UAS Specialist

Arizona Public Service - APS; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Public Service (APS) seeks a dedicated UAS Specialist to lead flight operations, planning, and regulatory compliance for the UAS program. You will serve as the organization’s primary UAS pilot, directing pre-flight planning, flight execution, and post-flight reporting to ensure safety and FAA adherence.

You will develop execution plans, file airspace requests, and coordinate BVLOS-related activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 5 years project/program management experience or equivalent (9 years total) in UAS.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification with 200+ hours of flight time.
• Experience in managing a UAS program and regulatory coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-flight planning, aircraft readiness, and mission execution.
• File FAA airspace authorizations and coordinate flights including BVLOS when applicable.
• Provide safety oversight, reporting, and mentorship to UAS staff.

Skills

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot

Flight operations planning

UAS flight proficiency

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management/Information Systems or related field

Tools

Flight planning software

Job description

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Specialist provides operational oversight, planning, monitoring, and reporting related to the UAS Program and serves as the organization's primary UAS pilot, responsible for conducting and overseeing UAS flight operations. This position develops comprehensive execution plans for UAS projects, plans and executes UAS missions, files flight plans and requests airspace authorizations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and coordinates UAS flights to obtain necessary airspace clearance and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The UAS Specialist is responsible for maintaining flight proficiency, aircraft readiness, operational safety, and compliance with applicable FAA regulations. Communicates program status, flight activities, operational results, and recommendations to mid-level, inter/intra-departmental management.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Information Systems, or related field and five (5) years project/program management experience or an equivalent combination of college coursework and experience equaling nine (9) years, including experience in managing a UAS Program.
• Holds and maintains an FAA 107 Remote Pilot Certification with over 200 hours of flight time.

Preferred Qualification and Requirements

• Holds and maintains an FAA 107 Remote Pilot Certification with over 500 hours of flight time with experience in BVLOS operations.

Major Accountabilities

• Primary UAS Pilot and Flight Operations Serves as the organization's primary UAS pilot and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and personally executing UAS flight missions in support of organizational projects and operational requirements. Exercises direct responsibility for pre-flight planning, aircraft inspections, flight execution, post-flight activities, and mission documentation. Ensures all flights are conducted safely and in accordance with FAA regulations, approved operating procedures, and organizational safety standards. Provides timely and accurate information and status updates to leadership including detailed reports on UAS flights, FAA coordination, and compliance status.
• UAS Aircraft Readiness and Flight Proficiency Maintains operational readiness of UAS aircraft, equipment, software, and associated systems. Maintains required FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, flight-hour currency, and proficiency across applicable UAS platforms. Coordinates routine maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment inspections, software updates, and repair activities to ensure aircraft availability and mission readiness.
• Flight Operations Oversight and Pilot Support Provides technical and operational guidance to additional UAS pilots and personnel, as applicable. Establishes flight procedures, operational standards, safety practices, and documentation requirements. Provides hands‑on support, training, and mentorship to ensure consistent and compliant UAS flight operations across the organization.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job‑related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

Onsite:

Requires work to be performed in the field and/or at an APS facility. Depending on the responsibilities of the role, this may include, but is not limited to, working at a power plant, job site, or in the community.

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
• Role types are subject to change based on business need.