Duke Energy Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: United States | 100% Travel Required | Fixed Term (3 Months)

AERONES is a global leader in advanced wind turbine maintenance and robotic technologies. We are seeking highly motivated Field Drone Pilots (UAS Pilots) to join our growing U.S. Operations Team. 

This role is focused exclusively on performing drone-based inspections of wind turbines and collecting visual data to support blade condition assessments. You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone technology to capture inspection imagery and document turbine conditions.
If you enjoy technology, aviation, travel, and working in the renewable energy industry, this is an exciting opportunity to build a long-term career with a global leader in wind energy services.

What You'll Do
In this role, you will travel to wind farms across the United States, with all travel and accommodation expenses fully covered by the company.

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions, collecting high-quality visual data, and supporting turbine blade inspection projects. This position does not include wind turbine maintenance, repair, or climbing responsibilities.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to perform wind turbine inspections in accordance with FAA regulations and company procedures.
• Capture high-resolution images and inspection data of wind turbine blades, towers, and related components.
• Take manual photographs of blade rotations and turbine conditions as required by inspection protocols.
• Conduct pre-flight planning, airspace assessments, risk evaluations, and equipment checks.
• Maintain safe and compliant flight operations in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations.
• Manage, organize, and upload inspection data, photographs, and reports to company systems.
• Ensure accurate documentation of completed inspections and field activities.
• Communicate inspection findings and operational updates to project managers and internal teams.
• Maintain drone equipment and perform routine inspections to ensure operational readiness.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, client requirements, and industry standards..

Requirements

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required).
• Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to capture high-quality inspection imagery.
• Experience with data collection, photography, or inspection operations preferred.
• Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and physical examination.
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.

Highly Desired: 

• DJI Mavic 3, DJI Matrice, or similar commercial inspection drones.
• Previous experience conducting infrastructure, utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections.
• Experience capturing high-quality aerial imagery and inspection data.
• Familiarity with drone mission planning, flight logging, and data management software.
• Experience working in renewable energy or wind turbine inspection environments is a plus.

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and dust.
• Ability to travel extensively and work in remote field locations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform field inspection activities for extended periods.
• Ability to safely wear and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with manufacturer and company guidelines.

Safety-Sensitive Position Requirements:

This is a safety-sensitive position involving the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), driving company vehicles, and independent field work at remote wind farm locations.

Employees must be able to safely perform all essential job functions without impairment that could affect judgment, alertness, coordination, decision-making, or operational performance.

Because this role is performed independently with limited supervision, employees must be capable of assessing risks, following established procedures, and responding appropriately to changing site conditions and emergencies.

Candidates must comply with all company, client, FAA, OSHA, and site-specific drug and alcohol policies, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident testing requirements.

Benefits

What We Offer: 

• 30 USD/hr
• Fully paid Travel and Lodging for Projections Nationwide 
• $60 a day Per Diem for Meal & Incidentals 
• Work for a Global Team pioneering the future of wind turbine technology
  

Aerones is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, National Origin, Age, Disability, Veteran Status, or any other legally protected status. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

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