Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Manager

Your future begins here! BGE, Inc. is a nationwide civil engineering consulting firm offering diverse career opportunities in a wide range of disciplines for public and private infrastructure projects. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes outstanding health care, generous 401(k) match, professional career resources, and highly competitive work-life balance programs, including personal-time allowances, dependent care, and flexible Fridays.

In addition, BGE provides unlimited sick leave, floating holidays, and robust career growth guidance, including organization-wide leadership and mentorship programs to help you build connections and shape your career. BGE goes beyond competitive benefits to attract and retain the best in an environment that inspires excellence.

Position Overview:

The UAS Manager provides leadership oversite for drone-based surveying and inspection operations. This role is responsible for supporting UAS teams throughout BGE, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving innovation, and expanding aerial service offerings across various sectors such as construction, infrastructure, utilities, and environmental monitoring.

The position is a full time role and can be situated in any of the following BGE Offices:

Texas - Austin (North or South locations), Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Houston, Katy, San Antonio, Waco, The Woodlands

Florida - Jacksonville, Sarasota, Tampa, Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

Georgia - Atlanta

North Carolina - Charlotte, Raleigh

Arkansas - Jacksonville

Job Responsibilities:

• Business Development:
  - Collaborate with leadership to identify new market opportunities.
  - Engage with clients to tailor aerial solutions to project needs.
• Demonstrate strong business development skills and a proven track record of winning work.
• Operational Leadership:
  - Plan, execute, and oversee UAS missions for surveying and inspection.
  - Ensure all operations comply with FAA (or local aviation authority) regulations and internal safety protocols.
• Team Management:
  - Recruit, train, and supervise UAS pilots and support staff.
  - Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Technology & Innovation:
  - Evaluate and implement new drone technologies, sensors (LiDAR, photogrammetry), and data processing tools.
  - Stay current with industry trends and regulatory changes.
• Project Oversight:
  - Coordinate with internal teams to ensure timely and accurate data delivery.
  - Manage budgets, timelines, and client expectations.
• Compliance & Risk Management:
  - Conduct risk assessments and maintain documentation for all UAS operations.
  - Ensure adherence to airspace restrictions and privacy laws.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Surveying, GIS, Engineering, Aviation, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Preferred Registered Professional Surveyor or ASPRS Certification
• Proven experience as a UAS pilot or manager in a commercial setting.
• Strong knowledge of FAA Part 107 and aviation safety standards.
• Experience with geospatial data processing (e.g., LiDAR, photogrammetry).
• Leadership and project management skills.
• Successful history as client manager.
• Ability to work in diverse environments, including remote or high-risk locations.
• Physical ability to handle and transport equipment.
• Experience in surveying, mapping, or geospatial analysis.
• Experience in surveying, mapping, or geospatial analysis.
• Familiarity with software such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Global Mapper, or similar.
• Knowledge of integration with BIM or CAD workflows.
• Commercial awareness and client-facing experience.

Some of our Benefits:

• 401k Match: 100% up to 4% of your contributions with immediate vesting + 3% Safe Harbor Contribution with immediate vesting
• Merit-Based Bonus Compensation
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; BGE contributes to HSA on eligible plans
• 9 paid Holidays, including 3 Floating holidays
• Personal Time Allowances
• 2 to 4 weeks of Vacation, depending on experience-level. Unused vacation carries over to the next year.
• "Unlimited" Sick Days.
• Mentorship Program – Provides you with the opportunity to learn and receive guidance from seasoned professionals.
• Employee Referral Program that pays you for bringing great people into the BGE family