UAS Operations Engineer (Solutions Manager)

Quanta Services Inc•Red Bluff, CA

49d•$100,000 - $110,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume