The Chief Pilot, working under the Manager of Data Capture Technologies, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Terabase Energy’s remote flight operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient drone missions across multiple projects and geographies in the United States. This role leads the day-to-day management of a distributed team of Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs) and drone contractors operating one-to-many systems for utility-scale solar project monitoring, data capture, and inspection workflows.
The Chief Pilot sets and enforces operational standards, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, authoring & maintaining compliance with existing and new regulatory requirements and waivers, maintaining safety and training programs, and developing clear documentation for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This position requires a proactive, organized, and experienced operator who can balance technical operations, regulatory compliance, and team leadership within a fast-paced renewable energy environment.
Operational Oversight
- Lead day-to-day oversight of remote pilots performing drone operations across active solar sites.
- Monitor pilot scheduling, flight assignments, and mission execution for safety and compliance.
- Serve as the operational escalation point for pilot inquiries and incident response.
- Oversee implementation of one-to-many drone operation workflows and performance monitoring.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align operational needs with client deliverables and data workflows.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure all pilots and missions comply with FAA Part 107, local airspace laws, and company policy.
- Maintain flight logs, authorization records, and internal audit readiness documentation.
- Oversee internal safety programs, including hazard identification, mitigation, and reporting.
- Conduct or delegate internal flight safety audits and implement corrective action plans.
Training & Certification
- Develop and deliver pilot training programs, including onboarding, recurrent training, and proficiency checks.
- Evaluate and certify RPICs for operational readiness.
- Maintain comprehensive pilot training and credential records.
- Standardize ongoing education on new flight technologies, payloads, and systems.
Documentation & SOP Management
- Author and maintain all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for UAS operations.
- Author and maintain applicable airspace waivers from the FAA and other relevant regulatory agencies.
- Partner with Product, Data Operations, and Engineering teams to integrate new workflows and ensure operational consistency.
- Support documentation of new aircraft integration, payload testing, and regulatory updates.
Required:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Minimum 750 hours of logged UAS flight experience.
- Minimum 50 hours of logged remote operating flight hours (e.g. DJI Dock or similar systems).
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-pilot or multi-aircraft operations.
- Strong understanding of FAA Part 107 regulations, LAANC, and COA operations.
- Proven track record of authoring operational documentation and training materials.
- Strong communication and leadership skills with cross-departmental coordination experience.
Preferred:
- Experience in renewable energy, construction, or large-scale mapping environments.
- Familiarity with BVLOS, automated drone-in-a-box, or one-to-many control systems.
- Experience with photogrammetry, RTK, and cloud-based platforms (Pix4D, FlytBase, DroneDeploy, etc.).
- Prior experience in a Chief Pilot, UAS Operations Manager, or Flight Standards role.
Compensation And Benefits
This role offers a base salary of $110,000 – $125,000 (DOE)
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each posted range, individual pay is determined (and may be greater or higher), dependent on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Generous time off and holiday policy
• Remote flexibility
• Flexible time off
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career progression
• 401k match
• Stock options
• Home office set up allowance
• And much more!
Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.
Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third-party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing-related inquiries.
