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.

• 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…