Chief Drone Pilot / Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Manager Next Height LLC Detroit, MI Job Details Full-time $68,000 - $85,000 a year 15 hours ago Benefits Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Surveillance operations Federal Aviation Regulations Patrolling Pilot License Remote Pilot Certificate Mechanical knowledge Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Commanding aircraft

Full Job Description Job Description & Responsibilities:

The Chief Drone Pilot / UAS Manager oversees all unmanned aerial surveillance, perimeter patrols, thermal imaging scans, and infrastructure inspection missions. Ensures absolute compliance with FAA regulations, manages fleet maintenance, designs flight protocols, and trains secondary pilot personnel.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Plan, authorize, and execute complex drone flight missions for security surveillance, perimeter oversight, and construction progress/infrastructure inspection. Maintain strict compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, airspace authorizations, and local municipal ordinances. Manage the maintenance, firmware updates, battery management, and calibration of the enterprise drone fleet (fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms equipped with optical/thermal payloads). Analyze aerial video and sensor data to generate security reconnaissance reports and topographical maps. Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for safe flight operations and emergency lost-link procedures.

Required Qualifications:

Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial drone license required). Minimum 3+ years of professional commercial drone piloting experience, specifically in security surveillance, industrial inspection, or public safety. Advanced understanding of airspace management, meteorological conditions, and flight telemetry software.

Preferred Skills & Competencies:

Thermal/infrared imaging interpretation, photogrammetry software proficiency, mechanical aptitude for drone maintenance.

Pay:

$68,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Detroit, MI 48203