UAS Pilot

Leidos•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Leidos is seeking a highly experienced and motivated UAS Pilot to join their team in Pittsburgh, PA. This role involves working on research-driven efforts such as aerial imaging, Methane detection, magnetometry, and LiDAR collection. The pilot will collaborate with data scientists, engineers, geologists, and computer scientists within a multi-disciplinary national laboratory team to develop technological solutions for America’s energy challenges. Key tasks include locating and characterizing emissions from natural gas infrastructure using ground and aerial surveying techniques. The selected candidate will also contribute to improving operating procedures, pre-flight processes, and maintenance tracking. The position requires a strong background in UAS operation, surveying, and field work, with an opportunity to co-author reports and publications. The role is onsite at the NETL campus in Pittsburgh, PA, and requires up to 50% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study with 5+ years of relevant field based technical experience (additional years of related work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree)
Current FAA Part 107 License and understanding of regulations for UAS operation and flight planning
300+ hours of logged UAS flight hours
Significant experience with heavy lift drones, performing surveys with payloads such as LiDAR, Magnetometers, infrared cameras, or gas sensors
Experience with field sampling using non drone equipment
Thorough understanding of UAS systems, classifications, capabilities, and limitations
Experience maintaining drone equipment and field technology
Experience training other drone operators to be confident and competent for mission work
Experience meeting BLUE compliance when purchasing UAS equipment
Strong experience in planning and executing field sampling campaigns, collecting field-based environmental data, and navigating complex environment safely
Excellent verbal and written communication skills as this position requires extensive interface with clients and potential collaborative partners
Ability to travel to the other NETL campuses as business needs require (up to 50%)
Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus
U.S. Citizen

Nice To Haves

Experience working with government clients
Experience locating natural gas storage wells using UAS equipment
Certifications for UAS operations related to aerial photography, thermal imaging, and/or surveying
Experience with using analytical instruments including calibration, repair, and troubleshooting
Familiarity with using meteorological instruments (e.g., 3D ultrasonic anemometers, wind gauges, etc.) including calibration, repair, and troubleshooting
Familiarity with the U.S. EPA Greenhouse Gas Inventory structure and sources of data, particularly regarding emissions from the oil and natural gas sector

Responsibilities

Pilot, assemble, and maintain UAS with sensor payloads including IR cameras, methane sensors, and/or magnetometers
Install, operate, and maintain various drone-based sensor technologies
Support NETL’s UAS program and demonstrate capability of operating within government guidelines
Design field campaigns for collection of environmental data in multiple regions
Develop standard operating procedures for each UAS, including pre-flight checks and maintenance logs
Perform ground-based techniques to measure emissions from natural gas infrastructure
Prepare summaries of executed field missions including technical write-ups of data collected
Assist NETL staff to obtain cooperation from site operators, entities having jurisdiction over public lands, and/or private landowners to secure site access agreements for field campaigns
Report on a weekly basis to update project managers and clients