Drone Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acuren is seeking Drone Pilot II to support operations in Cincinnati, OH. LOCAL APPLICANTS ONLY

THIS WILL BE A CALLOUT/TRAVEL POSITION.

As a highly skilled UAS (Drone) Pilot II, you will operate UAS to support aerial inspection programs for electrical transmission and distribution assets. The role involves executing flight missions to capture high-quality imagery and video data of poles, towers, conductors, and related components to support asset condition assessments.  You will support data collection, preliminary analysis, and contribute to safe and efficient inspection operations under minimal supervision.The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of GO 95 and GO 165 requirements, FAA Part 107 operations, and utility inspection procedures. This position is critical in supporting system reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance through aerial data collection.

• Operate small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to inspect electrical infrastructure in accordance with FAA Part 107, company safety procedures, and project work plans.
• Plan, execute, and document aerial missions across varied terrain, including rural, mountainous, and urban environments.
• Capture high-resolution imagery for inspection and analysis of electrical transmission and distribution components.
• Ensure data quality and consistency following standard flight parameters and detailed capture requirements.
• Maintain detailed flight logs, mission reports, and equipment maintenance records.
• Manage data upload, storage, and transfer processes for timely integration with inspection workflows
• Coordinate with field inspectors, management, and safety personnel to optimize field efficiency and ensure compliant operations.
• Collaborate with inspection team (engineers, technicians, site managers) to schedule missions, coordinate ground support, access site permissions, and ensure safe launch/recovery zones.
• Follow continuous improvement: stay current with UAS technologies, sensor payloads (e.g., LiDAR, thermal imaging), inspection best practices and regulatory changes.
• Comply with airspace authorizations, waiver requirements, and local jurisdiction flight restrictions.

Other work duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks under supervision and respond promptly to field direction.
• Expected to handle field gear and equipment transport to/from site setup areas independently.
• Demonstrable experience flying UAS in challenging field conditions (remote terrain, near energized lines/towers, variable weather).
• Proficiency with UAS flight planning software (waypoints, automated missions), and data capture workflows.
• Basic knowledge of electrical infrastructure (transmission towers, poles, substations) and associated hazards (electrical safety, fall zones, climbing operations) is strongly preferred.
• Strong situational awareness, spatial/hand-eye coordination, attention to detail in flight operations and data capture.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills: able to work with field teams, site managers, and engineers; present findings clearly.

EDUCATION:

• 3- 5 years of work experience operating UAS commercially, preferably in infrastructure inspection, utilities or similar environment.
• Valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent regulatory certification for commercial UAS operations.

• Outdoor work in varying and sometimes extreme weather (heat, cold, wind, rain, snow) while maintaining flight and safety standards.
• Exposure to electrical hazards, electromagnetic fields, and high-voltage environments-must maintain required safety clearances and PPE use.
• Frequent travel to inspection sites, including remote or rural locations; may require overnight stays or extended assignments.
• Occasional work at heights, near energized infrastructure, or within confined/controlled areas (e.g., substations).
• Extended concentration and situational awareness needed during flight operations to monitor aircraft position, airspace, and obstacles.
• Ability to wear and operate while using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, gloves, and hearing protection as required by site safety rules.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand, walk, and operate equipment for extended periods (up to 8-10 hours per day) in outdoor environments.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to safely control drones, operate handheld controllers, tablets, and sensor payloads.
• Visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses) sufficient to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with UAS, assess airspace conditions, and evaluate imagery for quality and accuracy.
• Auditory ability to hear and respond to commands, communications, and environmental sounds (e.g., approaching vehicles, equipment, or other hazards).

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world's largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1