UAS Drone Pilot III

Position Summary

Acuren is seeking UAS Pilot III to support operations in Cincinnati, OH. (RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS)

As a senior UAS Pilot III in the electrical infrastructure inspection domain, you will lead advanced aerial inspection missions, manage UAS operations in complex environments, drive data interpretation, and mentor junior pilots. You will ensure inspection integrity, support decision-making for maintenance/asset management, and champion UAS operational excellence across the program.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of GO 95 and GO 165 requirements, FAA Part 107 operations, and utility inspection procedures. This position is critical in supporting system reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance through aerial data collection.

Responsibilities

• Lead mission planning for complex inspection operations: large transmission corridors, multi-state projects, energized lines, remote/off-grid substations, or difficult terrain. Include risk assessments, airspace coordination, emergency procedures, launch/recovery zone planning, payload configuration (e.g., thermal, LiDAR, NDT sensors).
• Pilot advanced UAS platforms and payloads, possibly beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) or using special waivers, under company/regulatory policy; optimize sensor suite for electrical infrastructure inspection (visual, thermal, LiDAR, corrosion sensors).
• Oversee pre-flight inspections and operational readiness: verify UAS systems, sensor calibration, redundancy/backup plans, communications links, site access procedures, safety checklists.
• Conduct high-quality data capture for inspection of towers, lines, substations, including anomaly detection (e.g., conductor vibration, hot spots, tower corrosion, insulator flashover risk, tower hardware stress).
• Lead post-flight data processing workflow: ensure imagery/sensor data is properly ingested, triaged, annotated and delivered. Provide technical interpretation of findings, prepare detailed inspection reports for engineering/asset management teams.
• Drive decision-making: collaborate with engineers to prioritize maintenance, support defect classification, estimate repair urgency, contribute to asset life-cycle management strategies.
• Manage and maintain UAS fleet: define maintenance schedules, upgrade paths, sensor integration, budget planning for UAS operations.
• Train, mentor, and certify junior pilots (Levels I & II), develop training curriculum, ensure compliance with SOPs, best practices, operational safety culture.
• Develop and refine operational SOPs, safety protocols, regulatory compliance frameworks (including FAA waivers, airspace, site-specific authorizations), and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Represent the UAS inspection program to stakeholders: utility clients, regulatory bodies, internal leadership; communicate findings, metrics, safety performance, cost savings, risk mitigation.
• Operate small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to inspect electrical infrastructure in accordance with FAA Part 107, company safety procedures, and project work plans.
• Plan, execute, and document aerial missions across varied terrain, including rural, mountainous, and urban environments.
• Capture high-resolution imagery for inspection and analysis of electrical transmission and distribution components.
• Ensure data quality and consistency following standard flight parameters and detailed capture requirements.
• Maintain detailed flight logs, mission reports, and equipment maintenance records.
• Manage data upload, storage, and transfer processes for timely integration with inspection workflows
• Coordinate with field inspectors, management, and safety personnel to optimize field efficiency and ensure compliant operations.
• Collaborate with inspection team (engineers, technicians, site managers) to schedule missions, coordinate ground support, access site permissions, and ensure safe launch/recovery zones.
• Follow continuous improvement: stay current with UAS technologies, sensor payloads (e.g., LiDAR, thermal imaging), inspection best practices and regulatory changes.
• Comply with airspace authorizations, waiver requirements, and local jurisdiction flight restrictions.

Other work duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Recognized as subject-matter expert in UAS inspections within the electrical infrastructure domain; leads complex missions and fleets rather than only executing flights.
• Has decision-making authority for mission go-/no-go, equipment procurement, training of staff, and client/sponsor reporting.
• Responsible for integrating UAS inspection data into strategic asset-management workflows, not just collecting data.
• Demonstrable experience flying UAS in challenging field conditions (remote terrain, near energized lines/towers, variable weather).
• Proficiency with UAS flight planning software (waypoints, automated missions), and data capture workflows.
• Basic knowledge of electrical infrastructure (transmission towers, poles, substations) and associated hazards (electrical safety, fall zones, climbing operations) is strongly preferred.
• Strong situational awareness, spatial/hand-eye coordination, attention to detail in flight operations and data capture.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills: able to work with field teams, site managers, and engineers; present findings clearly.

EDUCATION:

• 5+ years of work experience operating UAS commercially, preferably in infrastructure inspection, utilities or similar environment.
• Valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent regulatory certification for commercial UAS operations.

MUST BE ABLE TO PASS DRUG/ALCOHOL AND BACKGROUND SCREENS PER CLIENT REQUIREMENTS.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance
• 401K Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work in varying and sometimes extreme weather (heat, cold, wind, rain, snow) while maintaining flight and safety standards.
• Exposure to electrical hazards, electromagnetic fields, and high-voltage environments-must maintain required safety clearances and PPE use.
• Frequent travel to inspection sites, including remote or rural locations; may require overnight stays or extended assignments.
• Occasional work at heights, near energized infrastructure, or within confined/controlled areas (e.g., substations).
• Extended concentration and situational awareness needed during flight operations to monitor aircraft position, airspace, and obstacles.
• Ability to wear and operate while using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, gloves, and hearing protection as required by site safety rules.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand, walk, and operate equipment for extended periods (up to 8-10 hours per day) in outdoor environments.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to safely control drones, operate handheld controllers, tablets, and sensor payloads.
• Visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses) sufficient to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with UAS, assess airspace conditions, and evaluate imagery for quality and accuracy.
• Auditory ability to hear and respond to commands, communications, and environmental sounds (e.g., approaching vehicles, equipment, or other hazards).

Company Overview

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world’s largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1