Drone Engineer

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About the Role

As a Drone Engineer at The Nuclear Company, you will lead the development and execution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) programs to support nuclear construction, inspection, and monitoring operations. This role combines expertise in drone operations, photogrammetry, and data processing to enable real-time construction progress tracking, safety inspections, and digital twin development for Nuclear OS. You'll work at the intersection of aerospace technology and nuclear construction, helping to transform how nuclear facilities are built and monitored through advanced aerial data capture and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Drone Operations & Flight Management

• Plan and execute drone flights to survey construction progress, conducting aerial imagery and photogrammetry data collection for nuclear construction sites
• Serve as remote pilot in command with direct responsibility and final authority for small, unmanned aircraft system operations
• Conduct pre-flight inspections to determine whether unmanned aircraft systems are in condition for safe operation
• Perform remote inspections of transmission lines, containment buildings, high-dose areas, and other critical nuclear infrastructure
• Inspect dangerous or hard-to-reach areas including tall scaffolding, inside tanks, and other locations where human access is limited

Data Processing & Analysis

• Process imagery and photogrammetry data to generate 3D terrain models, progress maps, and point clouds for construction analysis
• Automatically quantify construction progress including concrete volumes poured, excavation progress, and structural placement against design coordinates
• Integrate drone data with Nuclear OS ensuring imagery is stored, linked to construction tasks, and accessible to project teams on tablets and digital platforms
• Apply computer vision algorithms to detect anomalies, deviations from design, and construction issues through automated image analysis
• Support digital twin development by providing real-time aerial data to update virtual models of construction sites and nuclear facilities

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure safe drone operations near sensitive nuclear equipment and maintain compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations
• Manage physical and cyber risks associated with small UAS operations in critical infrastructure environments
• Evaluate proprietary protocol-controlled drones to ensure safe operation near sensitive equipment
• Maintain awareness of aircraft position through direct visual observation and ensure operations do not endanger life or property

Technology Integration & Innovation

• Develop drone network infrastructure for nuclear construction sites, including frequency management and network security protocols
• Support construction inspections using UAV technology to capture real-time images and automate inspection processes
• Collaborate with construction teams to provide updated site models, progress comparisons, and deviation detection

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional drone operations experience in construction, infrastructure inspection, or industrial applications
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate demonstrating understanding of regulations, operating requirements, and safe flying procedures
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Expertise in photogrammetry and 3D modeling from aerial imagery, including point cloud generation and terrain modeling
• Proficiency with drone data processing software (Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft Metashape, or similar)
• Experience with construction progress monitoring and as-built documentation using aerial data
• Strong understanding of GPS/GNSS systems and georeferencing techniques
• Knowledge of computer vision and automated image analysis techniques
• Excellent spatial awareness and ability to determine aircraft attitude, altitude, and direction of flight

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear industry or highly regulated critical infrastructure environments
• Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations experience and FAA waivers
• Experience with digital twin platforms and BIM integration
• Knowledge of AI-enabled flight technologies and autonomous navigation systems
• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry or similar data integration platforms
• Experience with LiDAR and thermal imaging sensors
• Background in robotics or autonomous systems
• Programming skills in Python or similar languages for data processing automation
• Advanced certifications in photogrammetry, surveying, or GIS

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages
• 401k with company match
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $98,000 - $118,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role. 

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.