Demo

Lead UAS Pilot

GFT
Kansas, MO Full Time
POSTED ON 5/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/26/2026
What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Lead UAS Pilot to join our Reality Capture Team in the central region of the US. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Kansas City, MO, Fort Worth or Houston, TX office.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

Join our exciting and fast-growing Reality Capture Team, providing a full range of UAS survey, mapping and bridge inspection services on a national level. Collect data from the air by utilizing state-of-the-art sUAS/Drones equipped with high-definition cameras & video, thermal, LiDAR and other payloads. You’ll work on complex, high-impact infrastructure and transportation projects using advanced LiDAR and survey-grade UAS platforms. This role also offers the opportunity to help shape and scale UAS operations at a national level.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • Collect top quality LiDAR data for transportation and infrastructure projects.
  • Conduct pre-mission planning with project managers to clarify objectives and deliverables.
  • Develop flight plans, check NOTAMS, check weather and coordinate airspace integration with any effected controlling agencies or privately property owners.
  • Perform equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  • Solve problems in real-time and deliver acquired data in a timely manner.
  • Establish survey-grade control for sUAS projects utilizing GNSS equipment.
  • Perform “close proximity flights” on bridge superstructures and challenging environments.
  • Assist in developing and administering a structured UAV training program.

Education | Experience:

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

  • AA Degree from a Technical School or a BS from an accredited institution.
  • Professional experience with multi-rotor drones (3-years or more preferred).
  • FAA Part 107 license required.
  • Understanding of all components of RPAS, as well as the ability to troubleshoot technical issues in the field.
  • Knowledge of proper operations of sUAS per FAA Part 107 regulations.
  • Knowledge of drone mapping software.
  • Ability to work independently and/or as part of a small team.
  • Ability to travel 50% of the time, when needed for Emergency Response work, and on some weekends.
  • Ability to work outdoors with limited facilities and resources for extended periods of time in various conditions and climates.
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs.
  • Operate and travel in company vehicles for extended field deployments.
  • Previous field work experience required.
  • Must make safety #1 priority at all times.
  • Ability to maintain, inspect, clean, and occasionally repair UAS equipment.
  • Ability to manage small field crew (2-4 people), field schedule, and project expectations.
  • Able to articulate and communicate effectively via text, email and verbally.

What We Prefer You Bring

  • Prior experience with Harris Aerial, Freefly, and Riegl LiDAR Platforms desired.
  • Previous surveying, data processing, or engineering experience a plus.
  • Prior supervisory experience a plus.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $38.00 - $55.00 per/hour. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

  • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
  • Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
  • Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000 of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Kansas City, MO, Fort Worth or Houston, TX.

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary : $38 - $55

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Lead UAS Pilot?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Lead UAS Pilot career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$134,033 - $172,629
Income Estimation: 
$170,552 - $233,385
Income Estimation: 
$152,160 - $199,164
Income Estimation: 
$175,158 - $234,490
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at GFT

  • GFT Billings, MT
  • What You Will Do GFT is seeking a Transmission Line Engineer to join our Power Business Group! If you are in the Charlotte, NC, Roanoke, VA, Marlton, NJ, P... more
  • Just Posted

  • GFT Charleston, SC
  • What You Will Do What You Will Do: GFT is seeking a dynamic and driven Water Design Engineer to work in our Charleston, SC office. This position follows a ... more
  • Just Posted

  • GFT Baltimore, MD
  • What You Will Do GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring attendance ... more
  • Just Posted

  • GFT East Brunswick, NJ
  • What You Will Do GFT is seeking a Resident Engineer to join our Construction Services Group in New Jersey ! This role presents an exciting opportunity to l... more
  • Just Posted


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Lead UAS Pilot jobs in the Kansas, MO area that may be a better fit.

  • Lead Kansas, MO
  • Lead is a fintech building banking infrastructure for embedded financial products and services. We operate an FDIC-insured bank headquartered in Kansas Cit... more
  • 23 Days Ago

  • Lead Springs, MO
  • Lead is a fintech building banking infrastructure for embedded financial products and services. We operate an FDIC-insured bank headquartered in Kansas Cit... more
  • 4 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!