Drone Pilot

What You Can Expect

ENGIE North America is seeking a dedicated and FAA-certified Drone Pilot to support the performance and inspection of our fleet of solar, wind, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), assets across the United States.

Your primary responsibilities will include conducting aerial inspections using high-resolution and infrared (IR) drone technology to assess the condition of solar arrays, wind turbines, BESS units, substations, and transmission lines. You will support preventative maintenance, identify system anomalies, and contribute to the safe and efficient operation of ENGIE's clean energy infrastructure. All work will be conducted in accordance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct drone-based inspections of solar, wind, BESS, substation, and transmission line assets using visual and infrared imaging.
• Recognize and report visible issues such as thermal anomalies, structural concerns, and signs of performance degradation based on aerial data; detailed analysis is handled by specialized teams..
• Plan and execute autonomous and manual drone flights in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and ENGIE safety protocols.
• Collaborate with engineering and Site Operation Teams to report findings and support corrective actions.
• Maintain drone hardware, software, and flight logs to ensure operational readiness and regulatory compliance
• Effectively communicate inspection results to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of inspection protocols and contribute to continuous improvement of drone operations.
• Support commissioning and verification of renewable energy systems through aerial documentation and thermal analysis
• Adhere to ENGIE's safety protocols and FAA regulations at all times

What You'll Bring

• Minimum High School Diploma/GED
• A FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in drone operations, in the renewable energy or utility sector (or equivalent military experience)
• A strong understanding of aerial inspection techniques, thermography, and renewable energy systems is essential.
• Proficiency in drone flight planning, execution, and data capture using platforms such as DJI, UgCS, Dronedesk, Pix4Dcapture, or similar
• Familiarity with renewable energy systems, including solar inverters, panels, wind turbines, and BESS infrastructure
• Understanding of FAA regulations, airspace classifications, and safety protocols for commercial drone operations
• Ability to adapt to changing site conditions and troubleshoot technical issues in the field

Additional Details

• This role is eligible for our hybrid work policy
• Must be available to travel domestically up to 85% of the time
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license/clean driving record; use of company vehicle, ability to drive to site locations
• Must be willing and able to comply with all ENGIE ethics and safety policies

Compensation

Hourly Range: $40.00 - $54.00 USD hourly

This represents the average expected pay range for a qualified candidate.

ENGIE complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. Actual salary offered may vary depending on geography, experience, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors.

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for a competitive bonus / incentive plan.

Your Talent Acquisition Partner can share more specific information regarding the benefits or the salary for the position based on the work location.

At ENGIE, we take your well-being seriously. Our comprehensive benefits package includes options for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, ESPP, generous paid time off including wellness days, holidays and leave programs. We also help you plan for retirement by offering a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match. But that's not all - we're dedicated to the health and happiness of your entire family, offering supplemental benefits for full time employees that enhance emotional and physical well-being through all stages of life from family forming to caregiver benefits. Explore our benefits package to see how we can support you. Learn more.

Why ENGIE?

ENGIE North America isn't just participating in the Zero-Carbon Transition, we're leading it! Join us as we develop energy that is renewable, efficient, and accessible to everyone.

ENGIE is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you need assistance with this application or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at ENGIENA-ENGIEHR@engie.com. This email address is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry regarding positions or application status.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role at any time.

The safety of our employees is our number one priority. All employees at ENGIE have both a duty and the authority to STOP WORK if unsafe acts are observed.