Drone Pilot/Inspection Specialist

Overview

Passero Associates is seeking a Drone Pilot/Inspection Specialist to join our Rochester, NY office to perform indoor drone inspections using specialized, collision‑tolerant inspection drones.

This role is responsible for safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations, comprehensive inspection coverage, and high‑quality inspection deliverables. The position also plays a key role in client coordination during on‑site inspections and supports the continued development of the ReadyVIS Facility web platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform indoor drone inspections using collision‑tolerant inspection drones, ensuring full coverage and adherence to inspection scopes.
• Operate drones safely and efficiently while following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contributing to their continuous improvement.
• Lead and manage on‑site client interactions, including coordination, communication, and representation throughout inspection activities.
• Plan and execute inspection missions, including site assessment, flight planning, and risk mitigation in complex indoor environments.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead inspection data processing, review, and quality control, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and usability of final deliverables.
• Collaborate with internal teams to transform inspection data into actionable insights for clients.
• Support the development, enhancement, and utilization of the ReadyVIS Facility web platform, including feedback on functionality, workflows, and user experience.
• Assist with documentation, reporting, and knowledge sharing related to drone operations and inspection methodologies.
• Travel to client sites as required to support indoor inspection projects.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience operating drones, preferably for indoor inspection applications.
• Strong understanding of drone safety practices, flight planning, and operational risk management.
• Experience processing and reviewing inspection data, imagery, or point‑cloud/visual datasets.
• Proven ability to work effectively onsite with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed for project execution.

About Passero: founded in 1972, Passero Associates has a staff of more than 180 professionals in nine offices providing high-quality, value-oriented architecture, aviation, civil and structural engineering, planning, transportation, and survey services throughout the northeastern, southeastern, and midwestern United States. 

As a full-service professional AEC firm, our technical teams specialize in traffic engineering, sustainability, program management, design-build, construction observation, 3D visualization, and virtual infrastructure services and solutions. We have the resources needed to manage all aspects of your project that ensure adherence to schedule, quality, and cost. Passero develops projects that our clients can be proud of for years to come.

At Passero Associates, Our People Make the Difference.

Service. Solutions. Results.

EOE/AA - Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran. Passero Associates is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to better serve our clients, our people and the community.

Passero Associates is not able to sponsor visas 

Recognized nationally by the Zweig Group as one of the “Best Firms to Work For,” Passero Associates is a growing multi-disciplinary consulting firm providing planning, engineering, architectural design, structural, surveying, sustainability, program management, design-build, construction administration and inspection services throughout six offices in the northeastern, midwestern, and southeastern United States.