What are the responsibilities and job description for the UAS Operations Pilot position at aep?
Job Posting End Date 04-25-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date Job Summary Operates drones for aerial inspections of electric distribution utility assets. Ensures compliance with FAA and internal standards while supporting engineering and maintenance teams with actionable data. Job Description Please note this position is open to locations across the Kentucky Power footprint. What You'll Do: • Conduct aerial inspections and collect high resolution imagery and thermal data. • Perform preflight risk assessments and post flight evaluations. • Collaborate with engineering, GIS, and environmental teams. • Maintain flight logs and ensure regulatory compliance. • Support emergency response and storm damage assessments. What You'll Need: • Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred. • OR High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred. • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required). • Demonstrated experience conducting drone flights in industrial or utility environments OR equivalent field inspection experience with Part 107. • Proficiency with mission and flight planning software and aerial data tools. • Ability to work independently in varied outdoor conditions. • Valid driver’s license. Additional Requirements: • Experience in utility or infrastructure inspection. • Knowledge of photography, thermal imaging, LiDAR, or photogrammetry. • Background in engineering, environmental science, aviation, or related technical field. • Familiarity with utility operations and infrastructure. Salary Range: $35.84-$44.80 per hour In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees. Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you. #KYPOWER Compensation Data Compensation Grade: SP20-006 Compensation Range: $35.84 - $44.80 The Physical Demand Level for this job is: L – Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg c ontrols; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one. It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics. At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.