Program Manager, UAS Services

External - Posting Description



Program Manager, UAS Services - 518510

Organization: CAO

Department: AERIAL DATA OPS & TRAINING

Work Location: Chattanooga, TN, Huntsville, AL, Muscle Shoals, AL

Relocation: No relocation benefits are offered for this position

Posting Open: 6/2/2026

Posting Close: 6/5/2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Salary: Competitive

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Program Manager must have the skill, experience, and ability to develop and execute TVA aerial data strategies while prioritizing safety, innovation, and operational efficiency in an evolving regulatory environment. Programs will include UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems), manned aircraft purposed for aerial data acquisition, airborne sensors, data workflows/processes/analysis and various supporting functions. Engages with TVA leadership, TVA business unit end users, other TVA support groups, internal UAS pilots, external UAS contractors, and other stakeholders as required to advance strategies and foster collaborative working relationships. Directs the development and demonstration of a variety of unmanned system and autonomy activities and will be responsible for leading growth initiatives. Recognize, quantify, and report out on cost saving and risk reduction efforts using innovative aerial technologies. Guide business decisions around aerial data strategies to assist TVA in best serving customers and the Valley.


JOB DIMENSIONS :


Supervisory Responsibility - Direct: may be assigned oversight of UAS specialists, staff augmented UAS operators, external UAS contractors, and/or interns.


Budget Responsibility - Indirect: aviation services projects (O&M or capital) or business unit supported projects ($1-7M)


PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Cultivate safe and efficient daily operations tempo in a complex TVA flight environment and National Airspace System to include nuclear power plants, fossil, gas, hydroelectric power plants, high voltage transmission lines and switchyards, river and reservoir systems, congested airspace shared with busier airports, sensitive airspace over national parks, military installations, and DOE facilities.
• Operate unmanned and manned aircraft systems both indoors and outdoors- will require travel to TVA sites and other operational locations.
• Manage aircraft configurations, sensor and systems selection, integration and flight operation, with a focus on optimizing personnel safety.
• Ensure compliance with TVA standard programs and processes, TVA standard operating procedures, Federal Aviation Administration regulations to include applicable Letters of Authorization and Certificates of Waiver, and other regulatory constraints.
• Establish project and program objectives, utilize data-driven insights to optimize program cost, schedule, and performance targets, develop and monitor operational performance metrics.
• Evaluate UAS capabilities and airborne sensor technologies along with projected business needs to guide decisions on procurement and implementation of future state aerial imagery strategies.
• Coordinate and perform field-testing of aerial data platforms, sensors, and associated software to ensure regulatory compliance, cyber security compliance, safety requirements are met in addition to evaluating overall effectiveness.
• Guide and direct research and development projects to evaluate new uses cases in support of TVA business unit requests and initiatives.
• Represent TVA and Aviation Services organization on key committees and work groups, interfacing with other utilities, regulators, and industry partners to shape policies that optimize safety and cost effectiveness to best serve the Valley and its residents. Supports TVA organizations in the design/implementation of best practices.
• Develop & deliver presentations to TVA leaders and business partners on program updates, developments, and initiatives.
• Establish training and standardization programs for TVA UAS operators to include initial training, aircraft/sensor specific check outs, and recurrent proficiency evaluations.
• Serve in support capacities to include but not limited to work scheduling/dispatching, equipment procurement through TVA supply chain, coordinate product support with UAS manufacturers, perform UAS equipment maintenance, interface with TVA IT/cyber security.
• Oversee external UAS contractors providing services on TVA's behalf- ensure regulatory compliance, adherence to TVA standard programs and processes, airspace deconfliction with TVA aircraft is achieved, and that safety requirements are met.
• Perform duties of aviation safety officer representing aerial data department on aviation safety council.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Science, or Technical discipline; or equivalent education, training, experience.


Experience: 5 years' minimum experience with commercial, academic, government or military aerial data operations required; 5-10 years' experience with power utility operations.


Certification/License, etc.: FAA Remote Pilot-in-Command Certificate part 107 required; FAA airplane certificates desired- private or commercial, instrument and multi-engine ratings.


Knowledge, Skill, Abilities: Demonstrated thorough knowledge of aviation safety concepts and policy, Federal Aviation Regulations, and interpretation and application of those policies and regulations. Demonstrated ability to convert raw aerial datasets into meaningful information. Experience and knowledge of UAS operations required manned aerial survey knowledge is desirable. Ability to manage multiple programs and deliverables. Technical aptitude and demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems. Understanding of UAS platforms (multi rotor and fixed wing) and airborne sensor concepts including RGB, IR, multispectral, and LiDAR. Strong oral and written communications skills.


Equal Employment Opportunity


TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA's Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Drug-Free Workplace
All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at . TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

How to Claim Vet Preference


If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office. The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service. Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position.


How to Submit Documentation:

1. Upload documents in Step 7 of the application process.
2. Email documents to [email protected]

More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at . If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email [email protected] .