).

Skills

Drone operations

Aerial data analysis

UAS training

Leadership

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

High school diploma with technical certification

Job description

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

$87,633.00 - $109,543.00

Physical Demands

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 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 amount of force exerted 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

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.

“AEP offers an outstanding group of people to be a part of. The AEP culture values your integrity and awards your hard work.”

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.