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

QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This role is performed in a combination of outdoor field environments and, at times, indoor or office settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position requires:

• Operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones) for extended periods, including use of remote controls, monitors, and data collection equipment
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and sun exposure
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and navigating uneven terrain at solar or industrial sites
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate drone controls, tablets, and related technical equipment
• Visual acuity and attention to detail to safely operate drones, monitor flight paths, and interpret aerial data
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and comply with FAA regulations and company safety protocols
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and transporting equipment up to 30 pounds
• Ability to travel to and access various job sites, as required
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with team members and document findings

QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:

• 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
• Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more
• Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Discounted Life & Disability Insurance

Workplace Type: on-site

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 Per Year

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Springfield, NJ USA

Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:

QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.