Drone Operator Pilot

Our client, Firmatek is seeking self-motivated, innovative people with a passion for drone flight to travel nationwide and manually fly a drone to inspect utility infrastructure. Firmatek utilizes a variety of platforms to capture high-resolution cameras to capture detailed visual data of the power lines and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be willing to travel long distances from their base of operations, sometimes for weeks at a time, and able to work both independently with no direct supervision and on a team. Adaptability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are essential to success in this position.

IMPORTANT: Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or holidays. Almost every week Pilots are scheduled for jobs more than a few hours from their home location. Many jobs are a day’s drive away or greater at times. Additionally, storm and disaster response work can be scheduled at a moment's notice when requested.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform image data collection using high resolution cameras and thermal imagery using a combination of LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, and FLIR equipment.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight operations, including but not limited to airspace coordination, equipment assembly and tear-down, and hazard mitigation.
• Develop a flight plan that outlines the inspection route, waypoints, and areas of focus to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Employ thermal imaging capabilities to detect anomalies, hotspots, or potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
• Employ proper flight techniques, including smooth maneuvers, maintaining appropriate distances from power lines, and capturing images from multiple angles for accurate analysis.
• Be prepared to troubleshoot technical challenges that may arise during the inspection, such as signal interference, battery life, or camera calibration.
• Ensure data integrity by regularly checking for image quality, sensor accuracy, and proper data storage to minimize errors or inaccuracies.
• Perform quality checks on collected data to ensure accuracy and that the client's needs will be met.
• Serve as a point of contact with clients regarding project scope, scheduling needs, deliverables and follow-up.
• Interact with members of the public to explain the nature of the work being conducted.
• Manual flights for inspection of power lines and poles.
• Strong ability to learn and master multiple software packages, data collection platforms, and associated workflows.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Must have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License.
• Preference will be given to candidates with an applied knowledge of Utility infrastructure, GIS mapping, & proficiency in manual flight maneuvers in narrow right of ways.
• Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of supporting equipment including a 4x4 truck, computer workstation, on-board inverters, and batteries.
• Must be able to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hardhats, protective eyewear, boots, safety vests, and 2-way radios.
• Perform physically demanding work involving frequent standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing up ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, and lifting and carrying equipment up to 60 lbs.
• Willingness to travel away from home for extended periods, many times longer than two weeks.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to drive for extended periods.
• Working around industrial hazards

Qualifications and Skills

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Provided by Company:

• Company Truck
• Company Phone
• Company Laptop
• Company Drones
• Hotels covered by company
• Daily meal per-diem for days you wake up in a hotel

Work Location: On the road.