Drone Pilot

About the role

Join Duke Energy Aviation Services as a certified drone pilot and play a crucial role in advancing unmanned aircraft operations across diverse mission-critical environments. Duke Energy Aviation Services is seeking an experienced FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot to support visual line of sight (VLOS) and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft operations conducted under FAA-approved waivers, authorizations, or exemptions. The Remote Pilot serves as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) and holds responsibility for flight safety, regulatory compliance, mission planning, and strict observance of approved Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).

Responsibilities

• Operate unmanned aircraft systems in compliance with FAA Part 107, company SOPs, and approved FAA waivers or authorizations
• Ability to integrate and interpret airspace data (NOTAMs, weather, etc.)
• Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) operations unless operating under an approved BVLOS waiver
• Conduct BVLOS operations in accordance with approved CONOPS, limitations, and mitigations
• Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections
• Communicate clearly with other manned and unmanned pilots, airspace authorities, and operational teams
• Participate in operational readiness reviews and post-mission debriefs
• Coordinate and carry out missions involving photography, videography, mapping, inspection, or data collection to guarantee high-quality data acquisition
• Coordinate with visual observers, clients, and site personnel
• Ensure safe launch, recovery, and contingency procedures
• Maintain clear communication throughout operations
• Ensure compliance with all FAA, state, and local regulations
• Complete flight logs, maintenance records, and incident reports
• Promptly report safety concerns and incidents
• Ensure unmanned aerial system platforms, ground control stations, and payloads are operated and kept in optimal condition
• Perform pre- and post-flight equipment inspections
• Assist with troubleshooting UAS hardware and software issues

Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry UAS equipment (up to ~50 lbs)
• Ability to work outdoors in varied environmental conditions
• Willingness to travel to remote or industrial locations

Qualifications

• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• 6 months experience serving as RPIC or crew member in complex UAS operations
• Strong understanding of airspace, weather, emergency procedures, and risk mitigation
• Ability to interpret and operate within approved CONOPS and waiver limitations
• Ability to pass background checks and drug/alcohol testing

Skills

• Previous BVLOS operational experience under FAA waivers or exemptions
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Experience with infrastructure inspection, linear assets, surveying, or delivery operations
• Knowledge of UAS data workflows and operational reporting

Schedule

Rotating 8-hour shifts OR Mon-Thurs 10-hour shifts; shifts could include days, evenings, nights; overtime and on-call support may be required during storm operations or special mission request.