UAS Drone Pilot III

About the role

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

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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

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.
• Able 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.