UAV / DRONE INSPECTION ENGINEER

JOB DESCRIPTION – UAV / DRONE INSPECTION ENGINEER

Department: Engineering Inspection Services
Location: UAE | Employment Type: Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced UAV / Drone Inspection Engineer with an engineering background to conduct and manage drone-based inspection services for high-rise buildings, high-voltage electrical lines, solar PV plants, pipelines, and other industrial infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will combine engineering knowledge, professional UAV piloting skills, inspection experience, data analysis, and technical reporting capabilities. The candidate should be capable of managing the complete inspection workflow—from planning and data acquisition to data interpretation and preparation of professional engineering reports.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and execute UAV-based inspections for high-rise buildings, façades, high-voltage transmission and distribution lines, solar PV plants, pipelines, and other infrastructure.
• Conduct pre-inspection surveys, risk assessments, flight planning, and site coordination.
• Operate UAVs safely and efficiently in accordance with applicable UAE regulations and project requirements.
• Collect high-quality inspection data using RGB/visual, thermal, multispectral, and LiDAR sensors.
• Perform visual inspections and identify defects, damage, deterioration, corrosion, thermal anomalies, solar PV hotspots, and other asset conditions.
• Process and analyse drone inspection data, including photogrammetry, orthomosaics, 3D models, thermal imagery, multispectral outputs, and LiDAR point clouds.
• Interpret inspection findings using engineering knowledge and correlate results with drawings, asset information, and inspection requirements.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and professional technical inspection reports, including defect registers, annotated images, thermal findings, defect locations, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Present technical findings to clients and provide support in understanding inspection results and required follow-up actions.
• Maintain accurate flight logs, inspection records, equipment records, and data management systems.
• Support the development of new drone-based inspection methodologies, services, and technical solutions.
• Ensure compliance with UAV regulations, site safety requirements, company procedures, and quality standards.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 3–5+ years of relevant experience in UAV/drone-based inspection, engineering inspection, surveying, or asset condition assessment.
• Demonstrable experience in drone inspections of one or more of the following: high-rise buildings, façades, electrical infrastructure, high-voltage lines, solar PV plants, pipelines, industrial facilities, or other critical infrastructure.
• Proven ability to manage the inspection process from planning and data collection through data processing, interpretation, and final reporting.
• Strong technical report writing and data interpretation skills.
• Valid UAV/Drone Pilot Licence or certification recognised by the relevant UAE authority is preferred.

PREFERRED TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

Experience with the following will be highly advantageous:

• Thermal / Infrared Imaging – thermal anomaly detection and solar PV hotspot analysis.
• Multispectral Imaging – data acquisition, processing, and interpretation.
• LiDAR – data acquisition, point-cloud processing, 3D modelling, and dimensional analysis.
• Photogrammetry – 3D reconstruction, and asset mapping.
• GIS, CAD, 3D modelling, and drone data processing software.
• NDT, Thermography, IRATA/Rope Access, AMPP/NACE, ISO 9712, or other relevant inspection certifications.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong engineering fundamentals and inspection knowledge.
• Professional UAV piloting and mission planning skills.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex inspection data.
• Strong attention to detail and defect identification skills.
• Excellent technical report writing and communication abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and work in challenging environments.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is more than a drone pilot—an engineering professional capable of independently managing the complete inspection workflow:

Asset Understanding → Inspection Planning → UAV Operation → Data Acquisition → Data Processing → Engineering Interpretation → Defect Identification → Technical Reporting → Client Presentation

Work Location: In person