UAS Operations Engineer (Solutions Manager)

Quanta Aviation provides a central organization to manage, coordinate and serve all Quanta Services’ aviation operations. The group also provides oversight and standardized work procedures for all internal and external helicopter operations — to ensure the highest level of safety and compliance.

This role with Quanta Aviation Services (QAS) will be responsible for the following:  Lead planning and execution for large-scale Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) capture programs across electric utility and infrastructure work. You will turn ambiguous scopes into clear plans, schedules, and service-level commitments, manage Drone Service Providers (DSPs), and coordinate daily with field crews and desktop inspectors for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC). The role requires excellent organization, follow-through, rapid and professional communication, and a strong desire to grow. Expect mission-driven timelines and occasional off-hours coordination to keep projects on track.

• Convert client scope into executable plans, schedules, and service-level commitments.
• Build crew plans and equipment configurations for visual, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and thermal capture, as well as novel and unique applications of UAS.
• Manage Drone Service Providers (DSPs) end-to-end: selection, coordination, performance, and corrective action oversight of third party drone companies and subcontractors.
• Coordinate with desktop inspectors on QA/QC workflows and deliverable acceptance.
• Support estimating and pricing; track productivity and margin during delivery.
• Own logistics details: permissions, travel plans, kit readiness, safety briefs, and daily production boards.
• Maintain clean project documentation, status reports, and delivery checklists.
• Communicate quickly and professionally via Microsoft Teams, email, and phone with clients, operating companies, and internal leaders.
• Drive after-action reviews and implement practical improvements in process and execution.

• Four or more years of UAS operations in utilities or critical infrastructure; FAA Part 107 certification.
• Hands-on experience with LiDAR and photogrammetry capture standards for distribution and transmission work.
• Proven ability to manage multiple DSPs and internal crews across regions.
• Excellent organization, follow-up, and business professionalism; clear written and verbal communication.
• Comfortable with dynamic schedules, field realities, and travel as needed.
• Proficiency with flight planning tools, basic GIS, and spreadsheets for estimating and tracking.
• Experience operating near energized transmission and distribution assets and within utility safety envelopes.
• Familiarity with kit readiness programs, battery management, and data upload workflows.
• Exposure to enterprise safety programs and after-action facilitation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.