Drone Pilot

Job#: 3020010

Job Description:
Drone Pilot - Maintenance, Engineering & Innovation

Location: 6610 Nuclear Rd, Two Rivers, WI 54241

Travel: ~6-7 trips per year (a few days each; expenses covered). Some travel will be by car to nearby sites (e.g., Dwayne Arnold).
Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Drone Pilot to support maintenance, engineering, and innovation initiatives across our nuclear facilities. This role blends hands-on drone operations, advanced robotics, and emerging technologies to improve inspection accuracy, reduce safety risks, and modernize critical plant operations.

While drone piloting will make up ~30% of the annual workload (and up to 100% during outages), the remainder of the year will involve inspections, project support, and participation in cutting-edge proof-of-concept (POC) technology initiatives.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys fieldwork, new technology, complex problem-solving, and being part of an innovative, safety-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Drone Operations (Piloting & Data Collection)

• Operate a wide variety of drones for maintenance, engineering, leak detection, and safety inspections.
• Capture gauge readings, imagery, and sensor data using drone-mounted tools (e.g., LiDAR, optical/thermal cameras).
• Conduct outage inspections, including flying drones into refueling sites and hard-to-access areas.
• Utilize specialized platforms such as:
  • Small quad-rotor drones
  • Large open-air drones
  • Caged drones for pipe navigation, bump-tolerant spaces, and confined areas
  • Concrete crawlers for vertical inspections
  • Pipe crawlers and robotic systems

Robotics & Advanced Inspection Tools

• Assist with current and future deployment of humanoid robots, crawler systems, and other autonomous inspection devices.
• Perform inspections and risk assessments that support critical plant safety and reliability efforts.

Technical Projects & Innovation

• Support and help run technology-forward projects outside of outages, including:
  • VR/AR applications for Nuclear
  • Bone conduction communication devices
  • Evaluation of new robotics and inspection tech
• Work closely with internal teams on POCs and early-stage tech pilots.
• Assist leadership with task assignments and coordination across project initiatives.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Document inspection findings, risk mitigations, and drone-captured data.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, safety, and outage teams.
• Help streamline data workflows, reporting processes, and technology adoption efforts.

Required Qualifications (Top 3 Must-Haves)

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (new pilots welcome; experience level can vary).

Experience operating drones in industrial, inspection, engineering, or maintenance settings.

Ability to work in industrial environments, including confined spaces and areas requiring strict safety adherence.

Nice-to-Have Skills (Preferred)

• Background in Business Analysis, App Support, Data Analysis, VR/AR, or emerging tech (innovation mindset).
• Troubleshooting or technical diagnostic experience.
• Familiarity with robotics, LiDAR, or inspection hardware.
• Experience with utilities, energy, or industrial inspection environments.

Day-in-the-Life

• 30% of the year Drone piloting, inspections, and data capture.
• Outages (~6-8 weeks per year) Drone piloting becomes 100% of the role, performing critical inspections while refueling work is underway.
• Remainder of the year
  • Supporting technology pilots
  • Running or assisting with projects
  • Testing communication tools, robotics, VR, or new safety solutions
  • Assisting Jason and engineering teams with tech development and field testing

This is a hands-on engineering-adjacent role with high tech exposure.
Why This Role Is Exciting

Cutting-Edge Technology Environment: Work with advanced drones, robotics, LiDAR, VR, humanoid robots, and next-gen inspection tools.

Impactful Safety Mission: Your work directly reduces risk in critical nuclear operations, making the facility safer and more efficient.

Career Development & Innovation: Opportunities to shape new technology programs, participate in POCs, and contribute to the future of industrial inspections.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.