Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Manager

About the Role Puget Sound Energy is seeking a dynamic Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program Manager to lead a forward‑looking enterprise drone program. In this role, you will 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, certification, vendor relationships, regulatory representation, budgeting, resource planning and technology evaluation to advance program effectiveness and efficiency. If you are 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 safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and field procedures. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety. Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically, and consistently 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 wild‑fire risk patrols, vegetation encroachment detection, infrastructure inspections, gas pipeline surveys, construction asbuilts, 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 preflight safety checks. Manages firmware/software updates, troubleshoots equipment, performs field testing, and validates 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. Benefits The pay range for this position is $94,300.00 – $156,900.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals‑based incentive bonuses. PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short‑ and long‑term disability insurance. Additional voluntary options include supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an employee assistance program (EAP). For long‑term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we’re building the Northwest’s energy future through efforts like our award‑winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy. Equal Employment Opportunity Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Puget Sound Energy