UAS Operations Specialist

Occidental Petroleum•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Oxy is seeking an experienced UAS Pilot and Operations Specialist to support inspection and asset integrity activities across Oxy’s offshore operations. The position will primarily conduct unmanned aircraft system (UAS) inspections of offshore production facilities and associated infrastructure, providing high-quality visual and sensor data to Mechanical Integrity, Corrosion, Facilities Engineering, Operations and Maintenance teams. The successful candidate will combine strong UAS flight skills with a safety-focused field mindset and the ability to recognize, document and communicate potential equipment and structural integrity concerns. This position will work closely with offshore operations and technical teams to expand the use of UAS technology for safer, more efficient and more comprehensive inspection of difficult-to-access equipment and structures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Demonstrated experience operating UAS in industrial, energy, infrastructure, construction, inspection or similar environments.
Strong understanding of safe UAS flight planning, aircraft limitations, weather considerations and operational risk management.
Ability to work safely in an offshore oil and gas operating environment.
Ability to recognize and accurately document equipment and structural conditions using visual inspection techniques.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data and inspection quality.
Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with operations personnel, inspectors, engineers and technical specialists.
Ability and willingness to travel offshore and work non-routine schedules as required.
Ability to obtain and maintain required offshore safety training and certifications.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet applicable company requirements for offshore travel.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of UAS flight experience, including industrial inspection applications.
Experience conducting UAS inspections on offshore platforms, oil and gas facilities, petrochemical facilities, pipelines or other complex industrial assets.
Experience supporting mechanical integrity, corrosion, nondestructive examination (NDE/NDT), structural inspection or facilities maintenance programs.
Familiarity with offshore production equipment, piping systems, pressure vessels, flare systems, structural components and corrosion mechanisms.
Experience with thermal imaging, high-resolution optical inspection, photogrammetry, 3D modeling or other advanced UAS payloads.
Experience operating UAS in challenging environments involving structures, confined operating areas, high winds or complex industrial hazards.
Knowledge of API, ASME or other applicable mechanical integrity and inspection standards.
NDT certification, API inspection certification or related inspection training is a plus.
Experience with UAS data-management, inspection-management or image-analysis software.
Experience developing UAS procedures, inspection workflows or standardized flight plans.

Responsibilities

Safely plan and execute UAS inspection missions on offshore production facilities, with primary emphasis on mechanical integrity and asset integrity applications.
Conduct detailed visual inspections of piping, pressure equipment, structural members, flare systems, risers, piping supports, decks, cranes, tanks, vessels and other offshore infrastructure.
Capture high-resolution imagery, video and other sensor data necessary to support mechanical integrity, corrosion and engineering assessments.
Identify and document observable conditions including corrosion, coating degradation, structural deterioration, damaged insulation, leaks, loose or missing components and other potential integrity concerns.
Coordinate inspection activities with Mechanical Integrity, Corrosion, Facilities Engineering, Operations, Maintenance and HSE personnel.
Develop flight and inspection plans based on inspection scope, equipment configuration, operating conditions, airspace restrictions and offshore hazards.
Conduct pre-flight risk assessments and participate in applicable offshore permitting, Job Safety Analysis and simultaneous operations planning.
Maintain strict compliance with Oxy HSE requirements, offshore operating procedures, FAA regulations and internal UAS policies and standards.
Evaluate environmental and operational conditions—including wind, weather, electromagnetic interference, obstacles and active process equipment—to determine whether UAS operations can be conducted safely.
Maintain UAS aircraft, batteries, payloads, cameras and supporting equipment in mission-ready condition.
Manage inspection imagery and associated data to ensure appropriate quality, traceability, organization and transfer to engineering and inspection personnel.
Assist technical teams in developing standardized UAS inspection procedures, image-capture requirements and repeatable inspection routes.
Support periodic and repeat inspections that allow engineering teams to monitor equipment condition and degradation over time.
Work with inspection and engineering personnel to integrate UAS-generated information into existing mechanical integrity and risk-based inspection programs.
Support the evaluation and deployment of emerging UAS technologies, including advanced imaging, thermal sensors, photogrammetry, automated flight planning, remote inspection technologies and AI-enabled image analysis.
Identify opportunities where UAS inspections can reduce personnel exposure, scaffolding, rope access, vessel support or other conventional inspection requirements while maintaining appropriate inspection quality.
Prepare clear inspection documentation and communicate significant observations promptly to appropriate offshore and technical personnel.
Maintain required flight logs, aircraft records, maintenance records, certifications and other regulatory documentation.
Support UAS operations at onshore facilities or other Oxy assets as business needs require.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.