Position Overview
The Drone Operator will perform internal and external inspections of structures, equipment, pipelines, and other assets, combining drone piloting with ultrasonic non-destructive testing (UT/NDT) skills to measure the thickness of materials, identify defects, and collect data for structural integrity assessments in an industrial setting, particularly in areas inaccessible to humans. This role involves piloting drones equipped with ultrasonic technology and requires expertise in drone operation, data interpretation, and comprehensive understanding of ultrasonic testing techniques ensuring accurate inspections while adhering to all relevant aviation regulations and safety protocols including pre-flight checks and emergency procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Flight Checks
· Perform thorough pre-flight inspections and maintenance to ensure the drone is in good working order.
· Diagnose and resolve technical issues with the drone and ultrasonic equipment.
· Calibrate and maintain ultrasonic equipment.
· Perform basic maintenance on the drone and ultrasonic gauge to ensure optimal performance.
· Responsible for conducting safety tests, oversee vehicle performance, and assess drone systems’ capabilities.
Flight Planning
· Plan and execute flight paths, considering factors such as confined space entries, high-altitude locations, weather, airspace restrictions, and mission objectives.
Drone Operation and Ultrasonic Testing
· Perform specialized drone inspections at various customer sites
· Ensure the drone’s safe navigation during all phases of operation, including takeoff, performance of required actions in flight, and landing.
· Responsible for operating drones following pre-determined flight paths and executing missions safely and efficiently.
· Pilot drones equipped with ultrasonic (UT) technology designed for both visual and wall thickness testing to perform internal and external inspections of various structures, equipment and pipelines. collecting data identifying defects, corrosion or other structural issues.
· Utilize ultrasonic thickness gauge and probe to measure material thickness at designated points, detecting flaws and material damage, ensuring accurate data collection.
· Precisely position ultrasonic probe on target areas to collect measurements and images.
· Capture aerial imagery, videos, and other data using the drone’s sensors and equipment.
· Analyze and interpret data collected from drone flights and ultrasonic tests to identify any variations or abnormalities in thickness, potentially indicating damage or deterioration.
Documentation, Reporting and Collaboration
· Interface daily with client about work priorities and progress of project
· Maintain detailed flight logs and records.
· Maintain accurate records of ultrasonic testing procedures and results.
· Prepare detailed reports of the inspection findings, including measurements, observations, and any recommendations.
· Effectively communicate with team members, clients and other stakeholders about inspection findings and recommendations.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
· Adhere to all relevant aviation regulations and safety standards, including pre-flight checks and emergency procedures.
· Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols.
· Remain informed and up to date on aviation laws and safety guidelines.
Industries and Applications
Drones are used in various industries, including gas and oil, shipping, and infrastructure inspection.
· Storage Tanks: Drones are capable of navigating through manholes to inspect tank interiors and identify corrosion or structural damage.
· Piping/Pipelines: Drones have the ability to access various piping systems and check for wall thickness variations, leaks and corrosion.
· Wind Turbines: Drones are efficient for inspecting blades, towers, and other components of wind turbines.
· Utility & Infrastructure: Drones can inspect pipelines, towers, bridges, tunnels and other infrastructure assets for structural integrity.
· Manufacturing: Drones are used to inspect metal components and structures for thickness variations and defects.
· Civil Engineering: Drones are an effective method used in surveying and measuring the thickness of materials in construction projects.
Qualifications, Experience and Requirements:
· High School Diploma or equivalent is required
· Minimum of three (3) years industry related and drone operator experience with verifiable flight time is required
· Secondary education in engineering or related fields considered advantageous
· Current FAA Part 107 certification is required
· Experience with Elios 2 & 3 and DJI M300 RTK platforms is required
· Experience operating UTT drones considered an asset; strong preference specifically with the Skygauge Platform
· Proficiency in the operation of drones including flight path planning, navigation and troubleshooting is required; experience with various drone types and models, including drone flight management software and data analysis tools is considered an asset
· Must have a strong understanding of aviation regulations and aerial photography/videography
· Thorough understanding of safety regulations and procedures for both drone operations and ultrasonic testing
· Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of ultrasonic testing principles and techniques, including probe types, thickness measurements, data interpretation and flaw detection
· Experience in confined space inspections, oil and gas, LiDAR, and utility infrastructure inspection
· Familiarity with a wide variety of sensors, (LiDAR, EO/IR cameras, and Mutli/Hyperspectral) considered a plus
· High level of accuracy and precision when performing inspections and data analysis
· Valid Driver’s License and pre-access drug and alcohol testing required
· Pre-employment background checks will be required
Work Conditions:
· Position is based on site or out of a branch office
· Field duties require indoor and/or outdoor work in diverse industrial environments with varying weather conditions
· Interaction with a wide range of stakeholders
· Working in plant and/or shop areas around production machinery with extreme noise levels
· Must be able to wear safety equipment as required by the safety department for personal protection (PPE)
Physical and Mental Requirements:
· Ability to lift, move, and carry objects weighing 75 pounds or more
· Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, and climb
· Must be able to work indoors and/or outdoors in all weather conditions
· Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively
· Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to investigate
· Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform routine in-field or office job duties
· Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to perform in-field or office job duties
· Ability to maintain focus and multitask effectively
· Exhibits sensible and reasonable behavior
Benefits:
· Dental Insurance
· Vision Insurance
· Health Insurance
· Paid Time Off (PTO)
· 401(k) w/ Matching
· Flexible Spending Account
· Health Savings Account
NOTE: To be considered, applicants must be able to provide documentation of current or previous certifications, as well as all classroom and/or on-the-job training (OJT) hours required for certification.
***Apave America Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics.***
We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees.