Drone Pilot

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Drone Pilot to support our electric and gas utility operations through aerial inspections, data collection, and mapping. The ideal candidate will have experience operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in compliance with FAA regulations and will play a key role in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of our infrastructure monitoring and maintenance programs.

Essential Functions

• Operate drones to inspect utility infrastructure including but not limited to electric transmission and distribution assets, and natural gas assets.
• Plan and execute flight missions in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company protocols.
• Collect, process, and analyze aerial imagery and sensor data (e.g., thermal, LiDAR, RGB) to provide detailed information for analysis and assessment.
• Conduct visual inspections of overhead electric utility assets by analyzing data captured via UAS.
• Provide reports or recommendations to engineering, GIS, and maintenance teams to support decision-making.
• Maintain flight logs, equipment, and ensure all UAS are in optimal working condition.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections and environmental risk assessments.
• Stay current with UAS technology, FAA regulations, and industry best practices.
• Support emergency response efforts by providing rapid aerial assessments during outages, storms, or natural disasters.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies and internal compliance teams to ensure legal and ethical use of UAS

Essential Functions cont'd

• Provide technical reports and visual documentation to stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Maintain compliance with company and department-specific training and qualifications.
• Effectively communicate with customers and other external stakeholders to conduct UAS operations safely.
• Participate in testing of new UAS platforms, sensors, and software tools.
• Assist in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone operations.
• Assist in training entry-level drone pilots as needed.

Education Description

• Requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or related Technology fields.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 5 years of applicable work experience related to electric or natural gas utilities, project management, process improvement, technical services, or UAS operation can be considered.
• Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors.
• Knowledge of utility infrastructure and inspection standards.

Experience

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
• Level 1 sUAS Thermography certification required.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience operating UAS required, preferably in the utility or energy sector.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

• Experience with UAS flight planning and data analysis tools.
• Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors preferred.

• Strong understanding of safety protocols and risk management.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and remote locations.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively navigate complex situations.

Physical Requirements

• Able to communicate either written and verbal communications either in person or through technical equipment such as telephone.
• Able to demonstrate and apply manual dexterity to operate a personal computer and common office equipment.
• Able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Able to operate a motor vehicle and drive a motor vehicle daily or for extended time periods, in a safe manner, and enter/exit vehicle unassisted.
• Able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Able to work a varied schedule with projects and deadlines requiring the ability to meet changing demands.
• Able to reach, grasp, and move items.
• Ability to drive to and be mobile at job sites with varying condition, including but not limited to office/urban, rural, off-road, and street surface conditions.

Working Conditions

• Required to participate in CenterPoint Energy’s Emergency Operation Plan (EOP).
• Able to work with routine exposure to all weather conditions.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, with moderate pressure to meet deadlines.
• Able to work indoors in an office environment and outdoors with occasional exposure to all weather conditions, equipment, and noise when at field installation sites.
• Able to travel occasionally overnight.
• Normal office environment with exception of extensive vehicle travel within the entire service area, and business travel outside of the Company’s service area an average of one day per month. May be required to be available for 24/7 operations management.
• This job description reflects an assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Other duties and tasks may be assigned to this job at the Company’s discretion.
• Must demonstrate commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Company’s Ethics and Compliance Code, and other Company policies and procedures, and take all required training courses.
• Must demonstrate respect for all individuals and adhere to the Company’s values and business practices.