UAS Manager

MasTec Inc•Fargo, ND

1d•Remote

About The Position

Responsible for leading the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program in support of surveying and geomatics operations across the renewable energy project portfolio. The UAS Manager directs a team of commercial pilots, sets operational and quality standards, manages the aircraft and sensor fleet, and owns the program’s compliance with FAA regulations and company policy. This is a working management role that combines team leadership, program development, and resource planning with direct involvement in complex mission planning, data quality oversight, and project execution, while also operating the UAS on assigned projects to ensure necessary data collection. The UAS Manager partners with project management, engineering, survey, and client teams to ensure UAS operations deliver accurate, reliable geospatial products on schedule and within budget, and works closely with the Director of Geomatics to align the program with broader geomatics strategy and capacity needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics, Surveying, Geospatial Science, Aviation, GIS, Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field required
5 years experience in UAS operations, surveying, geomatics, or geospatial data collection, including a minimum of three years in a lead, supervisory, or management role
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification maintained in good standing
Experience managing or leading UAS programs, teams, or field operations in support of surveying, mapping, engineering, construction, utility, infrastructure, or renewable energy projects
Take reasonable care of your own and others’ health and safety and of those who may be affected by the day-to-day delivery of this role by taking personal responsibility for working toward the Company’s Zero Injury principles
Proven leadership and people-management ability, including the capacity to direct, develop, and retain a technical field team
Strong program and project management skills, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation across a portfolio of projects
Advanced knowledge of FAA regulations, airspace requirements, flight authorization and waiver processes, Remote ID, and UAS operational and safety best practices
Deep proficiency in UAS operations and geospatial data collection methodologies, including LiDAR, photogrammetry, orthomosaic mapping, and related surveying applications
Solid understanding of survey accuracy standards, QA/QC methodologies, GPS/GNSS principles, coordinate systems, datums, and projections
Ability to evaluate UAS platforms, sensors, and software and make sound technology and procurement decisions
Ability to read and interpret construction plans, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and project requirements
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to report to leadership and present clearly to clients and project teams
Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing operational conditions
Proficiency with relevant office, project management, and geospatial software
Ability to travel up to 50%

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and develop the UAS team; manage hiring, scheduling, performance reviews, mentorship, and professional development
Set workload priorities and assign personnel and equipment across concurrent projects to meet schedule, quality, and budget objectives
Build and maintain training, onboarding, and certification programs that keep the team current on equipment, software, safety, and regulatory requirements
Own the UAS program’s standard operating procedures, field workflows, and deliverable specifications, and drive their consistent application across the portfolio
Establish and govern quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) standards for UAS data collection, and verify that deliverables meet project specifications, company standards, and client requirements
Establish and enforce field verification procedures to confirm data quality, coverage, and project requirements have been met before crews depart the job site, minimizing rework, remobilization, and schedule impacts
Direct the program’s safety management, including operational risk assessment, field safety protocols, incident reporting, and corrective action
Own the regulatory compliance posture of all UAS operations, including FAA Part 107, airspace authorizations, waivers, certificates of authorization (COA), Remote ID, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements
Coordinate with regulatory agencies, legal, and project teams to secure permits, waivers, and flight authorizations, including advanced operations such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) where applicable
Maintain a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and ensure that all pilot certifications and recurrent training remain in good standing
Manage the UAS fleet and sensor inventory across its full lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance programs, calibration, repair, replacement planning, and asset documentation
Evaluate, select, and integrate new aircraft, sensors, and software; manage relationships with manufacturers, vendors, and service providers
Develop and manage the UAS program budget; track equipment, labor, and operating costs and forecast resource and capacity needs across the project portfolio
Plan UAS support for upcoming projects in coordination with estimating, project management, and the Director of Geomatics, including staffing and mobilization requirements
Provide technical direction for complex UAS missions, including site assessment, flight planning, airspace evaluation, and data acquisition strategy across LiDAR, photogrammetry, and reality capture applications
Serve as the primary point of contact for UAS operations among survey teams, project stakeholders, clients, and management
Report program performance, utilization, safety, and compliance metrics to the Director of Geomatics, and recommend improvements to operations, staffing, and technology
Maintain organized program records, including flight logs, compliance documentation, maintenance records, training records, and data archives, in accordance with company standards
Track developments in UAS technology, geospatial workflows, FAA regulations, and industry best practices, and adapt the program to maintain capability and compliance
Adapt responsibilities to evolving project requirements, organizational needs, and industry dynamics
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
401(k) with company match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care)
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
Diabetes Management
Telehealth Coverage
Prescription Drug Plan
Pet Insurance
Weight Management Drug Discount
Discounted National Gym Membership Network
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Bereavement Leave
Military Leave, including Differential Pay and Benefits Continuation
Employee Assistance Program
Short and long-term disability
Life insurance
Accidental death & dismemberment
Voluntary life insurance
Accident coverage
Critical illness coverage
Hospital indemnity coverage
Emergency Travel Assistance Program
Group legal plan