Experienced Drone Pilot

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Geospatial UAS Pilot to support LiDAR and photogrammetric data acquisition projects throughout the United States. The successful candidate will operate a variety of enterprise UAS platforms, including the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, Freefly Astro, and Harris Aerial H6, to collect high-accuracy geospatial data for utility, energy, transportation, solar, and infrastructure projects. This position combines advanced flight operations, mission planning, field data collection, and quality control in support of professional mapping, reality capture, and LiDAR acquisition workflows. Key Responsibilities Flight Operations Plan, coordinate, and execute safe UAS operations in accordance with FAA regulations, company policies, and project requirements. Conduct pre-flight inspections, risk assessments, equipment checks, and post-flight evaluations. Obtain and coordinate airspace authorizations, LAANC approvals, and other operational requirements as needed. Maintain accurate flight logs, maintenance records, and operational documentation. Monitor weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and site-specific hazards to ensure safe and efficient mission execution. Geospatial Data Acquisition Perform LiDAR and photogrammetric mapping missions using enterprise UAS platforms including the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, Freefly Astro, and Harris Aerial H6. Execute aerial data collection activities in support of utility, energy, transportation, solar, engineering, and infrastructure projects. Establish and utilize Ground Control Points (GCPs), checkpoints, and RTK/PPK workflows to support project accuracy requirements. Verify field data quality, coverage, and completeness prior to demobilization. Support data management, organization, and transfer of project deliverables to internal processing teams. Mission Planning & Automation Develop and execute automated flight missions using waypoint-based flight planning and mission automation software. Utilize software such as Auterion Mission Control, Pix4D Capture, QGroundControl, and similar applications to support data acquisition workflows. Optimize flight plans for safety, efficiency, accuracy, and data quality. Perform command-and-control handoff operations when required for extended corridor and linear infrastructure projects. Asset Documentation & Inspection Support Collect aerial imagery and LiDAR data to support infrastructure documentation, condition assessments, and asset inspection projects. Identify and document field conditions, anomalies, and project-specific observations through imagery and data collection. Coordinate with project managers, clients, and technical staff to ensure project objectives and quality standards are achieved. Required Qualifications Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in Minimum 3-5 years of professional UAS flight experience in commercial, industrial, engineering, utility, or geospatial applications. Demonstrated experience conducting LiDAR and photogrammetric data acquisition missions. Proven experience operating enterprise UAS platforms, including the DJI Matrice 300 RTK or similar systems. Experience with automated flight planning, waypoint missions, terrain-following operations, and mission automation workflows. Working knowledge of RTK/PPK positioning methods, Ground Control Points (GCPs), and geospatial data acquisition best practices. Proficiency with mission planning and flight management software such as Auterion Mission Control, QGroundControl, Pix4D Capture, DJI Pilot, or similar applications. Strong understanding of FAA regulations, airspace classifications, LAANC authorizations, and operational risk management. Ability to troubleshoot UAS hardware, payload, GNSS, and communications-related issues in the field. Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills. Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States and work outdoors in varying weather and field conditions. Essential Travel Functions Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license and maintain a driving record acceptable for operation of personal and rental vehicles. Ability and willingness to travel throughout the United States as project requirements dictate, including occasional multi-day deployments. Ability to safely transport via personal or rental vehicles, handle, and operate enterprise UAS platforms, LiDAR systems, batteries, generators, and associated field equipment in support of field operations. This position is based in Houston, Texas. The majority of work will be performed throughout the Greater Houston area and surrounding Gulf Coast region. Occasional travel throughout the United States may be required to support project operations and client needs. Preferred Qualifications Hands-on experience operating the Freefly Astro platform. Hands-on experience operating the Harris Aerial H6 or other heavy-lift UAS platforms. Experience operating LiDAR payloads including Phoenix LiDAR, RIEGL, YellowScan, GeoCue, or similar systems. Experience performing command-and-control handoff operations and multi-operator flight workflows. Experience supporting utility, transmission, pipeline, transportation, solar, or other linear infrastructure projects. Knowledge of photogrammetry, LiDAR processing workflows, and geospatial data quality control procedures. Experience operating RTK and PPK-enabled UAS platforms. Additional certifications related to aviation, safety, thermography, or infrastructure inspection. Key Competencies Advanced UAS flight proficiency and operational decision-making. Strong situational awareness and commitment to flight safety. Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving in field environments. Attention to detail and commitment to data quality. Mission planning, organization, and project execution. Effective communication with clients, landowners, and project stakeholders. Professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to work independently in dynamic field conditions Physical Requirements Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions. Ability to safely lift, transport, and operate UAS equipment, batteries, generators, and associated field gear. Ability to walk on uneven terrain and navigate construction sites, utility corridors, and remote project locations. Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Pay:

From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Must be willing to undergo background and drug screening.

Experience:

sUAS pilot : 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Part 107 (Preferred) Drivers License (Preferred) Willingness to travel: 75% (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person