Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Manager

Job Description

Puget Sound Energy is seeking a dynamic Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program Manager to lead and grow a forward-looking enterprise drone program. In this role, you’ll combine strategy and hands-on expertise to guide operations that support infrastructure inspection, wildfire risk mitigation, and emergency response across the region.

You’ll shape program direction, oversee safe and compliant flight operations, and translate aerial data into meaningful insights for the business—while collaborating across teams and advancing new technologies.

Responsible for pilot training and certification. Oversees vendor relationships, represents PSE in industry and regulatory forums, and manages budgeting, resource planning, and technology evaluation to advance program effectiveness and efficiency. 

If you’re an experienced drone professional who enjoys building programs, leading people, and delivering high‑impact results, this is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in how critical infrastructure is operated and protected. 

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically, and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to develop and lead PSE’s centralized UAS program, including governance, flight safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and standardized operating procedures.
• Builds the strategic roadmap for UAS operations, including program scope, long‑term asset planning, pilot staffing needs, and enterprise KPIs.
• Establishes policies for operation approval, risk assessment, equipment maintenance, and data governance.
• Leads and conducts UAS operations across multiple utility use cases, including, but not limited to wildfire‑risk patrols, vegetation encroachment detection, infrastructure inspections, gas pipeline surveys, construction as‑builts, and post‑storm/PSPS outage response.
• Pilots and gathers field data in potentially hazardous areas and may assist field employees in poor weather conditions to assess system assets.
• Oversees flight planning operations: route design, environmental assessments, hazard evaluation, and pre‑flight safety checks.
• Manages firmware/software updates, troubleshoot equipment, perform field testing, and validate payload sensor performance.
• Develops and maintains PSE’s UAS pilot certification and training program; mentors pilots to ensure proficiency and FAA compliance.
• Maintains accurate flight logs, records, licensing, and safety documentation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Oversees the full aerial data lifecycle—acquisition, processing, storage, integration—within PSE’s enterprise GIS and asset management systems.
• Standardizes metadata, naming conventions, quality thresholds, delivery timelines, and cross‑department accessibility of UAS data.
• Collaborates with internal teams to define data requirements and ensure aerial intelligence directly supports planning, engineering, operations, and emergency response.
• Collaborates with relevant teams  to prioritize operations and maximize operational value.
• Serves as PSE’s main point of contact for third‑party UAS vendors, ensuring alignment with PSE's standards and operational workflows.
• Represents PSE at industry forums, regulatory meetings, and utility collaboration groups to identify, benchmark and adopt best practices to accelerate program development and effectiveness.
• Develops and manages the UAS program budget, including aircraft, sensors, maintenance, software, vehicles, training investments, and use of external vendors.
• Evaluates and recommends new aerial platforms, data processing systems, and workflow improvements to increase program effectiveness and cost efficiency.
• Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in project management, business, GIS, technology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six (6) years of relevant experience to include professional UAS piloting experience and managing programs and budgets.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Familiarity with relevant FAA regulations, operational limitations, waivers, and compliance practices.
• Broad knowledge of UAS platforms, sensors (RGB, thermal/IR, LiDAR), hardware/software systems, and data workflows, including metadata standards and enterprise level data governance.
• Skilled in flight planning, safe flight operations, troubleshooting UAS systems and payloads, and using UAS related software, GIS platforms, and processing tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external partners.
• Ability to work independently, lead field operations, and guide pilots in dynamic environments.
• Ability and availability to travel throughout PSE’s service territory to support emergency operations.
• Ability to perform physically demanding field work, including lifting up to 50 lbs. and operating UTV/ATV equipment on uneven terrain.
• Valid driver’s license.
• 24/7 availability to support emergency operations and disasters.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, business, GIS, technology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous UAS experience in utility operations and/or emergency or disaster‑response environments.
• Additional UAS certifications (thermal/IR manufacturer‑specific training, advanced operations).
• Understanding of electric and/or gas utility infrastructure and associated safety clearance requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to include setting and managing goals, and leading cross-functional and technical teams.
• Experience managing UAS programs and leading projects, including SOP development, governance, strategic planning, budgeting, KPIs, and cross functional prioritization.
• Experience managing vendors or third‑party UAS service providers.
• Understanding of wildfire mitigation strategies, Tier‑3 risk zones, and vegetation risk assessment workflows.
• Knowledge of enterprise GIS, asset management workflows, and high‑volume data integration.
• Ability to evaluate emerging UAS technologies, automation trends, and analytical platforms; drive innovation and identify new aerial use cases; and scale UAS operations across vegetation, engineering, wildfire mitigation, operations, and emergency response.

Additional Information