Senior UAS Pilot/Instructor

Working with our business partners to create, improve and sustain industry and infrastructure. Orbital Engineering has been driven by this core purpose for more than 50 years - energizing Orbital team members and helping our clients solve challenging and complex problems with innovative engineering, inspection, and construction solutions. Orbital team members are guided by the fundamental beliefs of building trusted relationships, personal accountability, innovation, and excellence in everything we do. Orbital is looking for others to join our team to continue activating our purpose and embrace our values.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior UAS Pilot/Instructor to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will have a strong background in UAS operations and a passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of UAS professionals. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to safety and operational excellence. This position will require up to 75% travel.

This is a skilled position in a fast-changing industry working in the exciting field of UAS inspections. The Senior Pilot must be capable of performing all advanced piloting activities in addition to assigning tasks and guiding field team members. This position requires UAS experience, leadership, people skills and technical talent along with ability to complete inspections with the UAS and via boots on the ground. Candidates must be prepared to readily accept these requirements and will be properly trained to work in these environments.

UAS Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete all work with SAFETY being the first priority.
• Follow all Orbital and customer safety policies.
• Pilot & Sensor Operator able to safely fly UASs in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for new and experienced UAS operators, including classroom instruction, hands-on training, and simulation exercises.
• Mentor and evaluate trainees, providing constructive feedback and guidance to enhance their skills and knowledge
• Maintain and update training materials and curriculum to reflect industry developments and best practices.
• Support research and development initiatives by providing operational insights and participating in test flights and evaluations.
• Be familiar with software to process UAS collected data
• Understand & follow the Scope of Work (SOW), collecting required data.
• Ensure all work is completed within the allotted schedule & meets applicable expectations and quality standards, and performance requirements set by customer & Orbital.
• Interface directly with the project management, sales & operations support staff. Manage projects, time & tasks using our project management tools.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and within Orbital, OSHA & customer safety guidelines.
• Attend industry training & maintain currency in product certifications as required.
• Conduct & act professionally and always be well-groomed & presentable.
• Stay current with advancements in UAS technology and regulations, attending professional development opportunities and industry events.
• Ensure all drone maintenance activities are completed per Orbital's and the drone manufacturer's requirements.
• Developing and submitting FAA Waivers (FAA Drone Zone), BVLOS, understanding of sUAS, ROVs and other advanced technology
• Daily manpower scheduling and resource planning
• Coordinate and ensure proper tracking of Orbital owned equipment
• Up to 75% travel will be required

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma required. Some college or technical school is a plus.
• 5 years heavy industry UAS operation experience.
• Be able to demonstrate experience of working in a technical UAS team.
• Industry-recognized certifications and/or training would be highly regarded.
• Must have good mechanical aptitude, the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and be able to meet rigid deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to different working environments is essential.
• Computer proficient across many software platforms. Must be able to utilize a variety of computer applications including MS Office, and other on-line cloud storage and data transfer tools.
• Good driving record and can pass pre-employment and random drug and background tests.
  
  

Preferred Additional Skills

• Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate.
• Aeronautical knowledge.
• 5 years heavy industry UAS operation experience.
• Experience in photogrammetry and/or LiDAR scans.
• Process data files from UAS through Pix4D or equal to a format to be processed in Autodesk Civil 3D, Plant 3D or equal.
• Experience in operation Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) - both land and water.
• Experience with DJI and Flyability UAS.
• Nondestructive testing.
  
  

Physical Demands

• The physical demands of this job must be met for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing this job, employees are regularly to sit, walk, stand, bend, climb ladders and use arms and hands.
• Employees must have good sight, including color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus and the ability to talk and hear.
• Employees may occasionally be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.
  
  

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, extreme cold and extreme heat.

Noise levels are usually moderate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. has provided worldwide professional engineering and consulting services since 1969. Our commitment to quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail has earned us the reputation as a leading provider of engineering and design services.

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, 401(k), and supplemental insurance.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO/AA/M-F-V-D. Orbital Engineering, Inc. seeks diversity among its employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.