UAS. Remote Pilot-in-Command (BVLOS)

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow?  A   position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

The UAS Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) is responsible for planning and safely conducting uncrewed aircraft missions that support infrastructure inspections, emergency response, situational awareness, and operational decision-making. This position serves as the designated flight authority for assigned missions and is accountable for mission readiness, regulatory compliance, safe execution, and the quality and integrity of data collected in the field. RPICs operate across electric and gas infrastructure and frequently support time-critical, safety-sensitive, and geographically dispersed missions. The role requires sound judgment, procedural discipline, strong situational awareness, and effective coordination with frontline employees, control center resources, and other members of the Remote Pilot Operations Center (RPOC). Successful incumbents execute standardized operating procedures consistently, adapt to changing field conditions, and deliver reliable mission outcomes that support safe and efficient operations.

Serve as the designated Remote Pilot in Command for assigned UAS operations, exercising final operational authority and accountability for flight safety, regulatory compliance, and mission execution. Plan, coordinate, and execute VLOS, BVLOS, and DIAB missions under applicable operating procedures, authorizations, waivers, and enterprise standards. Conduct pre-flight assessments that evaluate weather, airspace, terrain, site conditions, ground hazards, people and property, communications links, aircraft status, battery readiness, payload security, and overall mission risk. Perform infrastructure inspections, damage assessments, emergency response support, and situational awareness missions across electric and gas operations using standard and specialized sensor payloads as assigned. Maintain continuous awareness of the operating environment and make real-time decisions to adapt, delay, suspend, or terminate missions when conditions create unacceptable risk. Coordinate closely with field operations, system operators, visual observers, spotters, airspace stakeholders, and RPOC team members to ensure safe, efficient, and aligned mission execution. Capture, verify, and manage high-quality imagery, video, telemetry, and other mission data in accordance with program standards, documentation requirements, and chain-of-custody expectations where applicable. Complete accurate and timely mission documentation, including pre-flight and post-flight records, maintenance logs, flight activity records, incident reporting, and other required operational documentation. Conduct post-flight procedures, including system shutdown, equipment inspection, battery management, mission review, and escalation of any discrepancies, malfunctions, safety events, or maintenance needs. Inspect, maintain, and safeguard aircraft, sensors, batteries, software, field equipment, vehicles, and support materials to ensure operational readiness and compliance with maintenance and asset control requirements. Support mission coordination by aligning field logistics, communicating operational constraints, and helping ensure timely execution of routine and emergent work. Interact professionally with internal stakeholders, external partners, regulatory entities, and members of the public while supporting assigned UAS operations. Provide feedback on operational risks, process improvements, and lessons learned to support ongoing refinement of procedures, training, and mission execution practices.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing, with the ability to maintain currency and all required