Position Summary

The UAV Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to support data collection, inspections, surveying, mapping, photography, videography, and other mission-specific objectives. The pilot must maintain compliance with all FAA regulations under Part 107 and company safety policies while delivering high-quality flight operations and actionable data.

Key Responsibilities

Operate UAVs safely and professionally in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations.
Conduct pre-flight planning, risk assessments, airspace reviews, and weather evaluations.
Obtain required flight authorizations and waivers when applicable.
Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections of aircraft and equipment.
Execute autonomous and manual flight operations for assigned missions.
Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, thermal, multispectral, and other sensor-based data.
Monitor aircraft performance and ensure safe operation during all phases of flight.
Maintain detailed flight logs, maintenance records, and mission reports.
Process, organize, and securely manage collected data.
Coordinate with project managers or supervisors to meet mission objectives.
Troubleshoot UAV systems and coordinate repairs or maintenance as needed.
Stay current on FAA regulations, industry best practices, and emerging UAV technologies.
Ensure compliance with company safety management systems and operational procedures.

Required Qualifications

Current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107).
High school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 2-5 years of UAV flight experience (or equivalent documented flight hours).
Knowledge of FAA airspace classifications, regulations, and operational requirements.
Experience with mission planning software and UAV flight management applications.
Strong understanding of weather conditions and aviation safety principles.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and in team environments.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites in and out of San Diego, California.
Ability to travel on a plane

Experience with DJI, Arcsky, Inspired Flight, Skydio, or similar commercial UAV platforms.
Heavy lift UAS experience required
Experience with photogrammetry and LiDAR is a must. Riegl LiDAR system experience is a plus.
Proficiency with flight control software such as UgCS, Mission Planner, DJI Pilot 2, DJI Fly, and DJI Assistant are a must.
FAA waivers and operational experience in controlled airspace.
Knowledge of construction, utility, energy, public safety, agriculture, or infrastructure inspection operations.
Ability to set up, operate, and run survey base stations and local weather stations.
Knowledge and understanding to plan and set up aerial survey control before flight missions.

Knowledge of basic land surveying methods and terminology is required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods of time (10-12) hours per day.
Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 60 pounds.
Ability to work in varied weather and environmental conditions.
Visual acuity is sufficient to maintain visual line of sight with aircraft as required.

Key Competencies

Aviation Safety Awareness
Risk Management
Attention to Detail
Technical Proficiency
Situational Awareness
Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Regulatory Compliance
Team Collaboration

Execute missions to support:
- Transmission and Distribution Line Mapping
- Pole inventory projects
- Vegetation management assessments
- Substation mapping
- Topographic surveys
- Construction surveys

TSAC Engineering

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UAS Pilot III - FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot