UAS Associate Pilot

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) Pilots are tasked with operating advanced drone systems for aerial inspections of transmission line structures, among other uses.

• Serving as the Pilot in Command, the sUAS Pilot holds the ultimate responsibility for ensuring safe flight operations in the field.

• The pilot will also document environmental conditions and identified hazards, and collaborate with the project manager or other personnel from Valmont to verify aircraft deconfliction notice filings with customers and the FAA.

• UAS Pilots frequently work alongside a camera operator and a visual observer (VO), requiring strong teamwork, communication skills, and effective crew resource management.

• UAS Pilots must safely maneuver drones in confined spaces and be prepared to execute emergency landing procedures in case of signal loss or other hazards (e.g., sudden high winds).

• They are expected to learn and comply with specific flight Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for aerial inspections and operate within designated weather conditions to ensure safety.

• This position reports to the Principal Pilot and does not have any direct or indirect reports.

• The role necessitates extensive travel (60-95%), including overnight stays, to designated UAS project locations.

• Communicate clearly and directly with the camera operator (and VO) during each flight.

• Address any drone-related issues immediately, whether they are encountered personally or reported by the camera operator or VO.

• Maintain awareness of surroundings and known hazards at all times during flight operations.

• Inspect all equipment (drone, props, controllers, monitors, batteries) prior to each flight and suspend operations if any anomalies are detected.

• Clean all equipment upon returning to the main office at the end of each day and ensure items are returned to their designated storage locations.

• Keep daily crew flight and inspection activity logs.

• The sUAS Pilot should possess a fundamental understanding of drone functionality and conduct routine maintenance checks to identify equipment requiring repair or replacement.

• As the sUAS Pilot may need to monitor the drone’s equipment while communicating with the camera operator and VO, effective multitasking skills are essential.

• sUAS Pilots are also accountable for implementing safety protocols on-site, including completing written Task Hazard Analysis forms, executing Emergency Action Plans, and securing the area for drone operations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A preferred Bachelor's or Associate's Degree and/or 20 logged and verifiable sUAS flight hours.

• sUAS Pilots must possess FAA Part 107 Certification.

• Successful completion of a drug screening test is required.

• Ability to travel up to 95% and maintain a valid driver's license.

• Familiarity with operating various sizes of drone platforms and the ability to learn the specific platform(s) used in Valmont's drone operations is necessary.

• sUAS Pilots must hold or be able to obtain OSHA-30 Certification, First Aid/CPR certification, and a valid driver’s license, while being comfortable working outdoors in remote settings across diverse weather conditions.

• Basic computer skills, including file transfer and organization, along with familiarity with the Windows platform, are essential.

• The sUAS Pilot is part of a broader team of pilots, camera operators, VOs, and inspectors, and should exhibit a positive attitude, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

• All team members are expected to proactively assist and contribute to ensuring smooth operations while maintaining a welcoming work environment.

• Good mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are required, as well as the ability to proactively seek solutions for any equipment or work-related challenges that arise.

🏝️ Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision).

• 401k retirement plan with company matching.

• Paid time off.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage, including maternity leave.

• Work-Life Support.

• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.

• Voluntary programs such as tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services, and more.