Licensed Drone Pilot

Given your telecom/ISP focus, I would position this role as an FAA Part 107 Licensed Drone Pilot - Utility Pole Inspection & Asset Mapping Specialist. This aligns well with OSP engineering, pole attachment surveys, make-ready engineering, and fiber deployment projects. Job DescriptionFAA Part 107 Licensed Drone Pilot - Utility Pole Inspection & Asset Mapping Specialist Company: Copilot Net LLC Location: Texas (Travel Required) Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: OSP Engineering Manager Position Summary Copilot Net LLC is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented FAA Part 107 Licensed Drone Pilot to conduct aerial inspections and documentation of utility pole infrastructure for telecommunications and broadband deployment projects. The Drone Pilot will be responsible for operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to capture high-resolution imagery and video of utility poles, pole attachments, electrical infrastructure, and surrounding right-of-way conditions. The successful candidate will support engineering, construction, and permitting teams by collecting accurate field data used for fiber network design, pole attachment analysis, make-ready engineering, asset inventories, and infrastructure assessments. The ideal candidate combines strong drone piloting skills with an understanding of utility infrastructure, broadband networks, and field data collection processes. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDrone Operations Operate company-approved unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations. Conduct aerial inspections of: Utility poles Pole attachments Communication cables Electric distribution facilities Street crossings Rights-of-way Fiber infrastructure Capture high-resolution photographs and videos of utility assets from predetermined flight paths. Perform pre-flight planning, airspace reviews, risk assessments, and safety briefings. Maintain compliance with all FAA regulations, company safety policies, and local requirements. Data Collection & Documentation Photograph each utility pole to engineering standards. Collect visual evidence of: Existing attachers Pole heights Pole loading conditions Pole damage or deterioration Obstructions Vegetation encroachments Clearance issues Guying structures Anchor locations Organize and upload imagery into company GIS, engineering, or asset management platforms. Maintain accurate metadata and naming conventions for all collected imagery. Verify image quality and completeness before leaving project sites. Utility Infrastructure Surveying Support pole attachment and make-ready engineering programs. Identify and document: Existing telecommunications facilities Electric utility infrastructure Competitive fiber networks Pole ownership markings Pole identification tags Safety hazards Assist engineering staff with field verification activities. GIS and Mapping Support Assist with geospatial data collection and asset mapping. Utilize GPS-enabled drone technology to support: Pole inventories Route planning Fiber design Infrastructure mapping Coordinate collected data with GIS, CAD, and engineering teams. Equipment Management Maintain drones, batteries, controllers, sensors, and associated equipment. Perform routine equipment inspections and maintenance. Keep flight logs and maintenance records current. Ensure equipment remains mission-ready and compliant. Safety and Compliance Adhere to all OSHA, FAA, utility, and company safety requirements. Participate in safety meetings and training. Exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions are observed. Maintain required certifications and operating credentials. Required Qualifications FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required). High school diploma or equivalent. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. Ability to travel throughout Texas and surrounding states. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. Proficiency with drone flight operations and image capture techniques. Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and cloud-based platforms. Preferred Qualifications Experience surveying utility poles, broadband infrastructure, or telecom networks. Familiarity with: OSP Engineering Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Pole Attachment Programs Make-Ready Engineering Joint Use Surveys Experience with GIS platforms such as: ArcGIS QGIS Katapult Pro Vetro Experience with DJI Enterprise drone platforms. Knowledge of utility construction practices. Experience supporting broadband grant or BEAD-funded projects. Physical Requirements Ability to walk several miles per day in field environments. Ability to traverse rough terrain and utility rights-of-way. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods. Ability to safely operate vehicles and field equipment. Performance Measures Success in this role will be measured by: Number of utility poles surveyed per day. Image quality and completeness. Accuracy of collected field data. Compliance with FAA and safety requirements. Timely completion of assigned survey projects. Reduction in field revisit requirements. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Paid Time Off. Company-provided drone equipment. Professional training and certification support. Mileage reimbursement or company vehicle, as applicable. Ideal Backgrounds Drone Pilot Utility Pole Inspector OSP Field Technician Fiber Construction Inspector GIS Field Technician Broadband Survey Technician Telecom Engineering Technician Pay: $1,500.00 - $1,800.00 per week Benefits: Flexible schedule Work Location: In person