The Nuclear Company · 2 days ago
Drone Engineer
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$98K/yr - $118K/yr
5+ years expThe Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space, creating a fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. As a Drone Engineer, you will lead the development and execution of unmanned aerial systems programs to support nuclear construction, inspection, and monitoring operations, utilizing expertise in drone operations and data processing.
Clean EnergyElectrical DistributionNuclear
Responsibilities
Plan and execute drone flights to survey construction progress, conducting aerial imagery and photogrammetry data collection for nuclear construction sites
Serve as remote pilot in command with direct responsibility and final authority for small, unmanned aircraft system operations
Conduct pre-flight inspections to determine whether unmanned aircraft systems are in condition for safe operation
Perform remote inspections of transmission lines, containment buildings, high-dose areas, and other critical nuclear infrastructure
Inspect dangerous or hard-to-reach areas including tall scaffolding, inside tanks, and other locations where human access is limited
Process imagery and photogrammetry data to generate 3D terrain models, progress maps, and point clouds for construction analysis
Automatically quantify construction progress including concrete volumes poured, excavation progress, and structural placement against design coordinates
Integrate drone data with Nuclear OS ensuring imagery is stored, linked to construction tasks, and accessible to project teams on tablets and digital platforms
Apply computer vision algorithms to detect anomalies, deviations from design, and construction issues through automated image analysis
Support digital twin development by providing real-time aerial data to update virtual models of construction sites and nuclear facilities
Ensure safe drone operations near sensitive nuclear equipment and maintain compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations
Manage physical and cyber risks associated with small UAS operations in critical infrastructure environments
Evaluate proprietary protocol-controlled drones to ensure safe operation near sensitive equipment
Maintain awareness of aircraft position through direct visual observation and ensure operations do not endanger life or property
Develop drone network infrastructure for nuclear construction sites, including frequency management and network security protocols
Support construction inspections using UAV technology to capture real-time images and automate inspection processes
Collaborate with construction teams to provide updated site models, progress comparisons, and deviation detection
Qualification
Required
5+ years of professional drone operations experience in construction, infrastructure inspection, or industrial applications
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate demonstrating understanding of regulations, operating requirements, and safe flying procedures
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Expertise in photogrammetry and 3D modeling from aerial imagery, including point cloud generation and terrain modeling
Proficiency with drone data processing software (Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft Metashape, or similar)
Experience with construction progress monitoring and as-built documentation using aerial data
Strong understanding of GPS/GNSS systems and georeferencing techniques
Knowledge of computer vision and automated image analysis techniques
Excellent spatial awareness and ability to determine aircraft attitude, altitude, and direction of flight
Preferred
Experience in nuclear industry or highly regulated critical infrastructure environments
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations experience and FAA waivers
Experience with digital twin platforms and BIM integration
Knowledge of AI-enabled flight technologies and autonomous navigation systems
Familiarity with Palantir Foundry or similar data integration platforms
Experience with LiDAR and thermal imaging sensors
Background in robotics or autonomous systems
Programming skills in Python or similar languages for data processing automation
Advanced certifications in photogrammetry, surveying, or GIS
Benefits
Competitive compensation packages
401k with company match
Medical, dental, vision plans
Generous vacation policy, plus holidays
Company
The Nuclear Company
The Nuclear Company enables the deployment of nuclear power plants at fleet-scale by integrating government and industry partners.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$46.3MKey Investors
Eclipse
2025-05-15Series A· $46.3M
Recent News
2025-12-09
2025-10-10
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