Drone Operations Manager - Cranford, NJ at QE Solar – Springfield, New Jersey

About QE Solar

We're making clean energy more efficient! For over a decade, the team at QE Solar has brought technical expertise, curiosity, and an investigative approach to the Solar Operations & Maintenance sector, maximizing asset uptime and return on investment while prioritizing safety. QE Solar manages well over 3GWs of PV/BESS projects and hundreds of employees, providing renewable assets owners the most reliable renewable asset service from coast-to-coast. QE Solar is known for an owner’s mindset in delivering consistent quality and service to our clients with a sense of urgency because we know maintenance issues impact the bottom line.

QE Solar is seeking a Drone Operations Manager to lead and execute aerial inspection operations across utility-scale solar assets throughout the Northeast United States. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring frequent travel and active field deployment. The Drone Operations Manager will personally fly drones while also managing, training, and overseeing a team of drone operators, ensuring consistent, compliant, and high-quality inspection results that support asset performance, maintenance planning, and safety initiatives.

Location: Field-based – Northeast U.S. (heavy travel required)

Travel: ~70–80% across the Northeast region

Key Responsibilities

Flight Operations (Hands-On)

- Conduct thermal and visual drone inspections of utility-scale solar facilities

- Perform storm damage assessments and site condition evaluations

- Execute flight planning, airspace authorization, and risk assessments in compliance with FAA Part107

- Perform post-flight data validation and equipment maintenance

- Troubleshoot drone hardware, sensors, and software issues

Program & Team Management

- Lead and manage a team of internal drone operators across the Northeast

- Coordinate inspection schedules across multiple states and sites

- Develop and enforce standardized flight procedures and reporting standards

- Support onboarding, training, and qualification of drone pilots

Data, Reporting & Collaboration

- Review and validate RGB and thermal imagery

- Partner with Asset Management, Engineering, and O&M; teams to translate findings into

Actionable insights

- Support reporting related to performance degradation, warranty claims, and maintenance planning

- Maintain accurate documentation within QE Solar systems

Safety, Compliance & Improvement

- Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, site rules, and client requirements

- Collaborate with EHS teams to integrate drone operations safely

- Evaluate new drone platforms, sensors, and software tools

- Continuously improve inspection efficiency and scalability

Required Qualifications

- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

- 3+ years of professional drone operations experience

- 1+ year of experience leading or mentoring drone operators

- Experience conducting thermal inspections of utility-scale solar facilities

- Strong understanding of PV systems and solar O&M; workflows- Ability to travel extensively across

the Northeast

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in solar O&M; or renewable energy

- Experience building or scaling a drone inspection program

- Familiarity with asset management or inspection analytics platforms

- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification

Compensation

Salary Range: $70k-90k annually, based on experience, skills, and geographic location

within the Northeast. This role may be eligible for bonus, travel reimbursement, and a comprehensive

benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity / ADA Statement

QE Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. QE Solar does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. QE Solar provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans throughout the hiring process and employment.