Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Manager

Job Description

Puget Sound Energy is seeking a dynamic Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program Manager to lead and grow a forward-looking enterprise drone program. In this role, you’ll combine strategy and hands-on expertise to guide operations that support infrastructure inspection, wildfire risk mitigation, and emergency response across the region.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to develop and lead PSE’s centralized UAS program, including governance, flight safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and standardized operating procedures.
• Buils the strategic roadmap for UAS operations, including program scope, long-term asset planning, pilot staffing needs, and enterprise KPIs.
• Establishes policies for operation approval, risk assessment, equipment maintenance, and data governance.
• Leads and conducts UAS operations across multiple utility use cases, including, but not limited to wildfire-risk patrols, vegetation encroachment detection, infrastructure inspections, gas pipeline surveys, construction as-builts, and post-storm/PSPS outage response.
• Pilots and gathers field data in potentially hazardous areas and may assist field employees in poor weather conditions to assess system assets.
• Oversees flight planning operations: route design, environmental assessments, hazard evaluation, and pre-flight safety checks.
• Manages firmware/software updates, troubleshoot equipment, perform field testing, and validate payload sensor performance.
• Develops and maintains PSE’s UAS pilot certification and training program; mentors pilots to ensure proficiency and FAA compliance.
• Maintains accurate flight logs, records, licensing, and safety documentation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Standardizes metadata, naming conventions, quality thresholds, delivery timelines, and cross-department accessibility of UAS data.
• Collaborates with internal teams to define data requirements and ensure aerial intelligence directly supports planning, engineering, operations, and emergency response.
• Collaborates with relevant teams to prioritize operations and maximize operational value.
• Serves as PSE’s main point of contact for third-party UAS vendors, ensuring alignment with PSE's standards and operational workflows.
• Represents PSE at industry forums, regulatory meetings, and utility collaboration groups to identify, benchmark, and adopt best practices to accelerate program development and effectiveness.
• Develops and manages the UAS program budget, including aircraft, sensors, maintenance, software, vehicles, training investments, and use of external vendors.
• Evaluates and recommends new aerial platforms, data processing systems, and workflow improvements to increase program effectiveness and cost efficiency.
• Serves as the main point of contact for emergency response work as requested, including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in project management, business, GIS, technology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six (6) years of relevant experience to include professional UAS piloting experience and managing programs and budgets.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Familiarity with relevant FAA regulations, operational limitations, waivers, and compliance practices.
• Broad knowledge of UAS platforms, sensors (RGB, thermal/IR, LiDAR), hardware/software systems, and data workflows, including metadata standards and enterprise level data governance.
• Skilled in flight planning, safe flight operations, troubleshooting UAS systems and payloads, and using UAS related software, GIS platforms, and processing tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external partners.
• Ability to work independently, lead field operations, and guide pilots in dynamic environments.
• Ability and availability to travel throughout PSE’s service territory to support emergency operations.
• Ability to perform physically demanding field work, including lifting up to 50 lbs. and operating UTV/ATV equipment on uneven terrain.
• Valid driver’s license.
• 24/7 availability to support emergency operations and disasters.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, business, GIS, technology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous UAS experience in utility operations and/or emergency or disaster-response environments.
• Additional UAS certifications (thermal/IR manufacturer-specific training, advanced operations).
• Understanding of electric and/or gas utility infrastructure and associated safety clearance requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to include setting and managing goals, and leading cross-functional and technical teams.
• Experience managing UAS programs and leading projects, including SOP development, governance, strategic planning, budgeting, KPIs, and cross functional prioritization.
• Experience managing vendors or third-party UAS service providers.
• Understanding of wildfire mitigation strategies, Tier-3 risk zones, and vegetation risk assessment workflows.
• Knowledge of enterprise GIS, asset management workflows, and high-volume data integration.
• Ability to evaluate emerging UAS technologies, automation trends, and analytical platforms; drive innovation and identify new aerial use cases; and scale UAS operations across vegetation, engineering, wildfire mitigation, operations, and emergency response.