Description
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Drone Pilot to support our electric and gas utility operations through aerial inspections, data collection, and mapping. The ideal candidate will have experience operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in compliance with FAA regulations and will play a key role in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of our infrastructure monitoring and maintenance programs.
Essential Functions
- Operate drones to inspect utility infrastructure including but not limited to electric transmission and distribution assets, and natural gas assets.
- Plan and execute flight missions in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company protocols.
- Collect, process, and analyze aerial imagery and sensor data (e.g., thermal, LiDAR, RGB) to provide detailed information for analysis and assessment.
- Conduct visual inspections of overhead electric utility assets by analyzing data captured via UAS.
- Provide reports or recommendations to engineering, GIS, and maintenance teams to support decision-making.
- Maintain flight logs, equipment, and ensure all UAS are in optimal working condition.
- Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections and environmental risk assessments.
- Stay current with UAS technology, FAA regulations, and industry best practices.
- Support emergency response efforts by providing rapid aerial assessments during outages, storms, or natural disasters.
- Coordinate with regulatory bodies and internal compliance teams to ensure legal and ethical use of UAS
Essential Functions cont'd
- Provide technical reports and visual documentation to stakeholders and leadership teams.
- Maintain compliance with company and department-specific training and qualifications.
- Effectively communicate with customers and other external stakeholders to conduct UAS operations safely.
- Participate in testing of new UAS platforms, sensors, and software tools.
- Assist in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone operations.
- Assist in training entry-level drone pilots as needed.
Education Description
- Requires a bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or related Technology fields.
- In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 5 years of applicable work experience related to electric or natural gas utilities, project management, process improvement, technical services, or UAS operation can be considered.
- Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors.
- Knowledge of utility infrastructure and inspection standards.
Experience
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
- Level 1 sUAS Thermography certification required.
- Minimum 2 years' experience operating UAS required, preferably in the utility or energy sector.
- Valid Driver's License required.
- Experience with UAS flight planning and data analysis tools.
- Experience with thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors preferred.
- Strong understanding of safety protocols and risk management.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions and remote locations.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively navigate complex situations.
Contact
CenterPoint Energy
1111 Louisiana St
Houston
Texas United States
www.centerpointenergy.com
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22 Nov, 2026
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