Job Title: Principal, UAS
Location: Atlanta (Preferred)
Job Summary:
The Principal, UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in UAS technology, regulatory compliance, and innovation. This role is critical in advancing Southern Company's UAS capabilities, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and driving innovation in UAS applications. The Principal, UAS will collaborate with various business entities across the entire system to integrate UAS solutions into operational workflows, enhancing efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction. This role involves 50% travel nationwide.
Key Responsibilities:
UAS Expertise and Leadership:
- Serve as the SME for UAS technology, providing expert guidance on UAS operations, regulations, and best practices.
- Lead the development and implementation of UAS strategies to support company objectives.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in UAS.
Regulatory Compliance and Advancement:
- Ensure all UAS operations comply with FAA regulations and other relevant aviation standards.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive UAS policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies to represent the company in industry forums and regulatory discussions.
- Collaborate with regulators to advance UAS capabilities, such as obtaining approvals for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and explore new regulatory frameworks that support innovation.
Innovation and Technology Integration :
- Drive innovation in UAS applications, exploring new technologies and methodologies to enhance UAS capabilities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate UAS solutions into operational workflows.
- Evaluate and implement advanced technologies such as autonomous flight systems, AI-driven analytics, and real-time data processing.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the entire system, including executives, project managers, data analysts, IT specialists, and operational teams.
- Collaborate with business entities to identify UAS needs and develop tailored solutions.
- Provide training and support to teams on UAS operations and best practices.
Operational Oversight:
- Oversee UAS operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and effectiveness.
- Develop and implement UAS operational plans, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Monitor and report on UAS performance metrics and operational outcomes.
General Responsibilities:
- Support the Safety Management Program and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
- Stay informed on UAS technology advancements and industry trends.
- Complete administrative tasks, including documentation and reporting, accurately and on time.
- Perform additional duties assigned by leadership.
- Deep expertise in UAS technology and operations.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in progressive experience in UAS operations, regulatory compliance, or related roles required
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred.
- An ideal candidate will have some experience working in a regulatory environment
- Advanced degree in related field a plus
- Leadership or supervisory experience is a huge plus.
- Utility experience is a plus
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and aviation standards.
- Proven ability to drive innovation and integrate advanced technologies.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Collaborative, with strong communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and team members.
- Proficiency in data analytics, operational planning, reporting tools, and budgeting.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 12184
Job Category: Aviation
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
