Drone Engineer

Description

• Integrate drone data with Nuclear OS ensuring imagery is stored, linked to construction tasks, and accessible to project teams on tablets and digital platforms
• Manage physical and cyber risks associated with small UAS operations in critical infrastructure environments
• Ensure safe drone operations near sensitive nuclear equipment and maintain compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations
• Maintain awareness of aircraft position through direct visual observation and ensure operations do not endanger life or property
• Apply computer vision algorithms to detect anomalies, deviations from design, and construction issues through automated image analysis
• Develop drone network infrastructure for nuclear construction sites, including frequency management and network security protocols
• Collaborate with construction teams to provide updated site models, progress comparisons, and deviation detection
• Plan and execute drone flights to survey construction progress, conducting aerial imagery and photogrammetry data collection for nuclear construction sites
• Conduct pre-flight inspections to determine whether unmanned aircraft systems are in condition for safe operation
• Process imagery and photogrammetry data to generate 3D terrain models, progress maps, and point clouds for construction analysis
• Support construction inspections using UAV technology to capture real-time images and automate inspection processes
• Serve as remote pilot in command with direct responsibility and final authority for small, unmanned aircraft system operations
• Perform remote inspections of transmission lines, containment buildings, high-dose areas, and other critical nuclear infrastructure
• Automatically quantify construction progress including concrete volumes poured, excavation progress, and structural placement against design coordinates
• Inspect dangerous or hard-to-reach areas including tall scaffolding, inside tanks, and other locations where human access is limited
• Support digital twin development by providing real-time aerial data to update virtual models of construction sites and nuclear facilities
• Evaluate proprietary protocol-controlled drones to ensure safe operation near sensitive equipment

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional drone operations experience in construction, infrastructure inspection, or industrial applications
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Knowledge of AI-enabled flight technologies and autonomous navigation systems
• Background in robotics or autonomous systems
• Advanced certifications in photogrammetry, surveying, or GIS
• Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations experience and FAA waivers
• Expertise in photogrammetry and 3D modeling from aerial imagery, including point cloud generation and terrain modeling
• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry or similar data integration platforms
• Experience in nuclear industry or highly regulated critical infrastructure environments
• Strong understanding of GPS/GNSS systems and georeferencing techniques
• Excellent spatial awareness and ability to determine aircraft attitude, altitude, and direction of flight
• Experience with LiDAR and thermal imaging sensors
• Programming skills in Python or similar languages for data processing automation
• Proficiency with drone data processing software (Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft Metashape, or similar)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate demonstrating understanding of regulations, operating requirements, and safe flying procedures
• Knowledge of computer vision and automated image analysis techniques
• Experience with digital twin platforms and BIM integration
• Experience with construction progress monitoring and as-built documentation using aerial data

Benefits

• 401k with company match
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays
• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, dental, vision plans

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance