Sr. Manager of UAV Programs

Description

Title: Senior Manager of UAV Programs
Department: Operation 1
Location: Ankeny, IA
Supervisor: Director of Fleet and Equipment

FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full Time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): In-Office

SENIOR MANAGER OF UAV PROGRAMS

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The UAV Program Manager is responsible for the implementation, standardization, and execution of UAV operations in support of Self-Perform Construction. This position reports to the Director of Fleet and Equipment or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is located in Ankeny, IA, and on site at Hanwha Qcells Projects. This position is expected to travel up to 25%.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordination with Survey, Operations, Project Management, Senior Leaders, and any other necessary stakeholders to evaluate required outputs and implement a plan to gather and process that data into actionable outputs.
• Implementation and oversight of the UAV pilot training and licensing program.
• Evaluation of appropriate flight platforms, payloads, and processing software/platforms; assist in the procurement process.
• Regularly scheduled preventative maintenance of UAVs following manufacturer specific instructions as well as company procedures.
• Develop documented SOPs for the deployment and safety within the UAV program.
• Coordinate 3rd party vendor interactions.
• Perform or oversee the flight program for topographic, commissioning, construction monitoring, as-built flight missions.
• Coordinate with local AHJs for flight mission permitting and approval.
• Completion or coordination of processing of data into actionable information for publication or decision making.
• As needed, provide guidance and coaching to UAV Pilots remotely or, if necessary, by traveling to other sites.
• Tracking the status of the compliance status of the Company’s UAV program and assigned pilots.
• Ensuring that all equipment is in safe operating condition and removing from service when it is not.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures including site specific policies.
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Years of Experience- 4 Years minimum as a licensed drone operator.
• Experience with Photogrammetry and Topographic Maps.
• Ability to read job plans and schematics

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Part 107 FAA-Certified Drone Pilot.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with machine automation requirements
• Experience with Renewable Energy
• Experience with GeoSetter, Trimble, Flight Planner (DJI), TMW , Drone Deploy

EXMAPLE OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 50 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on site equipment as needed for inspection, maintenance, or repair.

EXAMPLE OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, Construction Worksite setting.
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.